Global bioenergy 2x larger than nuclear

Sept. 16, 2011 – While fossil fuels still
dominate the global energy supply, with a combined share of 81%, renewable
energy sources have the potential to become the dominant sources of energy for
future generations. The global supply of bioenergy is already about twice as
great as that from nuclear energy.

Within the renewable energy sector,
bioenergy is the dominant source, followed by hydropower and, to a smaller
extent, wind power, geothermal energy, and solar energy. Renewable energy in
general and bioenergy in particular also have great potential for greater use.
According to a position paper from the World Bioenergy Association, the potential
for bioenergy use worldwide in 2050 is estimated to 20–30 times the current
use.

The energy supply still depends on fossil
fuels, with 33% oil, 27% coal and peat, and 21% natural gas. Nuclear energy
represents almost 6%. Renewable energy corresponds to 13% of global energy
supply and consists of 10% bioenergy, 2% hydropower, and 1% wind, solar, and
geothermal energy.

Based on International Energy Agency Key World Energy Statistics 2010.

The total world energy supply has increased
by 40% from 1990 to 2008, with a relatively constant share of fossil energy at
around 80%. The share of coal, however, has increased significantly in the last
decade.

To address the problems arising from global
warming, a large-scale reduction in the supply and use of fossil fuels is
critical. Wide varieties of renewable energy sources as well as more efficient
energy use need to be adopted globally. A large share of the coal-based
electricity generation can potentially be converted into biomass-based generation.
Combined heat and power (CHP) plants that use surplus heat from electricity generation
to heat buildings or whole cities is one way of minimizing energy losses and
thereby using the energy efficiently. Biomass-based CHP is used successfully in
many Nordic cities.

For the first time since 1982, the global
demand for energy actually decreased in 2009, especially significant within the
OECD countries. Oil demand is estimated to have decreased by 3% compared to
2008. Coal demand decreased heavily in Europe and North America, but increased
globally by about 2% mainly due to a large increase in China.

Based on International Energy Agency Energy Balances of non-OECD Countries 2010 and PB Statistical Review of World Energy 2010.

The supply and use of renewable energy
(bioenergy, hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal) is increasing and needs to
increase strongly in the near future to replace the non-renewable energy
sources used today. Since 1990, the worldwide supply of renewable energy has
increased by 42%, from around 13,000 to almost 18,500 TWh (1 TWh = 1 billion
kWh), and now represents 13% of the total worldwide supply of energy.

Asia is the dominant supplier of renewable
energy, followed by Africa and North America. The largest increase however is
seen in the European Union, where renewable energy has more than doubled since
1990. Both Africa and Latin America have increased their supply of renewable
energy by more than 50%.

Based on International Energy Agency Energy Balances of non-OECD Countries 2010 and PB Statistical Review of World Energy 2010.