 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Energy Report Anticipates Increase in Carbon Dioxide Emissions The report's projections are based on long-term factors, such as fuel supplies and the development of U.S. electricity markets, but also take into consideration current economic and political factors. The projections do not consider any future actions that might be taken to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. According to Copper Motor Rotor Project Manager Dr. John Cowie, switching to premium-efficiency motors for use in the home as well as in large industrial plants would greatly improve efficiency and, therefore, decrease carbon dioxide emissions. The report finds that overall energy consumption is expected to increase from 99.3 to 130.9 quadrillion Btu's over the next 18 years — an annual increase of 1.4 percent. Projected consumption in the commercial and transportation sectors is greatest. Commercial energy demand is expected to increase an average 1.7 percent annually, which coincides with an increase in office floor space of the same average annual percentage. Transportation energy demand is projected to increase an average of 1.9 percent annually. The report attributes that rise to a rapid increase in travel but a slower increase in efficiency. Energy demand in the industrial sector is projected to increase an average of 1.1 percent per year. 
In order to meet the growing demand — and to offset the projected retirement of some of the existing fossil-fuel-fired and nuclear units — electricity generation from natural gas, coal and renewable fuels is also expected to increase (Figure 1). Consequently, carbon dioxide emissions from energy use are also projected to rise at an average rate of 1.5 percent per year.
MORE >> |
|