China's Primary Energy Consumption Highest in the World in 2020

According to Statista, China is the world's largest consumer of primary energy, with consumption reaching 145.46 exajoules.

The majority of primary energy fuels originate from fossil fuels, such as oil and coal. However, in 2020, renewable energy was the only major energy source to experience increased consumption.

China's primary energy mix has shifted from a dominance of coal to an increase in natural gas and renewable sources. Since 2009, the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption has grown to 15.3%. Overall, global primary energy consumption has increased over the last decade, but is expected to see the greatest growth in developing countries, such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

The second largest consumer of primary energy is the United States, with consumption of 87.79 exajoules. This is followed by India with 31.98 exajoules, Russia with 28.31 exajoules, and Japan with 17.03 exajoules.

Canada and Germany follow with primary energy consumption of 13.63 exajoules and 12.11 exajoules respectively in 2020. Indonesia ranks 13th with primary energy consumption of 7.63 exajoules.

According to Statista, primary energy is energy inherent in natural resources, such as crude oil, coal, and wind, before further transformation. For example, crude oil can be refined into secondary fuels such as gasoline or diesel, while wind is harnessed for electricity, which is a secondary energy source.