London: For the first time since 1981,
global energy use is set to fall this year, mainly due to the
financial crisis, according to The World Energy Outlook 2009.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its
World Energy Outlook 2009 (WEO) publication that the projected
global demand was lower than in last year's report, reflecting
the impact of the economic crisis.
The WEO 2009 said fossil fuels will continue to
dominate the energy mix, accounting for more than three-
quarters of incremental demand. Non-OECD countries account for
over 90 percent of this increase.
The WEO said that containing climate change was
possible but would require a profound transformation of the
energy sector.
"WEO 2009 provides both a caution and grounds for
optimism. Caution, because a continuation of current trends in
energy use puts the world on track for a rise in temperature
of up to 6 centigrade and poses serious threats to global
energy security.
"Optimism, because there are cost-effective solutions
to avoid severe climate change while also enhancing energy
security and these are within reach as the new Outlook shows,"
said Nobuo Tanaka, Executive Director of IEA.
The IEA is an intergovernmental organisation which
acts as energy policy advisor to 28 member countries in their
effort to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for
their citizens.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 17:54