September 2: Largest countries by energy consumption

Global energy consumption dipped 4% in 2020 due to lockdowns and economic slowdowns.

Source: Enerdata, Worldometer

Published: July 2021, August 2021

Global energy consumption dipped 4% in 2020 due to lockdowns and economic slowdowns. This contrasted with historical average increases of 2%/year. 

Using Mtoe (megatonne of oil equivalent) as a measure, the largest consumer by far in 2020 was China, using 24% of total energy output. 

Top 10 countries by energy consumption (Mtoe) in 2020, plus population

1. China - 3,381 Mtoe (population: 1.4 billion)

2. United States - 2,046 Mtoe (population: 331 million)

3. India - 908 Mtoe (population: 1.3 billion)

4. Russia - 731 Mtoe (population: 145 million)

5. Japan - 386 Mtoe (population: 126 million)

6. Brazil - 286 Mtoe (population: 212 million)

7. South Korea - 283 Mtoe (population: 51 million)

8. Canada - 281 Mtoe (population: 37 million)

9. Germany - 275 Mtoe (population: 83 million)

10. Iran - 268 Mtoe (population: 84 million)