April 26, 2004—Strong growth in energy use in developing nations—particularly in Asia—is expected to drive world energy use up 54 percent by 2025, according to DOE’s Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA’s “International Energy Outlook 2004,” released this month, projects a 91 percent increase in energy use in developing countries between 2001 and 2025. In contrast, energy use in the industrialized countries is expected to grow about 33 percent.
EIA projects the increased energy demand to cause oil production to increase 57 percent by 2025, accompanied by a 67 percent increase in natural gas production, a 51 percent increase in coal production, and a doubling in worldwide electricity use. The report projects a 57 percent growth in renewable energy over the same time period, which means that renewable energy will continue to hold about the same share of the world’s energy market. However, the EIA noted that its projections would change if government policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are established. Under the current scenario, emissions of carbon dioxide-the primary greenhouse gasincrease 55 percent by 2025.
EIA’s projection is down slightly from last year, when the agency projected a 56 percent growth in world energy use by 2025. Last year’s report also projected a slightly lower growth in oil production, but a much larger increase in natural gas production.
For more information, contact EIA.
