Global natural gas energy - statistics & facts

Natural gas is a combustible primary energy source that can be burned in gas power plants to generate electricity. The two most common power plant types are simple-cycle gas turbines whereby heated gas is used to propel a turbine and combined-cycle gas turbines that use hot gas and captured steam to run turbines. The global gas power generation share is 22 percent, making natural gas the second largest source for power generation behind coal.

Natural gas supply and prices

Natural gas is a versatile and widely used energy source not just for electricity generation, but also as a heating and cooking fuel and for chemical manufacturing. As such, global natural gas consumption has seen a net increase in the past two decades, partly driven by ever-growing energy demand. Supply constraints are immediately reflected in changes to the natural gas price index and in turn, affect power prices. This was the case in 2021 when low wind generation and a hike in power consumption in Europe resulted in greater demand for natural gas. This led to an energy supply shortage that greatly affected electricity prices.

Gas power production reaches peak in 2021

In 2021, global gas power generation climbed to a peak of nearly 6,100 terawatt-hours, up from some 6,017 terawatt-hours the year before. The United States has by far the highest gas power capacity of any country, and at 528 gigawatts accounts for almost one third of operational capacity worldwide. The U.S. plans to add some 33 gigawatts of gas capacity in the coming years, which puts it fourth in a list of countries with the greatest global gas power capacity in development. The most power plant additions are expected in Asia.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Apr 15, 2024

Key insights

Electricity production
29165 TWh
Natural gas production
4.08tr cubic meters
Gas power production
6,336 TWh
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Installed electricity capacity worldwide in 2021, by source (in gigawatts)

Electricity

Global installed electricity capacity 2021, by source

Installed natural gas power generation capacity worldwide in 2022, with a forecast until 2050* (in gigawatts)

Fossil Fuel Energy

Global installed natural gas generation capacity outlook 2022-2050

Natural gas share in electricity production worldwide from 2000 to 2022

Fossil Fuel Energy

Global gas power generation share 2000-2022

Recommended statistics

Overview

4

Overview

Natural gas supply

3

Natural gas supply

Power plants & capacity

5

Power plants & capacity

Electricity production

3

Electricity production

Prices

3

Prices

Outlook

3

Outlook

Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Natural gas energy in the U.S.
Natural gas energy in the U.S.
Global energy prices
Global energy prices
Natural gas industry worldwide
Natural gas industry worldwide
Natural gas industry in the U.S.
Natural gas industry in the U.S.
Energy consumption worldwide
Energy consumption worldwide
Primary energy worldwide
Primary energy worldwide
Natural gas industry in Russia
Natural gas industry in Russia
Energy industry worldwide
Energy industry worldwide
Natural gas industry in the Middle East
Natural gas industry in the Middle East
Natural gas industry in Africa
Natural gas industry in Africa

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)
Email
latam@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu