Exxon Predicts Energy Future For World At 2040

By 2040, half of all cars will be hybrids or running on alternative fuels; energy demand will be flat for the developed world but will increase 60% for developing nations, and non-conventional oil sources will handily meet the demand of 110m barrels.

1 minute read

December 13, 2011, 8:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


Notwithstanding the huge jump in marketshare by 2040, "90 percent of the world's transportation will still run on oil-based fuels", the Exxon Mobil report predicted. In fact, according to William Colton, Exxon's strategic planning chief, the hybrid vehicles will only maintain oil's dominance as a transportation fuel because "the cheapest hybrids will be those that also use gasoline."

Nonetheless, environmentalists were pleased with this aspect of Exxon-Mobil's energy prediction regarding the widespread adoption of hybrid vehicles.

Deron Lovaas, Federal Transportation Policy Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "It's evidence that what the Obama administration is doing with fuel economy is working".

The report did stir some controversy within the fossil fuel industry as it predicted that natural gas, due to the boom in hydraulic fracturing, would replace coal as the second most widespread fuel behind oil - which was contested by the coal industry.

Thursday, December 8, 2011 in AP via Bloomberg Business Week

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Empty hallway lined with white tile in subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

How Transit Architecture Impacts Real and Perceived Safety

More than a third of Americans believe major transit systems are too unsafe to ride. The built environment can change that.

55 minutes ago - WHYY

Facade of brick multistory apartment buildings in New York City with fire scapes.

New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse

The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.

1 hour ago - Governor Kathy Hochul

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.