Energy for Sustainable Development
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Date
2006
Authors
Kirubi, C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
School of Environmental Studies and Human Sciences,
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The concept of sustainable development refers to development that 'meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs' (WCED, 1987). This has social,
economic and environmental dimensions. The way energy is produced and used
plays an essential role in all the three dimensions. Current primary energy sources
are shown in Figure 3.1. The energy system today is heavily dependent on the use
of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), which together account for 80%of global primary
energy consumption (Johansson and Goldemerg, 2002). It is clear that countries
differ significantly in the structure of their energy consumption (Figures 3.2-3.4).
Fossil fuel consumption accounts for 83%of the energy consumed in industrialized
countries and 93% in the transition-economy countries, but only 70%in developing
countries. In contrast biomass represents only 3.4% of primary energy used in
industrialized countries, is virtually non-existent in countries in transition, and
accounts for 26% of energy used in developing countries. Nuclear energy is also
significant in industrialized countries (where it is the source of 11% of primary
energy) and countries in transition (5%), but makes only a minor contribution in
developing countries (1%). The figures also highlight the extreme inequalities in
per capita use among groups of countries. Industrialized countries use 4.7 tons of
oil equivalent (toe) per capita, in contrast to developing countries, which use
only 0.78% toe per capita; the world average is 1.6 toe per capita.
Description
Book Chapter