Perspectives and potential of an integrated power supply system in Europe

A description of the initial situation and a few facts on the European network (UCPTE, NORDEL, COMECON) should serve as a basis for a look at future developments. The network developed from the consumer-oriented system of energy production. The sources of energy, which are spread over a large geographic area, have access to transportation routes and comply with the needs of the consumer were connected to form a regional, then a national network. Thus it was possible to balance the various types of power supply plants - base load, medium load and peak load - and adapt them to the needs of the consumer. A modest attempt to obtain such a balance beyond national boundaries has been made as well, especially between countries which both employ hydroelectric or therm power generation systems. The profitibality of such networks was the precondition for maintaining them. (DG)