Economy

BP: Global energy consumption down in 2009

by Vicki Needham - 06/09/10 4:57 PM ET

Globally, consumption of oil, natural gas and nuclear power declined, while coal consumption was essentially flat, the review found. Oil reserves amounted to more than 1 trillion barrels at the end of last year and could meet 2009 production for 45.7 years. Reserves of gas would last 62.8 years and coal for 119 years, the review showed.

Renewable forms of energy such as hydroelectric power saw increase in their use last year. Data on energy consumption suggests global carbon emissions from energy use fell for the first time since 1998, according to the report.

Tags