Global market trends point to coal consumption continuing to rise, with the exception of the US. Driven by low prices, the new IEA report predicts that coal will come close to surpassing oil as the world's top energy source--much of it driven by growing demand in China and India.

With 2012 behind us, IEEJ Chairman Masakazu Toyoda gives his prediction of what 2013 holds in store for the energy landscape.

In its recent report released at the World Economic Forum in Davos, IHS looks at the unique preconditions that have allowed the US to gain an early start in unconventional energy, even as governments from other regions are discovering resources and opportunities to do the same with technology and favourable policies.