China and the United States are the most favorable markets
for renewable energy today, according to an analysis by
Ernst & Young, but the long-term outlook in both
countries remains unsure. The analysis blames the financial
crisis for
continued uncertainty in global renewable energy markets.
55 of the world's 65 largest oil producing countries are past their production peaks and in decline.
In 2007, the average monthly residential electricity consumption was 936 kWh. (Source: EIA)
Appliances account for roughly 65% of electricity consumption in the average American household (2001), with refrigerators and lighting making up the largest categories. (Source: EIA)
In 2007, renewable sources of energy accounted for about 7% of total U.S. energy consumption and 9.4% of electricity generation. (Source: EIA)
Public policies such as appliance and vehicle efficiency standards and building codes are responsible for at least 20% of the improvement in the US's energy intensity--energy use per unit of GDP. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)
