Are 'proof of work' cryptocurrencies more energy intensive than other cryptocurrencies?

When delving into the energy consumption of various cryptocurrencies, the question of whether 'proof of work' (PoW) based systems are more energy intensive than other models often arises. This is a pertinent query, considering the significant role that energy efficiency plays in the sustainability of blockchain technology. PoW, as a consensus mechanism, requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and earn rewards. This process, while securing the network, often results in significant energy usage. Comparatively, alternative consensus models, such as 'proof of stake' (PoS), aim to reduce energy consumption by requiring validators to stake their own coins as collateral rather than relying on computational power. However, the efficiency of these models is still a topic of ongoing debate and research. Given these considerations, how do PoW cryptocurrencies compare to their peers in terms of energy usage? Are they indeed more energy intensive, and if so, what are the implications for the long-term sustainability of the blockchain industry?