Experts say that the first great energy revolution was coal. Later, oil would arrive, with its political ups and downs to turn the world upside down. international markets, and now they say that the future is for renewables.
The world has grown tired of coal. In addition to being one of the most polluting sources, economically it is no longer as viable as before. These are the main reasons for the reduction in its use, in 2016 the coal production has dropped so much, something never seen in the last 100 years.
According to BP Statistical Review 2017, coal production fell by 6,2% to 231 million tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe), the largest drop in history. China's production contracted 7,9% to 140 Mtoe, also a record decline. While the United States production was reduced by 19% to 85 Mtoe.
In the Spanish case, coal production has also touched almost ground. It has been left at a poor 0,7 million tonnes of oil equivalent. 43,3% less than in 2015. For comparison, 10 years ago Spain produced more than 6 Mtoe (mainly in Asturias).
In short, the global consumption of coal fell by 53 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), or 1,7%, the second consecutive annual decline. The largest decreases in coal consumption were observed in the US (-33 Mtoe, a drop of 8,8%) and China (-26 Mtoe, -1,6%). Coal consumption in the UK is collapsed more than half (up to 52,5%, or 12 Mtoe) at its lowest level, all according to the records of the BP Statistical Review.
We have already echoed the drastic consumption of coal in the UK. You can see the article HERE
With all these data, the coal share of world primary energy consumption fell to 28,1%, the lowest percentage since 2004.
Unfortunately, despite the decrease in coal consumption, the figure for CO2 emissions into the atmosphere has practically not fallen at all. The planet polluted almost the same in 2016 as a year earlier. Of course, during the 2014-16 triennium, the growth of average emissions has been the lowest in any period three years from 1981 to 1983.
Oil is the absolute master
Oil has once again become, as in recent decades, the most important source of energy in the world. Although it should be noted that it was not the same as before. Your production and consumption data have slightly increased, so they are still far from starting their fall like coal.
Regarding natural gas, world demand grew in good part to the astonishing consumption data in Europe that grew more than 7%, with Russia as beneficiary. This country, however, was the one that reduced its consumption the most during the past year.
Renewable energy
Luckily, where we have the greatest growth is in renewable energies. Thanks to advances in R&D, cost reduction and technology improvement, renewables they are the fastest growing in the world.
The increase in clean energy production has been 14% if hydroelectric power is excluded. It is the lowest percentage of increase, but in 2016 electricity has been produced more than ever from renewables.
In total, 53 million tons of oil equivalent, the same figure as the consumption of coal.
In this year, China has proclaimed itself as the king of renewables by surpassing the US in production. As we have commented on this website with numbers new wind and solar projects.
Regarding nuclear, generation in the world increased by 1,3% in 2016, or 9,3 Mtoe. China accounted for all of the net growth, with an increase of 24,5%.
Finally, hydroelectric power generation increased by 2,8% in 2016, (27,1 Mtoe). China (10,9 Mtoe) and the US (3,5 Mtoe) provided that the larger increments. Venezuela experienced the largest decrease (-3,2 Mtoe).
There are countries like Guatemala, with an energy production of almost 100%, where the most of it comes from hydroelectric, in times of less rain they use other renewable energies such as wind or solar.