Right of way for electricity supply. Conclusions from the 20th World Energy Congress in Rome

The 20th World Energy Congress was held in Rome from 11 through 15 of November 2007. More than 4000 international experts and decision makers analysed the global situation on energy and developed programmes for supply security at acceptable cost and simultaneous environmental protection. Main elements of the debate were the consequences of the strong economic growth in the industrialising countries, foremost China and India, and the development of an energy supply structure largely relying on electricity. This is to be produced primarily from renewable energy, nuclear energy and in particular coal, which, however, requires the technologies for CO2-abatement to be speedily developed and brought to market. (orig.)