"Business As Usual" energy policy will increase dependence on foreign oil for the U.S. and other consuming nations, threaten energy security and make climate change worse, according to publicity about a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Formed after the oil crisis of the '70s, the IEA holds a stockpile of oil and provides advice and information to member nations, which include the U.S. and most developed nations. World Energy Outlook 2006, issued on November 7, 2006, examines high economic and climate costs from a "Reference Scenario" based on existing governmental policies projected into the future.
Improved energy use efficiency provides the biggest potential payoff in greater security, climate protection and economics, according to IEA's "Alternative Policy Scenario." More use of nuclear and renewable power sources such as biofuels also offer significant opportunities, according to the report. Production of biofuels will compete with rising demand for food production, it suggests, presenting challenges until new technologies like ligno-cellulosic ethanol production get to economic production.
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The IEA's Executive Director advised the press that the recommended policies are cost-effective, but require up-front investment, saying: "Demand-side investments in more efficient electrical goods are particularly economic; on average, an additional $1 invested in more efficient electrical equipment and appliances avoids more than $2 in investment in power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure."
World Energy Outlook 2006 updates the 2004 report and includes current data on world energy prices, demand and production. The 600-page full report is offered as a PDF by the IEA for 120 Euros at its website or 150 Euros in paper form.
The IEA offers a free public database of Climate Change Mitigation - Policies and Measures, as well as a more technically-oriented Demand Side Management Programme (DSM) that provides a "tool kit" for governments and utilities. The DSM website also includes a free online library of PDF reports and email update subscriptions.
Posted by dougsimpson at November 8, 2006 08:53 AM