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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Forbes or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Here are the nine consequential energy predictions for 2024:
1. Non-Tesla EV Pressure: Non-Tesla automakers will face investor pressure to scale back electric vehicle (EV) plans due to uncertain demand sustainability
2. Solar Energy Growth: Solar energy, benefiting from subsidies and tax breaks, will see more growth compared to wind
3. Increased Coal Usage: Coal usage will reach record volumes, driven by China's buildout and developing countries' reliance on coal
4. National Over Global Priorities: Countries will prioritize national energy security over international climate goals
5. US Energy Policy in Elections: US energy policy will become a central issue in the fall elections.
6. Crude Oil Demand Increase: Global demand for crude oil is projected to rise by 2-2.5 million barrels per day
7. Stable Oil Prices: Crude oil prices are not expected to exceed $90 per barrel
8. Declining US Rig Count: The U.S. domestic rig count will continue to drop due to optimized processes.
9. Stable Gasoline Prices: No significant spikes in gasoline prices are expected during the year.
🔭 The context: The energy sector in 2024 is marked by a mix of traditional and renewable sources, influenced by global climate concerns, economic factors, and changing political landscapes
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These trends have a critical impact on global warming and sustainability
• The growing use of coal presents environmental challenges, while the shift to solar energy marks progress towards cleaner solutions
• However, the persistent demand for oil highlights the complexity of transitioning from traditional energy sources, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to protect the planet
⏭️ What's next: Policymakers now face the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility
💬 One quote: "The pace of innovation and technological advancement... means that any seemingly stable state in the global energy picture is destined to be short-lived." (David Blackmon, Forbes contributor)
📈 One stat: Solar energy in the US has seen record-setting expansion over the past two years, signaling a shift towards more sustainable energy sources
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