World energy demand outlook

Shell's global scenarios include two very different energy futures extending to 2020. In New Frontiers, high economic growth in Asia-Pacific and elsewhere drives up consumption of oil, gas and coal in spite of energy-conserving life-style changes in the developed world. Energy prices continue at current levels for some years, then rise modestly towards a ceiling set by costs of alternatives. In Barricades, economic growth is constrained by political conflicts and uncertainties. Energy consumption is intensely regulated and taxed, energy markets stagnate and oil and gas prices remain indefinitely at current levels or lower.