World Energy Demand Seen Growing

The Energy Information Administration reported on Wednesday that the world's energy demand will grow approximately 50% between now and 2030. The regions with the largest growth are predicted to be developing nations like China, the Middle East, and Africa.

Despite the global warming issues, coal will be the fuel most used to produce electricity with most of the demand coming from the emerging countries. The report also stated though that a global mandate to control greenhouse gases could alter the fuels that are used in the future.

• Natural gas use will continue to grow as this cleaner burning and more efficient fuel is used whenever possible to replace oil.
• Nuclear power will become even more important as countries around the world build plants including an estimated 15 in the U.S.
• Wind, biofuels, and hydroelectricity will continue to grow, but the growth of these technologies will not do much to curtail the use of fossil fuels

The use of alternative energy in developed countries will continue to grow, but in the emerging nations around the world, coal and oil will still be the chief sources of power for electricity and transportation. Without a global mandate to control greenhouse gases, the production of greenhouse gases will grow 51% between now and 2030.