Robert Rapier

The Energy Institute has released the 2026 Statistical Review of World Energy, published in partnership with Ember and in collaboration with KPMG and Kearney. The Statistical Review, previously published for more than 70 years by BP, remains one of the most important annual references for global energy data.

The 2026 Statistical Review shows renewables growing fast, but fossil fuels and emissions rose again in 2025, led by North America.

Technology surged 43.5% in Q2 2026 as AI enthusiasm returned, while Energy reversed sharply and became the weakest sector of the quarter.

MIDLAND, TEXAS - JULY 7: Pumpjacks operate as a flare burns a few hundred yards from apartments Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Midland. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

The U.S. remains the world’s top oil producer and consumer, with shale-driven liquids growth widening its lead over Saudi Arabia and Russia.

The next big investment themes after AI may emerge from energy storage, robotics, biotech, space infrastructure, and digital identity.

U.S. LNG exports supplied 93% of global growth in 2025, pushing America ahead of Qatar and Australia as Gulf Coast capacity reshaped world gas trade.

The United States supplied almost all of the world's LNG export growth in 2025, cementing its position as the dominant force in the global natural gas market.

Global coal consumption reached a new record in 2025, hitting 166.0 exajoules, despite ongoing phase-out discussions. This rise was primarily driven by industrial demand, as coal-fired electricity generation actually saw a slight decline. The market exhibits a stark geographic divide: Asia, led by China and India, now accounts for over 83% of global use, while developed nations steadily reduce reliance. Notably, the U.S. experienced a significant, albeit temporary, surge in coal use, contrasting with European trends. This complex picture reveals a widening gap between regions committed to decarbonization and those where coal remains crucial for economic development.

Global nuclear power generation reached an all-time high in 2025, totaling 2,845 terawatt-hours, a 1.3% increase. This growth was exclusively driven by China, which added over 34 terawatt-hours; without it, global output would have fallen. The United States still leads in production, but China is rapidly closing the gap, having nearly tripled its output in a decade. While France and Japan saw modest gains, Europe's generation remains below past levels. Despite the record, nuclear's share of the global energy supply slightly decreased as the overall energy market grew faster. This milestone underscores China's rapid expansion, not a broad global nuclear renaissance.