GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Fossil Fuel Industry Statistics

Fossil fuel industry statistics encompass data related to production, consumption, employment, investment, and environmental impact of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

Highlights: Fossil Fuel Industry Statistics

  • Fossil fuel subsidies reached $5.2 trillion in 2017, which equates to 6.5% of global GDP.
  • In 2030, global oil demand will reach 103.5 million barrels per day.
  • As of 2021, fossil fuels constitute 79.4% of global total energy consumption.
  • UK’s fossil fuel demand fell by 20% in 2020.
  • Coal mining employment in the US has declined by nearly 50% since 2011.
  • Fossil fuel power plants are responsible for 30% of all global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • In 2020, China consumed 4.27 billion metric tons of coal.
  • Coal still generates about 27% of the world's electricity.
  • According to BP, world proved oil reserves were 1,729.7 billion barrels at the end of 2018.
  • The US remains the top producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons, reaching a record high in 2018.
  • In 2019, fossil fuels made up 80.2% of the total energy used globally.
  • In 2018, fossil fuels accounted for 84% of the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions.
  • By 2030, over 50% of passenger vehicles are expected to be electric, significantly reducing fossil fuel usage.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions from energy production rose slightly to over 33 gigatonnes in 2019.
  • ExxonMobil, one of the largest oil companies worldwide, had a total revenue of about 265 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • Currently, 26% of Germany's electricity comes from coal, making it the largest coal consumer in Europe.
  • Global natural gas production reached approximately 4 trillion cubic meters in 2019.

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The Latest Fossil Fuel Industry Statistics Explained

Fossil fuel subsidies reached $5.2 trillion in 2017, which equates to 6.5% of global GDP.

The statistic refers to the substantial amount of financial support provided by governments worldwide to the fossil fuel industry in the year 2017. The reported figure of $5.2 trillion signifies the total subsidies allocated to fossil fuel production and consumption activities, highlighting the significant financial backing this sector receives. Furthermore, when this amount is compared to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which stands at 6.5%, it demonstrates the considerable proportion of economic resources channeled towards sustaining fossil fuel operations. This statistic underscores the substantial economic dependence on fossil fuels and the policy implications related to addressing climate change and transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.

In 2030, global oil demand will reach 103.5 million barrels per day.

The statistic indicates a projected global oil demand of 103.5 million barrels per day by the year 2030. This estimate reflects an increase in the demand for oil over time, likely driven by factors such as population growth, economic development, and industrial expansion around the world. Such a high level of demand suggests the continued importance of oil as a primary energy source in various sectors including transportation, manufacturing, and energy production. This projection could have significant implications for the global energy market, influencing prices, production levels, and environmental considerations. Policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders may need to closely monitor and adapt to these anticipated changes in oil demand to ensure sustainable and efficient energy usage in the future.

As of 2021, fossil fuels constitute 79.4% of global total energy consumption.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas, comprise 79.4% of the total energy consumed worldwide. This suggests that a significant majority of the energy consumed globally is derived from non-renewable sources that contribute to environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Additionally, reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges in terms of sustainability and energy security, as these resources are finite and subject to geopolitical influences. The statistic underscores the ongoing importance of transitioning towards cleaner and more renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental impact and ensure energy sustainability in the long term.

UK’s fossil fuel demand fell by 20% in 2020.

The statistic ‘UK’s fossil fuel demand fell by 20% in 2020’ indicates that there was a significant reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels in the United Kingdom during the year 2020 compared to the previous year. This reduction can be attributed to various factors such as changes in energy consumption patterns, increased focus on renewable energy sources, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which led to decreased industrial activities and transportation. A 20% drop in fossil fuel demand signals a notable shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, reflecting efforts towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change in the UK.

Coal mining employment in the US has declined by nearly 50% since 2011.

The statistic “Coal mining employment in the US has declined by nearly 50% since 2011” indicates a significant and pronounced decrease in the number of individuals employed in the coal mining industry over the past decade. This decline suggests a substantial shift in the coal mining workforce and may be attributed to various factors, including automation, increased use of natural gas and renewable energy sources, environmental regulations impacting the coal industry, and economic factors affecting the demand for coal. The statistic highlights the evolving landscape of the energy sector in the US, with implications for workers in the coal mining industry and broader economic trends in the country.

Fossil fuel power plants are responsible for 30% of all global greenhouse gas emissions.

The statistic states that fossil fuel power plants contribute to 30% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. This means that nearly one-third of the total greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere worldwide come from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas in power plants. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are major contributors to climate change as they trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and related environmental impacts. The significant proportion of emissions originating from fossil fuel power plants underscores the urgent need to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

In 2020, China consumed 4.27 billion metric tons of coal.

The statistic reveals that in the year 2020, China consumed a significant amount of coal, totaling 4.27 billion metric tons. This high level of coal consumption indicates a heavy reliance on coal as a primary energy source within the country. Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel that is commonly used for generating electricity and industrial purposes. The substantial consumption of coal by China suggests a strong demand for energy to support its economic activities and growing population. Additionally, it raises concerns about the environmental impact, as coal combustion is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the importance of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources in the future.

Coal still generates about 27% of the world’s electricity.

