Which countries consume the most energy per capita?

In 2023, global energy consumption will continue to rise, although the pace of growth has slowed in recent years. However, some countries stand out for their per capita energy consumption, which is significantly higher than the global average. Here is an overview of the countries that consume the most energy per capita:

1. Iceland
Iceland is the world's largest per capita energy consumer. This small island nation makes extensive use of its geothermal and hydroelectric resources to generate electricity and heat. The availability and efficient use of these renewable resources largely explain this high level of consumption.

2. Norway
Norway is close behind thanks to its vast hydropower resources. The country has invested heavily in hydroelectric infrastructure, providing its citizens with clean and abundant energy, thereby increasing per capita consumption.

3. Canada
Canada also has high per capita energy consumption. A number of factors contribute to this situation, including a cold climate that requires a lot of heating, long distances to cover that favour the use of vehicles, and a developed energy industry based on the country's natural resources.

4. United States
The United States remains one of the highest per capita consumers of energy in the world. This high level is explained by an energy-hungry lifestyle, the prevalence of motorised transport, and continued dependence on fossil fuels for energy production.

5. Middle East countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman
In the Middle East, countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman have very high per capita energy consumption. This is mainly due to the considerable need for air conditioning because of the extreme temperatures, as well as a highly developed oil and gas industry.

Differences in per capita energy consumption between countries often reflect variations in wealth, climate, available natural resources and energy infrastructure. In resource-rich countries such as Iceland and Norway, easy access to cheap and abundant renewable energy encourages high levels of use. Conversely, developing countries often have much lower per capita energy consumption, due to limited access to modern energy resources.

Efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions are also a factor influencing energy consumption. For example, wealthy countries such as the United States and Canada are increasingly investing in cleaner, more efficient energy technologies, although their consumption remains high.

In summary, per capita energy consumption varies considerably from country to country depending on many factors, and nations rich in renewable natural resources tend to have much higher levels of consumption than others.