See the map of oil superpowers
In the Climate & Environment 2009 report, the Rockwool Group has mapped world oil reserves country by country. The map shows that only a very small group of countries can be aptly described as oil superpowers. Based on this, decision-makers should pay much more attention to energy efficiency in order to create a higher degree of energy security.
Some 86% of the world’s energy comes from non-renewable sources – oil, gas, coal and uranium. Only a few countries, shown on the map, control the largest proportion of the world’s most important energy source - oil. Our dependence on the oil and natural gas reserves of just a few countries raises questions about energy security in an ever-changing political environment.
“Too many people take it for granted that there will be a steady flow of cheap oil, natural gas and other energy resources that modern society depends on. But the truth is that most countries are vulnerable when it comes to energy supplies – and increasingly so. One of the ways to get out of this iron grip is to reduce the need for energy. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to improve energy efficiency and buildings hold the largest potential,” Senior Consultant at The Rockwool Group Thomas Nordli says.
The dire consequences for industrialised countries if the steady flow of cheap fossil energy grinds to a halt became evident earlier this year when gas supplies to Ukraine were shut off by Russia. This forced several countries - and not only Ukraine - to stop or reduce important activities.
Oil superpowers
The Rockwool Group’s Climate & Environment 2009 report literally puts this issue on the map by showing a chart of the oil superpowers of the world. The map shows each oilproducing country in a size correlating to its oil reserves. Countries in the Middle East control 60% of the world’s remaining oil.
Saudi Arabia is the leading country with reserves of 264 billion barrels equalling 21% of the known reserves, followed by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, and Russia.
Many countries that can be described as the world’s economic drivers are heavy consumers of oil – in particular the United States and China. Most oil and gas producing countries may experience or expect a fall in production. This will make industrialised economies even more vulnerable to changes in energy supplies.
Energy efficiency is crucial
There is an urgent need to focus on energy efficiency at all levels. This is relevant for the oil and gas producing countries as well. For producing countries, in particular Russia, better energy efficiency will be a vital matter in its aspiration to create growth and prosperity.
Energy savings through more efficient buildings will save money and create more sustainable prosperity.
As the Rockwool Group Climate & Environment 2009 report concludes:
Energy efficiency is energy security.
