Slide 22 of 30
- Energy consumption per dollar of GDP has declined at an average annual rate of 1.7 percent during the past 25 years.
- In 1972, the energy consumed per dollar of GDP was 20.1 million Btu. From that high point a steady decline began and lasted through 1986. After 1986 the decline in energy consumption per dollar of GDP slowed significantly.
- The steady decline through 1986 is a reflection of the emphasis placed on conserving energy, and of increasing energy efficiency in virtually all areas of energy consumption. Although oil prices began dropping in the early 1980's, the efficiency gains were by and large here to stay.
Source: Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Review 1997, DOE/EIA-0384(97). (Washington, DC, July 1998), Tables 1.3 and 1.5.
Note 1: The total energy consumed shown in table 1.3 was increased by 3 quadrillion Btu for renewable energy not previously included for the years 1972 - 1989.
Note 2: Energy consumption per dollar of GDP is a measure of energy intensity. Energy Intensity is the ratio of the amount of energy consumed to an indicator of the amount of goods produced or services provided.
