The United States continues to cement its role as the leader of global energy security, according to the recently released 2025 edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy, from the Energy Institute. The report underscores what energy analysts and policymakers have long understood: American energy, particularly natural gas, is powering the world and leading it into the future.

The results emphasize the key role the U.S. natural gas industry plays in powering the world, detailing the United States producing 25 percent of the world’s natural gas supply.

Global Energy Demand Hits Record High

As the report notes, the world consumed more energy in 2024 than ever before, with demand rising 2 percent globally. As the Energy Institute CEO Dr. Nick Wayth noted:

“For the first time since 2005, all major energy sources, renewables and fossil fuels alike, hit record consumption levels, a reflection of surging global demand.”

This growth stems from traditional industrial expansion, as well as unprecedented demand from AI systems, data centers, and digital infrastructure. Natural gas is the leading solution to meet this expansion, emerging as the fuel of choice across multiple sectors.

From Domestic Strength to Global Influence

The United States’ energy production advantage translates directly into international market dominance. Similar to last year’s report, the United States remained the world’s largest LNG exporter in 2024, shipping 115 billion cubic meters (BCM) globally:

• Over 60 percent to Europe, helping our allies reduce reliance on Russian energy,
• Nearly 40 percent supplied the Asian Pacific region, supporting fast-growing economies and regional energy security.

Within the continent, the North American pipeline network facilitated substantial trade, with Mexico receiving 70 percent of U.S. pipeline exports, while Canada accounts for the remaining 30 percent. This strong trade network underscores the importance of natural gas at both economic and geopolitical levels.

As the report notes, U.S. natural gas serves critical functions: powering economies, enabling emission reductions, and providing energy security. As global demand continues to rise, the world’s reliance on U.S. energy will only intensify, emphasizing the need for a stronger American energy industry.

Why Natural Gas Is Critical for Renewables

Despite strong growth in renewables, the report places a strong emphasis on natural gas’ role as a critical partner in building a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

As Energy In Depth has previously analyzed, a 2024 report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) showcases that natural gas will remain essential to support grid stability, especially as more intermittent wind and solar come online. Without natural gas, blackouts and reliability concerns become real risks.

As the Energy Institute notes, balancing reliability and decarbonization requires realistic planning. That means leveraging natural gas as a flexible, dispatchable and scalable source of power.

Energy Security Is Natural Security

Beyond markets and megawatts, energy is a strategic asset. The report captures a continued shift in global power dynamics, showcasing the connections between energy independence and energy security. Natural gas has shifted from being a transitional fuel to a long-term pillar of energy security, with the United States at the forefront of this change.

America’s established energy leadership position, combined with ongoing infrastructure investments and technological innovations, positions the country to capture a growing share of the expanding energy market. The strategic value of this positioning extends beyond immediate economic benefits to encompass long-term geopolitical advantages.

Bottom Line: The 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy confirms the role the United States, and the U.S. natural gas industry, in particular, plays in meeting global energy demand. In a world seeking reliable, affordable, environmentally conscious energy, the U.S. energy industry stands ready to shape a future of energy independence and security.