Industrialized countries and their policies in relation to electricity and the environment

Since its beginning in 1974, the prime objective of the International Energy Agency has been to assist Member Governments in improving their energy security. In this article a brief look is taken at all the energy source options: oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear and renewables. Matters of current concern to OECD countries are the growing need for environmental protection and for pollution abatement, growing awareness of the need for more competition in the electricity sector, concerns about energy efficiency and conservation, and uncertainty about future markets. Progress has been made by most OECD countries in controlling air pollutants from the combustion of fossil fuels and in reducing the other environmental impacts associated with energy supply and use. Most countries have introduced emission standards for SO2, NOx and particulates for new large combustion facilities and many have adopted standards for existing facilities. However, the most prominent environmental issue in 1991 is the threat of global climate change. Although many OECD countries clearly see the need to formulate policies to deal with climate change, there are wide variations in approach. All countries in the world face choices related to the build-up of their electricity mix. They must answer these questions: In which geographical area, and among which energy sources, should diversification be pursued? How far should efficient electricity use be promoted? How can the potential of nuclear power be reconciled with the general public's apparent lack of confidence in this energy source? International co-operation would definitely improve the policy base of developing countries and transitional economies by providing them with inputs indispensable to the task of coping with the challenges of the next century