SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

European industrial energy demand hits new low in 2023

Final energy consumption in the European industrial sector dropped by 5% in 2023, reaching a level not seen in three decades, with renewables taking a growing role in certain key segments.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

Final energy consumption in the industrial sector of the European Union stood at 8990 petajoules (PJ) in 2023, marking a decrease of 5.3% compared to 2022, when it reached 9489 PJ. This decline continues a long-term trend that began in 1990, with total consumption falling by almost one third over more than thirty years, reflecting a significant shift in the structure of industrial demand in Europe.

Share of energy sources in industry
Electricity accounts for 32.6% of European industrial energy consumption, closely followed by natural gas at 31.3%. Oil products, which historically held a major share in the industrial energy mix, now represent 11.4%. Renewables and biofuels make up 11.2%, showing steady progress. Solid fossil fuels remain at 6%, derived heat reaches 5.3%, while non-renewable waste accounts for 2.1% of the overall split.

This evolution is explained by the diversification of supply sources, with a growing share of alternative energies and a progressive reduction in reliance on traditional fossil fuels. European industrial operators are adjusting their strategies to respond to new constraints relating to cost, resource availability, and regulation.

Transformation of the energy mix in the paper sector
In the paper, pulp and printing sector, renewables and biofuels have become the leading energy source, accounting for 70.3% of total consumption in this segment, or 302.5 PJ. In the production of paper and paper products (excluding pulp), renewables and biofuels reached 33.9% of consumption (246.8 PJ) for the first time, ahead of electricity (32.6%, 236.9 PJ) and natural gas (20.3%, 147.3 PJ).

This shift in the energy mix illustrates a transformation in industrial processes, driven by increased use of biomass and organic residues as primary materials. The statistics show that the adoption of these new energy sources varies widely across different sectors, with some segments still heavily dependent on natural gas and electricity.

The overall decline in industrial energy consumption in 2023 highlights the challenges of competitiveness, energy efficiency, and supply security that currently engage European decision-makers and industrial operators.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Germany launches two new phases of the €10bn SuedLink project
Russian Arctic LNG 2 deliveries to Asia to slow this winter
Iraq and Oman in talks to build new oil pipeline to secure exports to Asia
Ørsted launches capital increase to fund Sunrise Wind and strengthen structure
Argentina targets Brazil for gas exports despite Bolivian fees
Australia sets emissions reduction target of 62 to 70% by 2035
The Australian government has announced a new climate target backed by a funding plan, while maintaining its position as a major coal exporter, raising questions about its long-term energy strategy.
India secures a 15-year contract with the Seabed Authority
New 15-year agreement for the exploration of polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean, making India the first country with two licences and the largest allocated perimeter for these deposits.
Argentina puts 44% of Nucleo Electrica SA’s capital up for sale as part of its reform
The Argentine government launches a national and international tender to sell 44% of Nucleo Electrica SA, continuing its policy of economic withdrawal through capital markets.
US greenhouse gas emissions may plateau by 2030
A report by Rhodium Group anticipates stagnation in US emissions, a result of the political shift favouring fossil fuels since Donald Trump returned to office.
New failure of the Nigerian power grid triggers widespread outages across the country
A sudden fault on the national grid cut electricity supply to several regions of Nigeria, reigniting concerns about the stability of the transmission system.
Guyana to tighten contractual framework for oil production
Re-elected president Irfaan Ali announces stricter production-sharing agreements to increase national economic returns.
Coal India launches 5 GW of solar and wind projects across the country
Coal India issues tenders to develop 5 GW of renewable capacity, split between solar and wind, as part of its long-term energy strategy.
US utilities plan 147 GW in new high-load capacity by 2035
US utilities anticipate a rapid increase in high-intensity loads, targeting 147 GW of new capacity by 2035, with a strategic shift toward deregulated markets.
France: RTE launches public debate on €100 billion for the power grid
France opens a national consultation on RTE’s plan to invest €100 billion by 2040 to modernise the high-voltage electricity transmission grid.
California speeds up permits to secure federal tax credits
Governor Gavin Newsom orders state agencies to fast-track clean energy projects to capture Inflation Reduction Act credits before deadlines expire.
German industry warns of €5.4tn energy burden by 2049
Germany’s energy transition could cost up to €5.4tn ($6.3tn) by 2049, according to the main industry organisation, raising concerns over national competitiveness.
Power cuts plunge Iranian businesses into lasting operational crisis
Facing blackouts imposed by the authorities, small businesses in Iran record mounting losses amid drought, fuel shortages and pressure on the national power grid.
T Plus to maintain electricity production at 57.6 TWh in 2025
Russian group T Plus plans to stabilise its electricity output at 57.6 TWh in 2025, despite a decline recorded in the first half of the year, according to Chief Executive Officer Pavel Snikkars.
French energy regulator corrects ten public claims on costs and production
In France, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie issues a clarification on ten statements shared over the summer, correcting several figures regarding tariffs, production and investments in the electricity sector.
Dozens of scientists denounce climate report deemed biased by US Department of Energy
A group of 85 researchers challenges the scientific validity of the climate report released by the US Department of Energy, citing partial methods and the absence of independent peer review.
Five new projects obtain CB RES status and join the Commission list
Five energy infrastructure projects have been added to the list of cross-border renewable projects, making them eligible for financial support under the CEF Energy programme.
Tanzania bets on compressed natural gas to cut oil imports
The Tanzanian government launches a national consultation to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas, mobilising public and private financing to secure energy supply and lower fuel costs.
Kuwait launches tenders for 1.8GW energy and water project
The Kuwaiti government has invited three international consortia to submit bids for the first phase of the Al Khairan project, combining power generation and desalination.
NNPC Ltd keeps Port Harcourt refinery and focuses on rehabilitation
Nigeria’s state-owned oil company abandons plans to sell the Port Harcourt refinery and confirms a maintenance programme despite high operating costs.
Political crisis in France: energy roadmap threatened by new delay
The publication of the Multiannual Energy Programme decree, awaited for two years, is compromised by internal political tensions, jeopardising strategic investments in nuclear and renewables.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.