§ Lord Howell of Guildford asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What studies they have made of the increase in global primary energy consumption in 2003, as reported in the British Petroleum Statistical Review 2004; in particular the increase in (a) world oil consumption; (b) world natural gas consumption (outside the United States of America); and (c) world coal consumption. [HL3409]
§ Lord Sainsbury of Turville:The Government continuously monitor developments in world energy markets by using a number of sources to inform their assessment of changes in global energy consumption (and production), although they have not themselves commissioned any studies that look specifically at global energy demand in 2003. The rise in global primary energy consumption in 2003 was primarily a result of the global economic recovery, and, in particular, economic development in emerging economies (notably China). The Government recognise the challenges brought about by such growth. Therefore, as outlined in the 2003 Energy White Paper, "Our energy future—creating a low carbon economy", the Government are working with developing countries to encourage more effective management of energy demand, through energy efficiency improvements and the development of renewable sources of energy.