The role of the electric power industry in global sustainable development

This paper explores the major roles that the electric utility industry might play in paths toward global sustainable development. It is widely believed that a key contributor to global climate change is the continued growth of the global economy with its commensurate increased consumption of fossil fuels. A key consumer of this energy and the key infrastructure for the economic expansion of nations is the electricity grid. While it is known that this system has an overall energy conversion efficiency of less than 30%, alternatives remain less cost-effective or lack technological readiness for the reliability required by such an important global infrastructure. The key factors involved in achieving sustainable electricity production are described. And a key role of public policy in shaping more sustainable futures for electric power is identified. Clearly, the solutions to this complex issue will require a multi-faceted technological approach supported by strong public policy incentives.