Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Energy Demand

There is no doubt that energy demand has grown astronomically in recent years - with primary energy demand increasing by more than 50% since 1980.  This growth is forecast to continue - at an annual average rate of 1.6% between 2004 and 2030.  Over 70% of this growth will come from developing countries, where populations and economies are growing considerably faster than in the OECD nations. China alone will account for some 30% of increased energy demand.

Fossil fuels will continue to provide more than 80% of the total energy demand well into the future, and - according to the International Energy Agency - coal will see the largest demand increase in absolute terms, from some 2 772 mtoe in 2004 to 4 441 mtoe in 2030. The greatest increase in the demand for coal will be in the developing countries, with 86% in developing Asia, where reserves are large and low-cost. India's coal use is expected to grow by some 3.3% per annum to 2030, more than doubling in absolute terms. OECD coal use is likely to grow modestly.