electricity use by region

Electricity consumption on a per-capita basis is generally very different in OECD OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Member Countries (30) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States versus non-OECD countries. While this distinction is important on its own, its significance can be further highlighted by contrasting the level of electricity use per capita relative to population levels across OECD and non-OECD regions.

The OECD regions (shown in red), led by North America, had the highest demand per capita in 2005. In total, they accounted for about 60 percent of global electricity use despite having less than 20 percent of the world’s population.

In contrast, the non-OECD regions have much lower levels of per-capita electricity use today but their populations are huge. These markets will grow significantly – both in population size and electricity use.

By 2030, even though per-capita non-OECD consumption will still be well below OECD levels, the increases will be dramatic. Non-OECD electricity use will be about 70 percent higher on a per-capita basis, with total demand more than doubling.

Meeting this demand will require strong growth in fuel supplies for power generation. Globally, coal is the most widely used fuel for power generation today. Natural gas is also prominent, reflecting strong capacity growth in the 1980s and 1990s. Nuclear power is used in many countries and is drawing renewed interest. Renewables — such as hydro and wind — will continue to increase as well.

The particular mix of energy sources used by countries around the world is highly dependent on economics, the availability of local supplies, and public policies.