The World in 2030

The World in 2030 189
intensive, with a step change during the 1980s and
1990s with the move from coal-fired power to gas.
Therefore, despite the near doubling of electricity
demand over the long-term, the carbon emissions
associated with electricity generation have shown a
very moderate increase of around 8 per cent (4MtC)
over the same period. 360
Natural gas trails coal as the most popular fuel for the future
(presumably for political reasons) but it is predicted to
increase slightly its current share of the global energy mix.
However, in March 2007 Gulf Times reported that natural
gas is currently the fastest growing component of the world
energy mix and its share will rise to 25 per cent by 2025, and
the US government’s Energy Information Administration
predicted:
Natural gas trails coal as the fastest growing primary
energy source in 2006. The natural gas share of total
world energy consumption increases from 24 per
cent in 2003 to 26 per cent in 2030. 361
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
With such a large increase in energy consumption predicted
between now and 2030 (by all commentators), with the
menacing problem of climate change and with the fact that
some fossil fuels are running out we have no option but to