Envisioning future energy scenarios

The study carried out in five European countries by the International Project for Sustainable Energy Paths (IPSES) demonstrated that by using a Least Cost Strategy it is possible to save about US$60,000-80,000 million per year (real base-year 1990) by the year 2020 in comparison to the business as usual projection made in a study by the EEC/EU. This least cost strategy would lead to approximately a 40% decline in primary energy demands and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the year 2020.

In a study by Greenpeace ("Towards a Fossil Free Energy Future"), the Stockholm Institute investigated a strategy to phase out fossil fuels by the year 2100 and to phase out nuclear power by the year 2010. This was possible by a step by step reduction of CO2 emissions with 10% by the year 2000 (in comparison with the year 1988), 26% in 2010, 68% in 2030 and finally 100% in 2100. The Institute has judged the strategy to be feasible and potentially economically beneficial.

Twelve US states have enacted renewable electricity standards.

1. Using scenario planning
2. Researching futures
3. Articulating future vision

1. Promoting renewable energy
2. Assessing urban energy production and consumption patterns

1. Technology planning
2. Slowing down building of electricity power stations
3. Revolutionizing motor vehicles
4. Reducing fossil fuel use
5. Reducing energy consumption
6. Providing for future production needs
7. Increasing energy intensity
8. Developing national energy strategies
9. Creating appropriate transport systems

1. Researching energy efficiency
2. Establishing technological research mechanisms
3. Diversifying energy research
4. Demonstrating alternative energy uses
5. Compiling energy statistics

1. Underutilization of renewable energy resources
2. Lack of integrated energy resource management
3. Insufficient diversification of urban and industrial energy supply
4. Insufficient diversification in energy research
5. Energy crisis

1. Overdemand
2. Energy