Conclusions

 

• World energy needs will increase
• Energy intensities will improve significantly
• Resource availability will not be a major global constraint
• Quality of energy services and forms will increasingly shape future energy systems
• Energy end-use patterns will converge, even as energy supply structures diverge
• Technological change will be critical for future energy systems
• Rates of change in global energy systems will remain slow
• Interconnectivity will enhance cooperation, systems flexibility, and resilience
• Capital requirements will present major challenges for all energy strategies
• Regional differences will persist in global energy systems
• Local environmental impacts will take precedence over global change
• Decarbonization will improve the environment at local, regional, and global levels