ABSTRACT
Figure 1.1 summarizes world energy consumption, both history and future projections, for each of the principal fuel types from 1990 to 2040 [1]. The analysis and projections reported by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. Department of Energy, are regarded as the most reliable data source. As shown in Figure 1.1, all types of energy sources recorded steady increases for the reported period between 1990 and 2010. Based on the trend over the past 20 years, the following observations can be made:
1. All types of energy have seen steady increases. 2. Coal energy consumption recorded the steepest growth of all types for the
past 20 years. In particular, its consumption increase in the rst decade of the twenty-rst century is quite remarkable and easily outpaced all other types. This sharp increase in coal consumption may be attributable to several reasons, including (1) comparatively much lower energy costs than other conventional fossil fuels, in particular, natural gas and petroleum; (2) coal being regionally more reliable and, cost-wise, a more stable fuel source; and (3) technological advances achieved during prior decades in clean coal utilization and emission control.
