Vehicle standards around the world aim to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions

Nine countries and regions, which together account for 75% of global fuel consumption by light-duty vehicles, have adopted mandatory or voluntary standards for increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The intent and structure of these emissions policies vary widely around the world. Because fuel economy and GHG emissions policies have large effects on fuel consumption, vehicle standards are one of the most important components of future demand for liquid fuels. More »

Beyond China, other Southeast Asian countries plan for significant hydroelectric additions

China's substantial development of hydroelectric power, including the largest power plant in the world at Three Gorges Dam, has overshadowed the relatively large hydroelectric expansion plans of other Southeast Asia countries. Combined, the smaller countries of Southeast Asia plan to construct 61 gigawatts (GW) of new hydroelectric generating capacity through 2020. If all planned projects are completed, these countries will nearly double their 2012 hydroelectric capacity of 39 GW. More »

Increased recycling may reduce metals sector energy use in China

China produces more steel and aluminum than any other country. Secondary production, or producing metal from recycled scrap metal, is the primary opporunity to reduce the country's energy intensity for both of these industries, because secondary production uses significantly less energy than primary production using raw material inputs. More »

India likely to experience continued growth in electricity use for air conditioning

Energy demand for space cooling is growing rapidly in India and around the world, driven by rising incomes and a natural preference for certain ambient air temperatures. More »

Chinese policies aim to increase energy efficiency in buildings

From 1998 to 2012, the energy consumption of buildings in China grew by about 7.7% per year, much faster than China's average annual population increase, which was less than 1% per year. This consumption growth was driven by growing incomes and modernization that significantly increase the use of electricity and other forms of energy. More »

United Arab Emirates plans to increase crude oil and natural gas production

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the world's sixth-largest oil producer in 2014, and the second-largest producer of petroleum and other liquids in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), behind only Saudi Arabia. Because the prospects for further oil discoveries in the UAE are low, the UAE is relying on the application of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques in mature oil fields to increase production. More »