A new global energy analysis has shown that China remains the world’s biggest consumer of electricity, with demand far ahead of every other country.
The report, published by Visual Capitalist using data from Ember, compared electricity consumption among the world’s 10 largest users in 2025. It examined both total demand and electricity usage per person.
According to the figures, China consumed 10,573 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2025. The amount represents about one-third of global electricity demand.
The United States ranked second with 4,536 TWh, while India came third with 2,083 TWh. Russia and Japan followed with 1,176 TWh and 1,030 TWh respectively.
The report stated that China now uses more electricity than the United States, India, Russia and Japan combined.
Brazil placed sixth with 762 TWh. Canada recorded 646 TWh, while South Korea consumed 625 TWh. Germany and France rounded out the top 10 with 520 TWh and 477 TWh respectively.
Analysts linked China’s sharp increase in electricity demand to rapid industrial growth, urban expansion and the continued growth of manufacturing activities.
The study also noted that electricity demand often reflects the size of a country’s economy because industries, transportation systems, digital services and households all require large amounts of power.
Although China led in total electricity use, Canada ranked first in electricity consumption per person.
The report showed that Canadians used 16.1 megawatt-hours (MWh) per capita in 2025. The United States followed with 13.1 MWh, while South Korea recorded 12.1 MWh per capita.
Japan ranked fourth with 8.4 MWh per person, narrowly ahead of Russia at 8.2 MWh. China recorded 7.5 MWh, while France and Germany posted 7.2 MWh and 6.2 MWh respectively.
Brazil consumed 3.6 MWh per person, while India had the lowest figure among the top electricity-consuming nations at 1.4 MWh per capita. The global average stood at 3.9 MWh.
The report attributed the high per capita electricity consumption in Canada and the United States to colder weather conditions, larger residential buildings and energy-intensive lifestyles.
It also pointed out that India’s position as the third-largest electricity consumer globally contrasts sharply with its low electricity use per person because of its large population.
The analysis projected that global electricity demand would continue to increase in the coming years as more countries expand electric transportation, manufacturing, heating systems and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
