OPEC Forecasts 23% Surge in Energy Demand by 2045

Snapshot from the G20 energy ministers meeting in India (G20's Twitter page)
Snapshot from the G20 energy ministers meeting in India (G20's Twitter page)
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OPEC Forecasts 23% Surge in Energy Demand by 2045

Snapshot from the G20 energy ministers meeting in India (G20's Twitter page)
Snapshot from the G20 energy ministers meeting in India (G20's Twitter page)

Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Haitham Al Ghais predicted a 23% surge in energy demand by the year 2045. This projection considers the anticipated growth in the global economy, as well as the expected population increase.

During a meeting of G20 energy ministers in India, Al Ghais emphasized the necessity of investing in energy transitions with a comprehensive approach that benefits all people, all types of fuels, and all technologies.

He further stated that OPEC is eager to closely collaborate with the G20 to enhance a sustainable energy future for the world.

In response to the global economic uncertainty and the slowdown in China’s economy, which is the world’s largest oil importer and the second-largest economy, the OPEC+ alliance has decided to reduce its oil production.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazroui expressed that OPEC+ is taking adequate measures to stabilize the oil market.

“We believe that what we are doing in OPEC+ is sufficient to address the issue of supply and demand,” said Al Mazroui.

“We are acting on behalf of all producers worldwide and in the interest of achieving a balance between supply and demand for all consumers as well,” he added.

Al Mazroui also emphasized the pivotal role of OPEC+, responsible for nearly 40% of global crude oil production, in managing the energy market for the benefit of both producers and consumers.

The OPEC+ alliance includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies such as Russia.

On his part, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, affirmed that the agency will revise its projections for global oil demand growth based on economic growth expectations in China and some other countries.



Bitcoin Rises Above $94,000 for First Time

FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin is seen in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris, France, June 23, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin is seen in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris, France, June 23, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Illustration/File Photo
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Bitcoin Rises Above $94,000 for First Time

FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin is seen in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris, France, June 23, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A bitcoin is seen in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris, France, June 23, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Illustration/File Photo

Bitcoin rose to a record high above $94,000 as a report that Donald Trump's social media company was in talks to buy crypto trading firm Bakkt boosted expectations of a crypto-friendly regime under his incoming administration.
Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, has more than doubled this year. It was last at $93,521 on Wednesday, having hit a high of $94,078 in early Asian trading hours.
The Financial Times said Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates Truth Social, is close to an all-stock acquisition of Bakkt, which is backed by NYSE-owner Intercontinental Exchange.
"Trump's seeming interest to push further into crypto on a personal level has contributed to optimism that crypto will be a top priority when Trump takes office," said Stéphane Ouellette, chief executive officer of crypto trading firm FRNT Financial.
Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal reported Trump was meeting privately with the crypto exchange CEO Brian Armstrong, further aiding sentiment.
Cryptocurrencies have soared since the Nov. 5 US election as traders bet President-elect Trump's promised support for digital assets would lead to a less restrictive regulatory regime.
Options trading over BlackRock's spot bitcoin ETF on the Nasdaq made a strong debut on Tuesday with a bullish call-to-put ratio of 4.4:1, according to QCP Capital.
"We expect these options to be popular and, in turn, may positively influence trading volumes of these ETPs (exchange traded products) as the underlying," said Kenneth Worthington, analyst at J.P.Morgan.
The growing excitement has taken the global cryptocurrency market's value above $3 trillion to a record high, based on analytics and data aggregator CoinGecko.
US spot bitcoin exchange traded products have attracted about $4.2 billion in inflows since Trump's election victory, about 15% of the total inflows since the products were launched on US stock exchanges in January, Reuters reported.
Chris Weston, head of research at Australian online broker Pepperstone, said there is real underlying buying pressure for bitcoin, and "another kick higher should bring in a fresh chase from those who like to buy what's strong".