Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit
E2: Environmental statistics and accounts; sustainable development
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication
1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication
1.5. Contact mail address
e-mail contact: ESTAT-SDG-MONITORING@ec.europa.eu
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication
1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication
1.8. Contact fax number
Restricted from publication
2.1. Metadata last certified
21 March 2023
2.2. Metadata last posted
7 February 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
7 February 2025
The indicator is part of the EU Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator set. It is used to monitor progress towards SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, which is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under the 'Supporting people, strengthening our societies and our social model'.
SDG 7 calls for ensuring universal access to modern energy services, improving energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy. To accelerate the transition to an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy system, countries need to facilitate access to clean energy research, promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
The EU is implementing an interconnected set of measures "Fit for 55" to reach the new climate targets for 2030 and has followed a new strategic plan REPowerEU to reduce the EU dependency on energy imports. The European Green Deal includes energy efficiency as a key measure for reducing cross-sectoral GHG emissions. Energy efficiency and Renewable energy Directives set ambitious EU targets to be reached by 2030.
4.1. Data description
The indicator measures the total energy needs of a country excluding all non-energy use of energy carriers (e.g. natural gas used not for combustion but for producing chemicals).
"Primary Energy Consumption" covers the energy consumption by end users such as industry, transport, households, services and agriculture, plus energy consumption of the energy sector itself for production and transformation of energies, losses occurring during the transformation of energies (e.g. the efficiency of electricity production from combustible fuels) and the transmission and distribution losses of energy.
4.2. Unit of measure
Million tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE), index 2005 = 100 and TOE per capita.
4.3. Reference Period
Calendar year.
4.4. Accuracy - overall
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
4.5. Source data
4.5.1. Source data - Organisation
ESS.
4.5.2. Source data - Comment
Data source: European Statistical System (ESS).
Data provider: Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, based on Energy saving - annual data.
5.1. Frequency of dissemination
5.1.1. Frequency of dissemination - Grade
Every year
5.1.2. Frequency of dissemination - Comment
Indicator is updated annually. Complete and updated ESS data release information can be accessed via Eurostat release calendar.
5.2. Timeliness
5.2.1. Timeliness - Grade
T+2 years
5.2.2. Timeliness - Comment
New data points are disseminated within two years after the reference year.
6.1. Reference area
6.1.1. Reference Area - Grade
All EU MS
6.1.2. Reference Area - Comment
Data are presented for all EU Member States plus Iceland, Norway, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Türkiye and Kosovo(*).
(*) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
6.2. Comparability - geographical
6.2.1. Comparability - geographical - Grade
All EU MS
6.2.2. Comparability - geographical - Comment
Data are comparable between all EU Member States respectively other presented countries due to the use of joint questionnaires (harmonised methodology for all EU and OECD countries).
6.3. Coverage - Time
6.3.1. Time Coverage - Grade
> 10 years
6.3.2. Time Coverage - Comment
Presented time series (including EU aggregates) starts in year 2000.
6.4. Comparability - over time
6.4.1. Comparability - over time - Grade
> 4 data points
6.4.2. Comparability - over time - Comment
Length of comparable time series without methodological break is longer than 4 data points.
7.1. Dissemination format - Publications
Analysis of indicator is presented in Eurostat's annual monitoring report on Sustainable development in the EU (progress towards SDGs in the EU context).
The indicator measures the total energy needs of a country excluding all non-energy use of energy carriers (e.g. natural gas used not for combustion but for producing chemicals).
"Primary Energy Consumption" covers the energy consumption by end users such as industry, transport, households, services and agriculture, plus energy consumption of the energy sector itself for production and transformation of energies, losses occurring during the transformation of energies (e.g. the efficiency of electricity production from combustible fuels) and the transmission and distribution losses of energy.
7 February 2025
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Calendar year.
The indicator is produced according to the high-level quality standards of European Statistics. Details on accuracy can be found in the metadata of the source datasets (see link to related metadata).
Million tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE), index 2005 = 100 and TOE per capita.
