Katerina Swanson
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been powering economies and global energy systems for over 150 years. In 2023, they accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production and continue to play a dominant role in global energy systems. Fossil fuel consumption is typically measured per capita as the average consumption of energy from coal, oil, and gas in kilowatt-hours per person. This measurement helps to understand where fossil fuels are being consumed and extracted, providing insights into their role in each country's energy system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuel consumption per capita | Measured as the average consumption of energy from coal, oil and gas, in kilowatt-hours per person |
| Fossil fuel production | An important metric to understand where fossil fuels are being extracted |
| Fossil fuel consumption | Has increased significantly over the past half century, around eight-fold since 1950 and roughly doubling since 1980 |
| Fossil fuel types | Coal, oil and gas |
| Fossil fuel consumption by country | Often a strong reflection of population size rather than actual fossil fuel consumption per person |
| Fossil fuel share of energy production | Fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production in 2023 |
| Natural gas consumption | In 1950, natural gas consumption was about 18% of total US primary energy consumption, and in 2023, it was about 36% |
| Oil consumption | Oil constitutes about one-third of US energy consumption |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel production metrics
One key metric is fossil fuel production by type, including coal, oil, and natural gas. Coal production is measured separately from its consumption, with coal exports subtracted and imports added to determine a country's net production. Oil production, on the other hand, often involves extracting crude oil from underground reservoirs, shale, or tar sands, which is then refined into fuel oil, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas. Oil consumption data includes the use of crude oil in transportation, industry, and the creation of non-fuel products. Natural gas production has been increasing since 2005, with the US witnessing record-high production in 2023, and it is now a valuable resource, no longer considered a mere byproduct of petroleum production.
Another important metric is the contribution of fossil fuels to primary energy production and consumption. In the US, fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of total primary energy production in 2023, with petroleum, natural gas, and coal being the major sources. Globally, fossil fuels contributed to 77% of primary energy consumption in 2023. While coal consumption is declining in many parts of the world, oil and natural gas consumption continue to grow.
Fossil fuel consumption per capita is also a critical metric. It measures the average consumption of energy from coal, oil, and natural gas in kilowatt-hours per person. This metric helps standardize consumption data by accounting for population size rather than relying solely on overall consumption numbers.
Finally, the environmental impact of fossil fuel production and consumption is a crucial metric. Fossil fuels are the largest driver of global climate change, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases when burned. CO2 emissions per capita and fossil fuel consumption per capita are important indicators for understanding the environmental consequences of fossil fuel usage.
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Fossil fuel consumption by country
Fossil fuels are measured in units of weight such as metric tons, or in energy units such as quads. Fossil fuel consumption has increased significantly over the past few decades, with global energy consumption in 2017 being dominated by oil, coal, and natural gas. However, the types of fuel used have shifted from solely coal towards a combination of oil, coal, and natural gas.
The United States is the largest consumer of oil, with over 19.1 million barrels consumed per day in 2022. The US consumed 32.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the same year, and fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production in 2023. Petroleum consumption in the US decreased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but increased again in subsequent years. Natural gas consumption in the US has also been increasing, with annual increases in hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGL) production contributing to this rise.
Russia is another major player in the oil market, producing about 11.28% of the world's oil in 2021, and consuming 3.67 million barrels daily, accounting for 4% of global consumption. Russia is also one of the largest consumers of natural gas, with 408 billion cubic meters consumed in 2022. While coal has played a significant role in Russia's economy, power usage has decreased since 1990, and the country has announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
Other countries with notable fossil fuel consumption include Japan, which ranked fifth in fossil fuel consumption by country in 2022, despite its relatively small territory. Japan consumed over 151 million metric tons of oil and imported 180.3 million tons of coal in 2022. Korea is another heavy consumer of fossil fuels, importing 960 million barrels of crude oil and around 126 million tons of coal in 2021. Oil is the primary energy source in Korea, and the country was the seventh-largest global energy consumer in 2022.
Canada is also a significant consumer of fossil fuels, with upwards of 98 million metric tons of oil consumed in 2022, along with notable coal and natural gas usage. While Canada has made efforts to meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, it still relies heavily on oil for its transportation and industrial sectors.
