BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016
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What this document is
The ‘BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016’ is one year’s edition of a publication that, for decades, served as the definitive free reference for global energy statistics. Produced annually by BP, it gathered production, consumption, trade and reserves data for the world’s major energy sources into a single, consistent dataset.
Rather than argue a case, the Review’s job is simply to present the numbers reliably. This page describes what that dataset contains and why it is so heavily used; it does not reproduce the Review’s specific figures, which should be read from the source.
What it covers
The Review’s breadth is its defining feature. In broad terms, each edition, including 2016, covers the following.
- Oil production, consumption, trade and prices;
- Natural gas output, demand and the growth of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade;
- Coal, nuclear and hydroelectric generation;
- The rising contribution of wind, solar and other renewables;
- Overall primary energy consumption and related carbon emissions, region by region.
Because the series applies a consistent methodology over long time spans, it is especially valued for spotting trends — how demand is shifting between fuels, and how quickly renewables are gaining ground.
Why it matters
For analysts, journalists, academics and students, the Review has long been a first port of call because it is comprehensive, consistent and freely available. Many charts and claims about world energy trace back to its tables.
The 2016 edition captured a period of low oil prices and steadily growing renewables. As so many external articles once linked to the original PDF, a stable summary preserves that reference now the link has moved.
How it relates to UK energy
Global fuel prices and supply trends of the kind the Review tracks feed through to the wholesale costs that ultimately shape UK gas and electricity bills. When world gas markets tighten, British households often feel it on their tariffs.
For how those forces are regulated at home, see our guide to Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, and our guide to renewable energy for the shift away from fossil fuels.
The Review can be located through BP’s energy economics pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BP Statistical Review of World Energy?
It is an annual compilation of global energy data covering production and consumption of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydroelectricity and other renewables, along with prices, trade flows and reserves. For decades it was published by BP and became a standard free reference for the industry.
Is it still published by BP?
BP produced the Review for many years. Custodianship of the publication later passed to the Energy Institute, which now compiles it with partners, but earlier editions such as 2016 remain widely archived and cited under the BP name.
What year of data does the 2016 edition cover?
Each edition reports on the previous full calendar year, so the 2016 Review presents data primarily for 2015, with historical series for context.
Where can I find the original?
The Review is published openly. This page links to BP’s energy-economics pages, from which the series can be located.