featured trends
Global Hydropower Installed Capacity and Use IncreaseThe world is consuming an increasing amount of hydropower, and there is little indication that the world's appetite for this renewable source will diminish any time soon. With added pressure on countries around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, hydropower's competitive prices and clean image is likely to make it more appealing with each coming year.
Global Natural Gas Consumption Regains MomentumWhen the financial crisis of 2008 hit, it took a toll on energy usage around the world. But after a slump in 2009, natural gas appears to be on the rebound, comprising nearly a quarter of global energy consumption. And with memories of nuclear disaster compounding an already volatile market due to political unrest in the gas-producing Middle East, the future stability of this market remains to be seen.
Global Nuclear Generation Capacity FallsGlobal installed nuclear generating capacity has declined in 2011, falling to 366.5 gigawatts (GW). Just over 5.1 GW of installed capacity has been added since the beginning of 2010, with new connections to the grid in China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and South Korea.
