8 February 2012: The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) has released a report titled “Asia/World Energy Outlook 2011 – Growing Uncertainty over International Energy Trends and the Future of Asia,” which urges continuous research and development efforts to realize lower costs and higher efficiency for renewable energy sources, and calls for increased attention to energy conservation.

The report offers a long-term view on energy supply and demand for Asia and the world until 2035 and 2050. It analyzes two scenarios: a “Reference Scenario” based on past energy trends and policies without additional energy conservation and low-carbon measures; and an “Advanced Technologies Scenario” assuming the implementation of energy measures aimed at securing stable energy supply, reducing carbon emissions and increasing development and introduction of innovative technologies.

The report analyzes various energy sources, including renewables such as photovoltaic power, wind energy and biofuels. The report concludes that, in the long term, the share of renewables in total energy supply may be insufficient to match the share of fossil fuels due to high supply costs and unstable supply dependent on natural conditions. The report indicates that, even in the “Advanced Technologies Scenario,” it will be difficult to halve global 2005 carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. The report stresses the importance of continuous research and development efforts in order to realize lower costs and higher efficiency for renewables, as well as energy conservation measures.

IEEJ is an associate member of the Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development (GNESD), a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) facilitated knowledge network on energy, development, and environment issues. [Publication: Asia/World Energy Outlook 2011 – Growing Uncertainty over International Energy Trends and the Future of Asia]