Energy Intensity
Energy consumption per unit of GDP, measuring energy efficiency of the economy.
Quick Reference
Unit
MJ per $ GDP (2017 PPP)
Category
Energy
Metric Code
energy_intensity
How It's Calculated
Total primary energy consumption (in megajoules) divided by GDP at purchasing power parity (2017 constant international dollars). Lower values indicate more energy-efficient economies that produce more economic output per unit of energy consumed. Based on IEA energy balances and World Bank national accounts data.
Why It Matters
Energy intensity measures how efficiently a country converts energy into economic output. Declining intensity indicates improving energy efficiency through better technology, structural economic shifts (services vs manufacturing), and energy conservation policies. It is SDG 7.3 - double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. High intensity suggests energy waste, outdated technology, or energy-intensive industries.
Understanding the Values
Very Low: < 3 MJ/$ (highly efficient - service-based economies like Switzerland, UK) Low: 3-5 MJ/$ (efficient - most developed economies) Moderate: 5-8 MJ/$ (average - global median) High: 8-12 MJ/$ (inefficient - heavy industry, cold climates) Very High: > 12 MJ/$ (very inefficient - resource extraction economies, extreme climates) SDG Target 7.3: Double rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030 Global average: ~5 MJ/$ GDP (declining ~1.5% annually) Note: Climate (heating/cooling needs), geography (transportation distances), and economic structure (manufacturing vs services) heavily influence intensity. Comparing similar countries more meaningful than global comparisons.
Related Metrics
GDP per Capita
Gross Domestic Product divided by population, measuring average economic output per person.
CO₂ Emissions
Total carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes.
Renewable Energy Consumption
Renewable energy consumption as percentage of total final energy consumption.
Data Quality & Coverage
Coverage: ~180 countries Update frequency: Annual Source: World Bank / IEA World Energy Balances Limitations: PPP adjustments for GDP complicate cross-country comparisons. Does not account for embedded energy in imports/exports (countries importing manufactured goods appear more efficient). Weather variations year-to-year can distort trends. Structural economic changes (deindustrialization) can reduce intensity without actual efficiency gains.