Luxembourg less dependent on foreign energy imports

(JB) Demand for imported energy in Luxembourg is shrinking, suggesting the country is getting better at providing for its energy needs.

Despite a 6% growth in demand from 2009 to 2010, the amount of domestic energy delivered to Luxembourg in 2010 was below levels reported between 2004 and 2008.

The figures were released by data gathering agency STATEC, which highlighted that petroleum shipments accounted for the largest chunk of imported products at 66%.

Interestingly, more than half of these products (59%) were bought by non-Luxembourg residents because of the difference in fuel prices abroad.

Petroleum imports grew 5%, electricity 8% and natural gas 9%. Demand for renewal energy grew 13%.

The tertiary sector consumes the most imported energy, according to STATEC, at 40%, followed by industrial activities at 32%, households at 27% and the agricultural sector at 1%.