This Outlook aims to identify and discuss the main issues and uncertainties affecting world energy demand and supply over the period to 2020.
Oil is used increasingly to fuel rapidly growing demands for road and air transport.
Coal remains important in power generation because of its low cost, when used near to producing areas, in both developed and developing countries. Where pipelines exist, or can be put in place, natural gas is the preferred fuel for many applications, especially for new power stations. Restructuring and facilitating the international transit of natural gas will need to be extended to allow the further use of gas worldwide. Reserves of both oil and natural gas will need to be further developed worldwide. This is especially the case in Russia and the Caspian Basin, where major opportunities will arise to supply European and Asian markets.