This report has already mentioned some of the more general energy-related conclusions reached in World Energy Outlook 2008, looking forward to 2030. The following are some forecasts that relate more specifically to natural gas.

• Demand for natural gas will increase by around 50% around the world between 2006 and 2030 in the reference environment, an accumulated annual rate of increase of 1.8%.
• The electricity generation sector will account for 57% of the projected increase in worldwide demand for natural gas, consuming 45% of all natural gas sold in the world by 2030.
• International trade in natural gas will more than double during the period studied.
• Available natural gas resources around the world are more than sufficient to satisfy estimated demand in 2030.
• Demand in the Pacific Basin will continue to grow in the electricity sector in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. There will also be significant growth in India and China.