The statistic that coal still generates about 27% of the world’s electricity indicates the significant role that coal plays in global electricity production despite increasing use of alternative energy sources. Coal has traditionally been a major contributor to electricity generation due to its abundance and relatively low cost compared to renewable energy sources. However, concerns over environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, have led to a shift towards cleaner energy sources in many countries. While the percentage of coal in the global energy mix may be declining, it remains a substantial player in meeting the world’s electricity demand.

According to BP, world proved oil reserves were 1,729.7 billion barrels at the end of 2018.

The statistic “According to BP, world proved oil reserves were 1,729.7 billion barrels at the end of 2018” indicates the estimated amount of oil that can be technically and economically recovered from known reservoirs based on current technology and economic conditions. These reserves are considered to be certain to exist and are typically a key factor in assessing a country’s energy security and potential future oil production. The figure of 1,729.7 billion barrels represents the total aggregate amount of oil reserves across the world as reported by BP, a major energy company known for its annual statistical analyses of global energy trends. It serves as a crucial metric for understanding the availability and sustainability of oil resources on a global scale.

The US remains the top producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons, reaching a record high in 2018.

The statistic indicates that the United States maintained its position as the leading producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons in the global market, achieving a new milestone in 2018 with record-high production levels. This suggests that the US has seen significant growth and dominance in the industry, outpacing its competitors in terms of the extraction and production of these crucial fuels. The record-breaking output is likely a result of advancements in technology, increased investment in the energy sector, and favorable market conditions. This statistic underscores the US’s substantial influence on global energy markets and its pivotal role in meeting both domestic and international demands for petroleum and natural gas resources.

In 2019, fossil fuels made up 80.2% of the total energy used globally.

The statistic, “In 2019, fossil fuels made up 80.2% of the total energy used globally,” indicates that the vast majority of energy consumption worldwide was derived from sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This high percentage suggests a heavy reliance on non-renewable resources that contribute to environmental concerns such as air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of transitioning towards more sustainable and cleaner energy sources to mitigate the negative impacts associated with fossil fuel consumption. This statistic underscores the need for increased efforts towards renewable energy development and adoption to address both environmental and energy security concerns on a global scale.

In 2018, fossil fuels accounted for 84% of the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions.

The statistic “In 2018, fossil fuels accounted for 84% of the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions” indicates that a significant majority of carbon dioxide emissions from energy production globally are attributed to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This suggests that the use of fossil fuels is a major contributor to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to climate change and its associated impacts. The high percentage underscores the urgent need to transition towards cleaner, renewable energy sources to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce emissions of CO2 and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

By 2030, over 50% of passenger vehicles are expected to be electric, significantly reducing fossil fuel usage.

The statistic quoted suggests that by the year 2030, a majority of passenger vehicles globally are projected to be powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels. This transition to electric vehicles is anticipated to have a significant impact on reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources like oil and gas, thereby contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and environmental degradation. The shift towards electric vehicles is aligned with efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability in the transportation sector. This statistic highlights a growing trend towards cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation, reflecting a shift towards a more environmentally-conscious future.

Greenhouse gas emissions from energy production rose slightly to over 33 gigatonnes in 2019.

The statistic states that in 2019, greenhouse gas emissions resulting from energy production increased slightly to a total of more than 33 gigatonnes. This implies that the activities related to the production of energy, such as burning fossil fuels, contributed significantly to the overall emissions of greenhouse gases that are known to contribute to global warming and climate change. The rise in emissions suggests that efforts to mitigate these effects may not be sufficient or that energy production methods need to be significantly altered to reduce their impact on the environment. This statistic underscores the importance of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to address the challenges posed by climate change.

ExxonMobil, one of the largest oil companies worldwide, had a total revenue of about 265 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

The statistic states that ExxonMobil, a prominent global oil company, generated a total revenue of approximately 265 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. This figure highlights the substantial financial scale of ExxonMobil’s operations, underlining its status as one of the largest oil companies in the world. The revenue figure serves as a key indicator of the company’s economic performance, illustrating its ability to generate substantial income through its business activities within the oil industry. This statistic is crucial for stakeholders, investors, and industry analysts in evaluating ExxonMobil’s financial health and market position.

Currently, 26% of Germany’s electricity comes from coal, making it the largest coal consumer in Europe.

The statistic indicates that coal is a significant source of electricity generation in Germany, with 26% of the country’s electricity being produced from coal. This makes Germany the largest coal consumer in Europe, highlighting the importance of coal in the country’s energy mix. The reliance on coal for electricity generation can have implications for greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, as coal is a fossil fuel known for its high carbon content and contribution to global warming. It also suggests that Germany may face challenges in transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy in line with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Global natural gas production reached approximately 4 trillion cubic meters in 2019.

The statistic stating that global natural gas production reached approximately 4 trillion cubic meters in 2019 provides a quantitative measure of the total volume of natural gas extracted worldwide during that year. This figure reflects the significant role that natural gas plays in the global energy landscape, serving as a key source of power generation, heating, and industrial applications. The increase in natural gas production signifies the growing demand for this cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, driven by factors such as economic growth, energy security considerations, and environmental concerns. It also highlights the importance of natural gas as a transitional energy source in the transition towards more sustainable and renewable energy alternatives.

References

0. – https://www.www.eia.gov

1. – https://www.www.theguardian.com

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.bp.com

4. – https://www.www.cleanenergywire.org

5. – https://www.knoema.com

6. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

7. – https://www.www.c2es.org

8. – https://www.www.imf.org

9. – https://www.www.iea.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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