Secure, reliable and
affordable energy supplies are fundamental to economic stability and development of the nation. Threat
of disruptive climate change, erosion of energy security and growing energy needs of emerging economies of Asia like India and China, all pose major challenges for energy decision makers, as well as energy producers, traders and consumers. That can only be met through innovation, adoption of new cost effective technologies, and a better use of existing energy efficient technologies. Energy Technology Perspectives presents status and prospects for key energy technologies and assesses their potential; to make a difference in mid century term, in the following aspects: How much can technology contribute to securing adequate and affordable energy supplies and lower CO2 emissions? What energy technologies hold the most promise? How long will it take? At their 2005 summit, G-8 leaders confronted these questions and decided to act with resolve and urgency. They called upon the International Energy Agency to provide advice on scenarios and strategies for a clean and secure energy future. Energy Technology Perspectives is a response for G 8 request. Numerous innovative works demonstrates how energy technologies can make a difference in a series of global scenarios to 2050. It reviews in detail the status and prospects of key energy technologies in electricity
generation, buildings, industry and transport. It assesses ways the world can enhance energy security and contain growth in CO2 emissions by using a portfolio of current and emerging technologies. Major strategic elements of a successful portfolio are energy efficiency, CO2 capture and storage, renewable energy resources and nuclear power. While technology does hold great promise for the future, we must act now if we are to unlock the potential of current and emerging technologies and reduce the impact of fossil; fuel dependence on energy security and the environment. The key challenge in global energy policy is to create an energy system that supports continuing economic development and considerably reduces the risks of climate change. Energy efficiency is currently the most affordable tool to mitigate climate change. The Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC documents many of the large number of energy efficiency policies and measures that have already been implemented worldwide on the supply and demand side. The
accelerated technology scenarios (ACTs ) – that form the backbone of Energy Technology Perspectives – demonstrate that by employing technologies that already exist or are under development, the world could be brought onto a much more sustainable energy path. The scenarios show how energy related CO2 emissions can be returned to their current levels by 2050 and the growth of oil demand can be moderated. It also shows that by 2050, energy efficiency measures can reduce electricity demand by a third below the Baseline levels. Savings from liquid fuels would equal more than half of today’s global oil consumption, after setting about 56% of growth in oil demand foreseen in the Baseline scenario. The substantial changes demonstrated in the Accelerated Technology (ACT) scenarios are grouped in: Strong Energy Efficiency gains in the transport, industry, commercial and domestic sectors, Electricity supply becoming significantly decarbonized as the power generation mix shifts towards nuclear power, renewables, natural gas and coal with CO2 capture and storage, Increased use of bio fuels for road transport.
Author: Dr. Jagdish P. N. Giri, Founder and Executive Director: Aaditya Energy Foundat