Which country consumes the most energy per person?

Iceland leads at about 82,500 kWh per person, largely due to geothermal and hydropower-intensive industries.

Is energy consumption growing?

Yes, global energy consumption continues to grow, driven by economic development, though renewable energy's share is increasing.

Global Average Energy Consumption

Q: What is the global average energy consumption per person?

The global average is approximately 21,300 kWh per person per year, including all energy sources.

Last updated: January 26, 2026

21,300 kWh

kWh/year

The global average energy consumption is approximately 21,300 kWh per person per year (including all energy sources). This varies from under 2,000 kWh in low-income countries to over 80,000 kWh in Iceland and Qatar. Energy consumption is closely tied to economic development.

Historical Trend

Source: IEA

Global Average Energy Consumption by Country

Country	Value (kWh/year) ↓	Source
Iceland	82,500	IEA
United States	77,000	IEA
Germany	42,000	IEA
China	28,500	IEA
Brazil	15,500	IEA
India	7,500	IEA
Nigeria	1,800	IEA

Why This Average Exists

Per-capita energy consumption is a key indicator of economic development, quality of life, and environmental impact.

Factors That Affect Global Average Energy Consumption

Economic development level
Climate (heating/cooling needs)
Industrial activity
Energy efficiency policies
Transportation patterns
Renewable energy adoption

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology & Data Sources

The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.