World Energy Use — Trends in Demand

Abstract

In order to provide adequate energy supplies in the future, trends in energy demand must be evaluated and projections of future demand developed. World energy use is far from static, and an understanding of the demand changes underway in various regions of the world will assist in planning for and meeting those energy needs. This paper evaluates global energy use by both primary energy type and region over a thirty year period from 1980 through 2010. It is hoped that such an analysis will provide a useful perspective for those concerned with the economics and politics of energy. Owing to the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words (and to the large number of figures), the narrative in this paper will be kept to a minimum; the message is contained in the figures themselves.