ROLE OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGIES IN FUTURE ENERGY SYSTEMS

World energy demand and production are certain to increase in the foreseeable future. In the Developing Countries, growth will be faster than in the industrialized countries. The energy growth will be linked to population increases in the Developing Countries and further economic development throughout the world. On a global scale there are enough conventional energy sources for centuries to come to meet the increasing demand. However, there are several challenges tying ahead. Firstly the energy sector is encountering difficulties because increased production and consumption levels entail higher levels of pollution and eventually climatic changes, with possibly disastrous consequences. Secondly, it is important to secure energy at acceptable cost and prices to avoid negative impacts on economic growth. The criteria for assessing the actual cost of energy are in each case the fuel cycle cost, i.e. the total cost to society rather than just the market price. Thirdly, there is the dimension of social ethics. It is most important to provide better access to modern energies and electricity for Developing Countries and in particular the rural populations throughout the world. To this end, unconventional new methods of energy production, appropriate for decentralized applications must be developed. The world is rapidly heading towards non sustainable energy scenarios. The conventional way of controlling the ever increasing demands of the energy market are energy conservation and/or reduction of economic growth. It has to be recognised however that energy efficiency will eventually not lead to lower energy consumption on a macroeconomic level. Although energy efficiency is a key element for future energy developments, it cannot solve the energy dilemma which the world is facing. The solution is the development and use of renewable energies: hydropower, biornass, wind and solar energy. Such a policy is compatible with the world's future energy needs whilst avoiding the difficulties associated with conventional energies. Renewable energies will allow for continued economic growth, particularly in Developing Countries and rural areas. It will not result in pollution problems and climatic change. Today, renewable energy use is at an early stage. However, resources and potential in all countries around the world are considerable and there are prospects for conversion technologies and systems at competitive fuel cycle cost. Further technological development and market i