Demand for energy is growing steadily, and is likely to reach increasingly higher levels as populations and economies expand. During the last quarter-century, world energy demand increased by over half, and a similar increase is projected between now and 2030. However, future growth builds from today’s much larger base, meaning that tomorrow’s energy requirements are unprecedented in scale. This will pressure the global supply system and require increased emphasis on energyuse efficiency in transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

http://downloadcenter.connectlive.com/events/npc071807/pdf-downloads/NPC-Hard_Truths-Ch1-Demand.pdf