The Power of Design: Product Innovation in Sustainable Energy Technologies

1.2 Energy Issues: A Brief Explanation

Due to the large amount of media attention on energy issues, it is a familiar fact that world energy consumption is growing every day (Figure 1.2.1). If this trend does not change, global energy consumption will increase by 53% from 2008 to 2035 (IEO, 2011). However, large differences exist between countries; for instance, in Western countries (OECD countries), energy consumption will grow moderately by about 20%. On the other hand, in emerging economies (non-OECD countries), energy consumption will dramatically grow more than 80% over the next 25 years. A rising trend has also been observed for global household electricity consumption, which increased 3.4% per annum on average from 1990 to 2006, approximately 2% per year in Europe and 6% per year in non-OECD countries (OECD/IEA, 2009).

Figure 1.2.1 Global energy consumption in the period 1990–2035 (IEO, 2011)

Currently the most commonly used fuels are fossil fuels: oil, coal, and gas. A relatively small share of our energy need is generated by renewable energy conversions. Renewable energy accounts for approximately 13% of the total energy mix, the majority of which can be attributed to biomass conversions and only 2.7% to other energy sources (IPCC, 2011; Figure 1.2.2). This distribution has a significant impact on global greenhouse gas emissions.

Figure 1.2.2 Share of energy sources in ...