Not enough is being done to save energy and measures to improve the situation have slowed, according to a new study from the World Energy Council.
The report World Energy Perspectives: Energy Efficiency Policies, which is due for publication in October, analyses the policies of 85 countries, representing more than 95 per cent of global consumption, and reviews energy use trends.
"Over recent years there has been a general slowdown in energy efficiency improvements, said World Energy Council secretary general, Dr Christoph Frei. "The main concern is that absolute energy demand is still growing, driven by rapid non-OECD economic growth."
On a more positive note the document states that significant energy savings have been generated over the past 20 years, thanks to energy efficiency measures. Since 1990, for example, it states energy productivity improvements have helped avoid 9.6 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions.
Dr Fran?ois Moisan, chairman of the report and executive director of strategy at the French environment agency ADEME, which co-published the study, said: "In 2011 these savings were equivalent to one-third of the global primary energy consumption.
"This is thanks to the energy efficiency policies and measures implemented in OECD countries, and which have spread to many others."
Dr Frei added: "While the progress highlighted in this report is encouraging, it is clearly not enough. We will need to develop new policies and strategies to meet the challenge of securing tomorrow's energy today."
