World Energy Demand Jumped Above Pre-COVID Levels in 2021

Global primary energy demand jumped by 5.8 percent last year and exceeded the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by 1.3 percent, BP said in its annual Statistical Review of World Energy 2022 on Tuesday.

Primary energy grew by 31 EJ in 2021, the largest increase in history and more than reversing the sharp decline in energy consumption seen in 2020. Primary energy demand in 2021 exceeded the 2019 pre-COVID levels by 8 EJ. The increase in primary energy in 2021 was driven by emerging economies, especially China, BP said, as COVID-related mobility restrictions were eased and industries bounced back last year.

The jump in energy demand and rebounding global economic growth also led to a surge in carbon dioxide emissions last year compared to 2020. Emissions from energy rebounded strongly in 2021 back to around 2019 levels, BP said.

“But it also highlights that the pronounced dip in carbon emissions in 2020 was only temporary: carbon equivalent emissions from energy (including methane), industrial processes, and flaring increased by 5.7% last year.”

Source: “World Energy Demand Jumped Above Pre-COVID Levels In 2021”, Oil Price