Energy Information Administration (EIA) issued its Annual Energy Outlook 2011 (AEO2011) which focuses on the factors that shape the U.S. energy system over the long term. The Reference case examines energy production, consumption, technology, and market trends and the direction they may take in the future. It serves as a starting point for analysis of potential changes in energy policies. Key results highlighted in AEO2011 include strong growth in shale gas production, growing use of natural gas and renewables in electric power generation, declining reliance on imported liquid fuels, and projected slow growth in energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions even in the absence of new policies designed to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The Reference case was updated from the Reference case that was released as part of the AEO2011 Early Release Overview in December, 2010 to incorporate modeling changes and reflect new legislation or regulation. The publication also includes 57 sensitivity cases, which explore important areas of uncertainty for markets, technologies, and policies in the U.S. energy economy.