Electricity and the environment: sustaining through technical innovation

The efficiency and precision of electricity, through innovative technology, have become essential assets for resolving the interrelated economic, environmental and energy security issues. Replacing relatively inefficient direct-energy-based processes with more efficient electric-based technologies will help conserve primary energy resources and reduce environmental impact. Current trends and prospects for electrification aimed at improving sustaining are assessed, and electricity-related opportunities for improving environmental quality in both developed and developing economies are indicated. 5 refs