Energy developing countries, potential

A comparison is made of the available resources, their principle economic ex-ploitability and actual prognosis for their use. Again one notes the enormous potential of solar energy. Rapid growth is foreseen for biomass, solar and wind. A difference is made between traditional and modern use of biomass, because currently, especially in less developed countries, biomass is also an important energy source, but is not used in a technologically advanced way. 

The water in rivers and streams can be captured and turned into hydropower (HP), also called hydroelectric power. HP currently provides about 17% of the world s electricity supply, virtually all of Norway s electricity and more than 40% of the electricity nsed in developing countries. However, there is great potential in hydropower worldwide. Norway produces more than 99% of its electricity with hydropower. New Zealand nses hydropower for 75% of its electricity. HP provides more than 97% of all electricity generated by renewable sources. Other sources, biomass, geothermal, solar and wind account for less than 3% of renewable electricity production. When the electricity share of total energy consumption is considered, the increase becomes even more dramatic. 

In the future, biomass has the potential to provide a cost-effective and sustainable supply of energy, while at the same time aiding countries in meeting their greenhouse gas reduction targets. By the year 2050, it is estimated that 90% of the world population will live in developing countries. 

Burch, J. D. and K. E. Thomas (1998). Water disinfection for developing countries and potential for solar thermal pasteurization. Solar Energy. 64, 1-3, 87-97. 

The Potential of Biomass Conversion in Meeting the Energy Needs of the Rural Populations of Developing Countries — An Overview... 

Frank Convery, B.Agr.Sc., M.Agr.Sc., M.S., Ph.D., is Heritage Trust Professor of Environmental Policy at University College Dublin. He is active on a number of EU-wide investigations and bodies. He has written extensively on resource and environmental economics issues with particular reference to agriculture, forestry, energy, minerals, land use, urbanisation, environment and development in developing countries. At present, his research relates to EU environmental policy with particular reference to the use, potential and effectiveness of market-based instruments. 

Eisentraut, A. (2010) Sustainable production of second-generation biofuels. Potential and perspectives in major economies and developing countries. International Energy Agency, http // www.iea.org/papers/2010/secongeneration biofuels.pdf (accessed 12 July 2010). 

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