BP: Global energy consumption down in 2009

The global recession along with rising prices forced a drop in energy consumption last year for the first time since 1982, according to a study released Wednesday. 

The use of energy worldwide fell by 1.1 percent while consumption by industrialized countries – members of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – dropped 5 percent, more than their decline in gross domestic product, according to BP's Statistical Review of World Energy released Wednesday.

Countries such as China increased their energy usage by 2.7 percent behind increases in manufacturing and production. 

"Energy consumption reflected the pattern of recession and recovery," BP chief economist Christof Ruehl said in a release.

BP released the review as the oil giant tries to halt the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico from the gushing underwater well that exploded and sank April 20. 

Energy consumption appears to be on the rise in 2010, and while investment in continued production is being touted by BP and others, including lawmakers representing the affected Gulf states, "events in the Gulf of Mexico, however, demonstrate that access to some energy resources will almost certainly require enhanced measures to ensure safe operations and capabilities to safeguard the environment," said BP's Iain Conn, managing director and chief executive of refining and marketing. 

Globally, consumption of oil, natural gas and nuclear power declined, while coal consumption was essentially flat, the review found. Oil reserves amounted to more than 1 trillion barrels at the end of last year and could meet 2009 production for 45.7 years. Reserves of gas would last 62.8 years and coal for 119 years, the review showed. 

Renewable forms of energy such as hydroelectric power saw increase in their use last year. Data on energy consumption suggests global carbon emissions from energy use fell for the first time since 1998, according to the report.