Exploring temporal and spatial evolution of global energy production and consumption

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to use a center of gravity theory to study the spatial distribution and centers of gravity for the global energy supply and consumption and to determine how they have changed over time. In 2011, Middle East was the biggest oil producer and Asia Pacific was the biggest oil consumer; Europe and Eurasia was the biggest natural gas producer and consumer; Asia Pacific was the biggest coal producer and consumer. The center of gravity for oil production is an overall movement towards the northeast. Compared with the shift of the center of gravity for crude oil production, that for oil consumption is an overall movement towards the southeast. The center of gravity for natural gas production and consumption moved towards the east. Our results also show that the center of gravity for coal production is an overall movement towards the southeast.