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Fossil fuel energy consumed globally
Fossil fuels are measured in units called "quads". Fossil fuel consumption has increased significantly over the past few decades, with global consumption rising by around eight times since 1950 and roughly doubling since 1980. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of the total US primary energy production, with petroleum, natural gas, and coal being the major sources. Natural gas consumption has also been increasing in the US, with a record high in 2023, contributing to about 36% of total primary energy consumption.
On a global scale, fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role in energy systems, with coal, oil, and gas contributing around four-fifths of primary energy consumption. In 2023, fossil fuels comprised 82% of the global energy mix, with oil and coal each accounting for a third and a quarter of the world's energy consumption, respectively. This trend is reflected in the significant economic expenditure on energy, with a global average of over USD 1,200 per person in 2022, amounting to nearly USD 10 trillion.
While fossil fuels have been key to industrialization and rising prosperity, their negative impact on health and the environment is driving a transition towards renewable and sustainable energy sources. The burning of fossil fuels is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, causing global warming, ocean acidification, and air pollution, which has been linked to millions of premature deaths annually. As a result, there is a growing movement to phase out fossil fuels and adopt cleaner alternatives, such as nuclear and renewable energy sources.
Despite these efforts, the latest data from 2023 indicates that global primary energy consumption hit an all-time high, with a 1.5% increase in the consumption of planet-warming fossil fuels compared to 2022. This rise in consumption resulted in a record-high emission of 40 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), underscoring the ongoing challenge of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating their detrimental effects on the planet.
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Fossil fuel consumption per capita
In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production. Petroleum consumption was about 38% (35 quads) of total US energy consumption. In 1978, this figure was much higher at 49% (38 quads). Natural gas consumption has also increased both in amount and share of US energy consumption. In 1950, natural gas consumption was about 18% (5.97 quads) of total US primary energy consumption, and in 2023, it was about 36% (33.61 quads).
On a global level, fossil fuel consumption has increased significantly over the past half-century, around eight-fold since 1950 and roughly doubling since 1980. However, the types of fuel relied on have shifted from solely coal towards a combination of coal with oil and gas. Today, coal consumption is falling in many parts of the world, while oil and gas are still growing quickly.
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Fossil fuel reserves
The measurement of fossil fuel reserves involves assessing the amount of coal, oil, and natural gas that is commercially extractable from known sources. These reserves are typically measured in units of weight or volume, such as tons or cubic meters, to quantify the available fuel resources. Additionally, the energy content of fossil fuel reserves is also considered, which is measured in kilowatt-hours per person for consumption-based calculations.
The identification and extraction of fossil fuel reserves have evolved over time. The process often involves extensive exploration and drilling to locate and access these reserves. In the case of oil, for example, crude oil is extracted from underground reservoirs, shale, or tar sands. This extraction process has environmental and safety risks associated with it. Once extracted, crude oil undergoes refining to create fuel oil, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas, among other products.
The distribution of fossil fuel reserves varies globally, with some countries possessing significant reserves while others lacking native sources. This disparity leads to trade and imports of fossil fuels, impacting the energy systems of individual countries. For instance, the United States has relied heavily on fossil fuels for its energy mix, with petroleum, natural gas, and coal accounting for about 84% of total primary energy production in 2023.
The consumption of fossil fuels has seen significant shifts over time. While coal was once the primary source of energy, the mix has diversified to include oil and natural gas. Despite a decline in coal consumption in many parts of the world, oil and natural gas consumption continue to grow. The production and consumption of fossil fuels have environmental implications, contributing to global climate change and local air pollution. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, such as nuclear and renewable alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuel consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours per person.
Fossil fuel consumption includes commercial solid fuels like coal, lignite, and brown coal. It also includes coal consumed in transformation processes and natural gas consumed in Gas-to-Liquids transformation.
Excluded from the measurement are coal and natural gas converted into liquid or gaseous fuels, as well as the consumption of biogasoline and biodiesel.
Fossil fuel consumption has increased significantly over the past few decades, with an eight-fold increase since 1950 and a doubling since 1980. However, the types of fossil fuels consumed have shifted from solely coal towards a combination of coal, oil, and natural gas.
The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming, ocean acidification, and climate change. Fossil fuels are also a major source of air pollution, which has been linked to millions of premature deaths each year.
