The Green Energy Gap

THE GREEN ENERGY GAP In 2013, the share of global primary energy consumption that came from hydroelectric power and other renewables reached record levels. However, the world still has a long way to go if renewable energy is to relace fossil fuels and nuclear power. This graphic considers the size of the "green energy gap". The consumption levels below are measured in tonnes of oil or oil equivalent, which is defined as the amount of energy released by burning one metric tonne of crude oil. One million tonnes of oil or oil equivalent produces roughly 4400 gigawatt-hours of electricity in a power station. THE 23 ECONOMIES THAT CONSUMED MORE THAN 100 MILLION TONNES OF OIL AND OIL EQUIVALENT IN 2013 (non-renewable vs. renewable) Canada UK Russia Germany Ukraine France United States Spain Italy Turkey South Japan Korea Iran Saudi Arabia China Taiwan Mexico India Thailand Indonesia Brazil 100 million tons of oil Fequivalent Non-Renewable Australia South Africa Renewable 2013 GLOBAL PRIMARY CONSUMPTION BY TYPE (in million tonnes of oil or oil equivalent) 4,185 3,826 3,020 563 856 28 143 109 Oil Coal Natural Gas Nuclear Hydroelectric Wind Solar Other Renewables CONSUMPTION LEVELS SINCE 1965 12,000 2013: 11,595 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 2013: 1,135 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Million tonnes of oil or oil equivalent Source: BP Statistical Review of * Primary energy is defined here as commercially-traded fuels, including renewables used to generate electricity. The primary energy values of nuclear, hydroelectric and other renewable power generation have been derived by calculating the equivalent amount of fossil fuel required to generate the same volume of electricity in a thermal power station, assuming a conversion efficiency of 38% (the average for OECD thermal power generation). World Energy June 2014 Design: Cameron Tulk CIC OpenCanada.org @TheCIC