The 2011 edition of the World Energy Outlook

 brings together the latest data about energy and climate trends, as well as  the most recent policy developments, to provide robust analysis and insight into global energy markets, today and for the next 25 years. In consideration of three global scenarios and multiple case studies, the analysis gives the latest energy demand and supply projections broken down by country, fuel, and sector.

The report especially focuses on topics such as Russia’s energy prospects and their implications for global markets and  the increasing role of coal in driving economic growth in an emissions-constrained world. A scenario considered in the report illustrates how a world strongly dependant from coal could make the international goal of limiting the long-term increase in the global mean temperature to 2°C above pre-industrial levels more challenging and expensive to meet.

Among the extensive information  provided, the World Energy Outlook also illustrates the link between fossil fuels and climate change. It highlights that only 8% of the of  fossil fuel subsidies consumption in  2010 reached 20% of the population (the poorest).

Dramatic events at Fukushima have raised questions about the future role of nuclear power.  The report examines the possible implications of a substantial shift away from nuclear power in a “Low Nuclear Case”, and investigates what this would mean for the global energy landscape.