Abstract: Based on the theory of exergy, combined with input-output based inventory calculation model, the cumulative exergy demand (CExD) of energy production in China was calculated. The CExD of different energy carriers was compared and the proportion of exergy consumed in high tier of production layers in CExD was analyzed. The results show that for 1 MJ of different energy, electricity has the largest CExD with 3.4 MJ, followed by other secondary energy with 1.55- 1.63 MJ, and the CExD of primary fossil energy is the least with 1.18- 1.23 MJ. The results also show that input-output based inventory calculation model is more appropriate for the analysis of energy system than process based model.