| Author (Person) | Davies, Eric |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning |
| Series Title | In Focus |
| Series Details | 13.5.03 |
| Publication Date | 13/05/2003 |
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus |
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On 12 May 2003 the European Commission published the World Energy, Technology and Climate Policy Outlook (WETO). The study addresses changes in energy and environmental patterns over the next 30 years and presents forecasts for world energy demand, world energy production and the situation in Europe. The situation in Europe is examined in the context of worldwide developments. Working on the assumption that on-going trends and structural changes in the world economy will continue, the report predicts that, between 2000 and 2030, world energy demand will increase at about 1.8% per year, with developing countries increasing their demands from the current 40% to more than 50%. Industry seems set to use 35% of the world's energy and transport 25%, with the remaining 40% accounted for by services and households. Emissions of carbon dioxide are forecast to rise by an average 2.1% per year. Over the same 30-year period world energy production is predicted to see big increases in oil (up 65% or so, with OPEC increasing its share from 40% to 60%) and gas (set to double). The prices of both commodities are expected to increase significantly. Although still low, at some 4%, the contribution of renewable energy sources - especially wind power - will also rise. The Outlook suggests that the situation in Europe will be marked by a relative decline in population and in GDP. However, Europe's energy demands will increasingly be satisfied by external energy sources. As the EU becomes more dependent on gas, it is likely to rely on the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to supply more than half of its needs - something which the report suggests 'may turn into higher supply risks for the EU'. The Commission report also addresses the impact of technology. Emission targets agreed under the Kyoto Protocol could be reached more easily, it suggests, if more use was made of nuclear or renewable energy sources. Emissions could also be cut if energy demands were reduced - with industry being a prime target - and the use of coal and gas was reduced in favour of biomass and oil, supplemented by wind, solar and hydroelectric technologies. 'Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems' is one of the priorities for the Union's 6th Framework Programme, with a four-year budget of €2.120 billion. Speaking about the new report, Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin said 'We cannot afford to ignore these research findings and their implications for world-wide sustainable development.' Commissioner Busquin went on to say: 'To safeguard energy supplies and meet our Kyoto commitments, Europe must intensify its research efforts. The new EU Framework programme for research is driving forward initiatives focusing on renewable energy sources, fuel cells and hydrogen technologies. This study provides us with an invaluable insight into the world's energy and environmental problems of the future. It will enable us to establish our future research and technological development priorities in the energy and environment field.' Links: Eric Davies The World Energy, Technology and Climate Policy Outlook (WETO) was published by the European Commission on 12 May 2003. |
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| Subject Categories | Energy, Environment |
