The reality is that in today's world almost half of nearly six billion people
on the planet do not have access to commercial energy and the services it
brings. Based on UN projections, in 30 years time there are likely to be
nearly three billion more people in the world, over 90 per cent of them in
countries which are already economically poor. The World Energy Council (WEC), through its 102 member countries,
monitors trends and developments and projects future trends. WEC is a
non-governmental international body representing all forms of energy and
is committed to the sustainable use of energy for all mankind. This paper
is based on WEC studies and papers presented at its many conferences
and congresses worldwide. Primary energy demand growth is dominated by the developing
countries over the next 30 years. The world energy mix is projected to
change very little over the next 30 years. Fossil fuel supplies (ie coal, oil
and gas) are likely to decline from 77 per cent to 73 per cent, nuclear
energy may grow from five per cent to six per cent and renewable energy
sources (eg hydro, solar, geothermal, wind, tidal and biomass) could
increase from 18 per cent to 21 per cent. World energy consumption is
expected to grow by over 50 per cent over the next 30 years. The paper reviews changes in energy demand in the world, particularly
in the Asia/Pacific region. Environmental issues are covered, as are
developments such as solar energy from space and the status of renewable
energy forms. Agendas for action to achieve change are also reviewed.