Issue Keeping Korea's energy statistics consistent as integrated technologies change energy flows inside plants

Summary

The Shaheen case shows that energy demand and its projections can differ depending on how statistics treat energy flows inside a process, even when physical production is identical. To keep oil supply and demand statistics accurate, the institute says the treatment of intermediate streams, actual feedstock inputs and products sent outside the plant should be verified after Shaheen starts operating. The findings should then be reflected in future supply statistics and demand outlooks. For now the gap stems from a single large facility, but it could widen if similar integrated technologies or other new technologies spread. The institute therefore calls for continuous review of the statistical framework so that statistics stay consistent and outlooks remain reliable as technology changes.