Figure 1: Energy of the United States [1]
If we add up the electric power consumption and nuclear energy consumption alone for the United States, it equals about 1183.713 Terrawatt-hours. Also when referring to the figure above, the United States is most always a top contender in energy consumption (in the top 10 of those countries compared).
The energy profile consumption for the World is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Energy consumption of world based on fuels and renewables [2]
In 2008, if we convert the 8000 Mtoe into terrawatt-hours, we get about 93040 terrawatt-hours. This means that the United States makes up about 1% of the energy consumption for the world using these statistics. Figure 3 below shows the world energy consumption based on different regions, where the United States is included in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development).
Figure 3: Energy Consumption of World divided into different regions [2]
Can the current energy consumption profile last?
According to the Energy Information Agency, the world-wide energy consumption will grow by 60 percent between 1997 and 2020, meaning consumption will increase from 111,000 TWh/year to 178,000 TWh/year. Energy consumption is correlated with the standard of living and population growth. The challenge is "an inevitable increase in energy consumption in the world, with the risk of a major environmental impact, and climate change, as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels[3]." All available sources of energy will be necessary for possible development, but from an environmental and economical aspect the focus should be on clean renewable sources.
Figure 4 shows a prediction of energy consumption comparing OECD and non-OECD countries.
Figure 4: Comparison of OECD and non-OECD countries [4]
As seen by Figure 4, the world energy consumption will continue to grow. Non-OECD countries have an increasing energy consumption at a faster rate than OECD countries (like the United States). Furthermore, Figure 5 below shows that the United States energy consumption projections decrease as opposed to China and India.
Figure 5: Energy consumption for US compared to China and India
By 2015, it is predicted that China and the United States will consume about the same amount of world energy. However, this chart shows no decline in overall energy consumption[4]. Thus, the world need to redirect their attention on how energy/electricity is generated because the fossil fuels will eventually run out.
The reserves/production ratio for oil was 46 years (depleted in 2055) at the end of 2009. The R/P ratio for natural gas is 63 years (depleted in 2072) and coal is 119 years (depleted in 2128). Figure 6 shows a schematic of these projections [5].
Figure 6: Depletion of fossil fuels [5]
The world then needs to look at resources such as solar or nuclear power to generate electricity. Figure 7 and 8 show the world electricity by fuel and world marketed energy use by fuel type.
Figure 7: Prediction of energy generation [4]
Figure 8: Projected energy use by fuel type [4]
It is probably safe to say that the current world energy consumption will not last if we continue to use fossils fuels as we do now now, but newer technology is constantly being developed so greener energy generation is being produced in coincidence with depletion of fossil fuels. Thus, as the world continues to generate energy using renewables or nuclear production, the world still will be able to supply electricity as needed.
[1] http://www.nationmaster.com/country/us-united-states/ene-energy
[2] http://www.iea.org/textbase/nppdf/free/2010/key_stats_2010.pdf
[3]http://www.ieahydro.org/reports/Hydrofut.pdf
[4]http://energyfuture.wikidot.com/world-energy-use
[5]http://www.science20.com/absentminded_professor/peak_uncertainty_when_will_we_run_out_fossil_fuels-70294
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