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Interesting data point: Falling energy consumption

Riddle me this; which country saw back to back reduction in total energy consumption in 2008 and in 2009?  Of course the answer in Canada (BTW in 2008 GDP shrank by .089% and by 1.08% in 2009).  In 2009, Canada’s total energy consumption dropped 1.9% (2.1% in 2008).  Energy consumption was 7,650 petajoule (Petajoule = Joule x 1015).  Canada is the world 8th largest energy consumer (just ahead of the U.S.), but behind several Middle Eastern countries and surprisingly Luxembourg (Don’t know why Luxemburg, it has relatively mild climate, but its 65% higher than Belgium).

Interesting facts:

  • Oil sands now account for 70% of all oil production in Canada
  • Canada represents 20% of all oil imported into the U.S (largest)
  • 67% of all oil produced in Canada is exported to the U.S.
  • Quebec, Ontario and Alberta account for 72% of all energy demand in Canada
  • Natural Gas production declined by 4% and exports by 7%
  • Coal consumption dropped by 20% and 10% respectively in 2009 and 2008, while production was down 10% and 8% for the same periods.


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