Line chart showing annual total global energy consumption and global energy consumption per capita from 1800 to 2022, measured in terawatt hours and kilowatt hours for the per capita series. Global consumption increased over the entire period, but growth started to accelerate substantially in the mid 1900s.
Sources: Our World in Data, BP Statistical Review of World Energy, and Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Annual data from January 1, 1800 to December 31, 2022. Per capita energy consumption is measured by taking the world energy consumption divided by the world population. The commodities markets are considered speculative, carry substantial risks, and have experienced periods of extreme volatility. Investing in commodities is not appropriate for all investors. The commodities markets are considered speculative, carry substantial risks, and have experienced periods of extreme volatility.
Key Takeaways
- Energy is arguably the most important commodity group to watch. The world, including other commodity groups, runs on energy.
- Not only has total global energy consumption risen over the past 200 years, but energy use per capita has grown as well.