Energy consumption and energy efficiency trends in the EU, 2000-2022

This report discusses the latest status of the energy consumption trends in the European Union (EU), focusing on the four main energy-consuming sectors: residential, tertiary, transport, and industry. During the last few years, there have been notable efforts by the EU to cut energy consumption and improve energy efficiency, as outlined in the energy consumption targets for 2020 and 2030. The report explores the energy consumption progress from 2000 to 2022. Trends in this period may have been affected by three significant events: the financial and economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Special focus is drawn on changes in the use of electricity and natural gas, as well as the penetration of renewable energy sources in the energy mix. The report assesses energy indicators such as energy intensity and energy consumption per capita. In addition, it identifies and analyses the key factors influencing energy consumption trends, such as economic growth, population, heating demand, household characteristics, and energy prices. Findings show that in 2022, primary and final consumption in the EU decreased compared with 2000 and compared with the previous year, but still remained far from the 2030 EU energy efficiency targets. The transport and tertiary sectors showed increases during the studied period. Finally, among the driving factors affecting energy consumption, climatic variations, economic conditions, and energy prices were significant.