Annual Energy Review 1997
The European Commission, DG XVII, has published the 1997 Annual Energy Review which gives information on energy consumption and supply throughout the world. The report provides a global overview by region, before giving more detailed information on the EU, other OECD countries, Central and Eastern European countries, and the former Soviet Union. In addition, it also includes a short-term energy outlook for the EU for the period 1997 to 2000. At global level, energy consumption increased by 1.9% in 1995, while first indications for 1996 indicate a global increase of about 3.0% in energy consumption. In terms of fuels used, the mix is gradually changing, although oil remains predominant. Oil currently accounts for about 38% of energy use, while natural gas use is growing in line with global energy use. Solid fuel use has remained stable since 1990. The biggest growth was in carbon free energy sources (nuclear and renewables), with renewable energy sources accounting for 11.3% of total needs in 1995. In terms of energy trade, the OECD region absorbs about 80% of inter-regional energy exchanges although, in 1995, total inter-regional energy exchanges represented only 16% of world energy consumption. The EU is by far the world's largest energy importer, with a steady annual growth of 2.1% since 1995. Since 1990, CO2 emissions have been increasing in all regions except the EU. Emissions have grown by 2.3% on average since 1990.