Global Energy Intensity Continues Long-Term Steady Decline

New figures from the US Energy Information Administration show that global energy intensity continued its twenty-five year decline in 2015.

According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), global energy intensity, measured as energy consumption per unit of GDP, has decreased by nearly one-third between 1990 and 2015.

Further, energy intensity has decreased in nearly every region on the planet, with reductions seen in both OECD nations and emerging economies. However, the 25 year percentage change is more pronounced in non-OECD countries as compared to OECD countries.

The primary difference between OECD and non-OECD countries is the level of existing industrialization. Non-OECD countries are in the process of industrializing, and are therefore relying on more energy-intensive manufacturing techniques and other forms of energy use, whereas in the industrialized world, countries have transitioned to a more services-based economy that is less energy intensive.

Unsurprisingly, as an extension of these necessities, energy efficiency policies are different between OECD and non-OECD countries.

Increases in energy productivity are fascinatingly representative of economic growth and development over the past couple of decades. China experienced the largest increase in energy productivity, unsurprisingly, growing 133% between 1990 and 2015.