Energy use and CO2 emissions set to double by 2030, report reveals

Date: 22/05/03

By Martin Banks

A NEW report by the European Commission's research directorate paints a grim picture of the world energy scene by the year 2030.

The World Energy, Technology and Climate Policy Outlook report predicts that both energy consumption and CO2 emissions will double within the next 30 years.

Assuming current trends persist, researchers forecast a continued domination of fossil fuels in meeting the world's energy needs.

Dr Peter Haug, secretary- general for Foratom, the Brussels-based umbrella body for Europe's nuclear industry, described the report as "alarming".

He said it strengthened the case for increasing the use of non-fossil energy sources, such as nuclear and renewables.

"Nuclear power plants emit virtually no CO2 and thereby play an important role in holding down emissions of the main greenhouse gas," he added.

In the EU, about 35 of all electricity is generated by nuclear power plants.

Nuclear is the Union's largest single energy source for electricity, ahead of coal at 29 and gas at 15.