South Africa Energy Use per Capita
Energy use per capita EG.USE.PCAP.KG.OE
South Africa's energy use per capita was 1,780 in 2025, ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 8.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
South Africa's energy use per capita stood at 1,780 in 2025, a decline of +159 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1,780 by 2025. South Africa ranked 62nd globally.
South Africa's energy use per capita has experienced a downward trend since its peak in 2008, when the country reached 2,738.08 units per person. This was followed by a steady decline, with the indicator bottoming out in 2025 at 1,779.78 units per person, marking a significant drop of 859.30 units or 31.5% from the peak. South Africa's current per capita energy use lags behind that of its peer countries, including Azerbaijan, which ranks at 1,825.35 units per person, a mere 45.43 units above South Africa's current rate. The decline in energy use per capita in South Africa reflects the country's shift towards a more diversified economy and its growing focus on renewable energy sources. As South Africa continues to transition towards a lower-carbon economy, the country's energy use per capita is likely to continue its downward trend, driven by the increasing adoption of cleaner energy technologies and the phasing out of fossil fuels.
Data & projection
| Year | Energy Use per Capita | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1,711 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1,780 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1,780 | −159 | #62 |
| 2023 | 1,939 | +0 | #31 |
| 2022 | 1,938 | −186 | #89 |
| 2021 | 2,125 | +87 | #93 |
| 2020 | 2,037 | −194 | #93 |
| 2019 | 2,232 | +47 | #96 |
| 2018 | 2,185 | −99 | #93 |
| 2017 | 2,283 | −28 | #98 |
| 2016 | 2,312 | +55 | #97 |
| 2015 | 2,257 | −181 | #97 |
| 2014 | 2,439 | +97 | #101 |
| 2013 | 2,341 | −53 | #97 |
| 2012 | 2,394 | −142 | #97 |
| 2011 | 2,536 | +18 | #98 |
| 2010 | 2,518 | −217 | #98 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw energy use per capita improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's energy use per capita was 1,780 in 2025. Ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 8.2% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's energy use per capita peaked at 2,738 in 2008.
The lowest energy use per capita in South Africa was 1,780 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 62nd globally in energy use per capita as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.USE.PCAP.KG.OE. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's energy use per capita is projected to reach 1,780 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The energy use per capita of South Africa in 2025 was 1,780. This ranks 62nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_energy-per-capita,
title = {South Africa Energy Use per Capita},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/energy-per-capita/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}