|
|
To maintain or develop prosperous economies
and high standards of living into the next century, the world’s nations
will require increasing supplies of electricity. The world will consume
75 percent more electricity in 2020 than it does today––and
that demand will triple by 2050, according to the World
Energy Council.
At the same time, governments throughout the world have committed
to improve air quality by reducing the emission of atmospheric
pollutants (the Kyoto Protocol), particularly
so-called greenhouse gases, which may contribute to global warming.
Electric utilities are taking a leading role in fulfilling these
commitments. The challenge is to supply the world’s growing
demand for electricity, while protecting the environment and
maintaining a stable, diverse energy mix.
Electricity can be generated using a variety of energy sources:
fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil), nuclear energy, hydropower,
and, to a much lesser extent, renewables (solar, wind, biomass).
Of these, only nuclear energy and hydropower are large-scale
and emission-free. Hydropower produces almost 20 percent of world
electricity. Nuclear energy supplies 17 percent — the world’s
third-largest source. Although some renewables also are non-polluting,
they supply less than one percent of the world’s electricity.
Nuclear energy has produced major environmental benefits for
the world during the past quarter of a century. As the world
strives to further control its atmospheric emissions, nuclear
energy — more than ever — must be an essential part
of any realistic, long-term energy and environmental solution.
Read how:
|
|
Top |