IEA releases new edition of global historical data series for all fuels, all sectors and energy balances

Nick Johnstone Nick Johnstone, Chief Statistician Commentary —

Release of the most comprehensive series of energy data service

The IEA has just released the 2019 edition of the world’s most comprehensive series of energy databases and data services including World Energy Statistics and Balances, the full range of fuel information data services, and IEA Key World Energy Statistics.

This annual release adds verified data for 2017 along with provisional data for 2018 for many countries, fuels and sectors. The data reveal a range of emerging and continuing trends from around the world and across all sectors.

The consolidated data show that total primary energy supply (TPES) increased by 1.9% in 2017 relative to 2016, with the lion’s share of the growth coming from non-OECD countries. China alone accounted for 22% of TPES, far ahead of the United States at 16%, reflecting China’s increasingly central role in the global energy system.

Total primary energy supply for the EU and selected countries, 1971-2017

Open

Final consumption

In terms of total final consumption (TFC), the biggest source of growth by far remains non-OECD Asia, accounting for 34% of global TFC in 2017 at 3317 Mtoe, well over double what it was 20 years ago.

Total final consumption by region in selected regions, 1971-2017

Open

Balance of fuels

However, the balance of fuels in TFC varies markedly across and within regions. For example, based on preliminary data for 2018, while total global coal consumption in energy terms increased by 1.2%, total OECD consumption actually fell by 3.2% - this was more than balanced out by a significant 2.5% increase in non-OECD countries. Interestingly, China’s share remained flat, with other non-OECD countries accounting for much of the increase. For example, Indian consumption rose by 5.5%.

Shares in coal TPES, China and India compared to the rest of the world, 1971-2018

Open

Fuel mix

In terms of the fuel mix for power generation, coal remained dominant and actually increased its share in 2017 to 38% after three consecutive years of decline. Renewables cemented their place ahead of natural gas, reaching a share of 25% in 2017. Oil has continued its decline, while the share of nuclear has remained relatively constant recently after a long period of decline.

World electricity generation mix by fuel, 1971-2019

Open

Again, there is wide variation at the country level for individual sources. For example, preliminary data for the five largest OECD economies show striking differences in the growth rates of power generation from solar PV.

Solar PV generation in major OECD producing countries, 2000-2018

Open

A convergent energy system

Despite such variations, the energy system is becoming increasingly globalised. For example, LNG import prices are increasingly convergent, with import prices for the United States, the European Union, Japan and Korea all falling between approximately $6 to $9 USD per mmBtu in 2018. This compares with a difference of over $8 USD per mmBtu just four years prior.

LNG import prices in selected countries, 2010-2019

Open