Wednesday, January 11, 2012

ExxonMobil's "Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040" (XOM)

From the behemoth:

Updated each year, the Outlook analyzes the trends that will shape global energy supply and demand over the coming decades.
What do we see over the next 30 years? As this year’s report details, the answer to that question varies by region, reflecting diverse economic and demographic trends as well as the evolution of technology and government policies.
Everywhere, though, we see energy being used more efficiently and energy supplies continuing to diversify as new technologies and sources emerge.
Other key findings of this year's Outlook include:
  • Global energy demand will be about 30 percent higher in 2040 compared to 2010.
  • Energy demand growth will slow as economies mature, efficiency gains accelerate and population growth moderates.
  • In the countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) we see energy use remaining essentially flat. Non OECD energy demand will grow by close to 60 percent.
  • By 2040, electricity generation will account for more than 40 percent of global energy consumption.
  • Oil will remain the most widely used fuel, but natural gas will grow fast enough to overtake coal for the number-two position.
  • For both oil and natural gas, an increasing share of global supply will come from unconventional sources, such as those from shale formations. Demand for natural gas will rise by more than 60 percent through 2040.
  • Demand for coal will peak and begin a gradual decline.
  • Gains in efficiency through energy-saving practices and technologies will temper demand growth and curb emissions.
  • Global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will grow slowly, then level off around 2030.
ExxonMobil uses The Outlook for Energy to guide our global investment decisions. Because we know that the world’s energy future will be shaped by decisions made not just by companies like ours, but also by policymakers and consumers, we share this document publicly to encourage a broader understanding of energy issues that affect us all. 

Here's their Energy & Technology page.
(lots o'links)