U.S. energy consumption is projected to grow 14 percent from 2008 to 2035, while the share of energy consumed via fossil fuels will drop from 84 percent in 2008 to 78 percent in 2035, according to an early release of “Annual Energy Outlook 2010,” a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
While total U.S. consumption of liquid fuels is projected to grow from 19 million barrel a day in 2008 to 22 million barrels a day by 2035, the growth is expected to come in the form of biofuels, and in fact that the amount of imported oil should decline, according to a press release.
Assuming no changes in policy regarding carbon dioxide emissions, the report projects that CO2 emissions will grow 0.3 percent a year. Total energy related CO2 emissions should reach 6,320 million metric tons by 2035, up 8.7 percent from 5,814 million metric tons in 2008.
On a per-capita basis, however, emissions should decline about 0.6 percent a year.
Natural gas and renewable energy plants will comprise most of the new electricity generating capacity over the coming years, with the natural gas share falling slightly as more coal plants are constructed.
The share of electricity generated from renewable sources, including hydroelectric, is projected to grow from 9 percent in 2008 to 17 percent in 2035. (See first chart below)
The commercial sector will see an annual 1 percent growth in energy use over the period, compared to 0.2 percent for the industrial sector. (see second chart below)
