Subnavigation

Energy Policy in a Changing World

Introduction on international energy policy

Based on studies of the International Energy Agency the most important aspects of clean energy and energy efficiency are highlighted including sectorial energy policies (industry, building), impacts to the environment (local and global impacts), innovative technologies and instruments as well as key players and stakeholders in energy policy and their different roles in the game.

Overview about the international political context of the theme including some basic definitions, with the target to explain clean energy policy as a new approach in the historical context of technological and political developments.

Energy policy in a changing world

1970 - The oil shock fostered energy policies to provide sufficient energy to fuel economic growth and to ensure energy security. Efforts to reduce dependence on imported oil and to save energy were at the centre of political action.
1980 - Transboundary problems (related to acid rain) brought new challenges. Measures such as flue-gas scrubbing and catalytic converters achieved quick to reduce impacts to the environment. Energy efficiency remained the more as the most important option.
1990 - In the late 80s and the early 90s the energy policy priorities shifted. Due to the role of governments in the energy market and due to the climate change concerns energy efficiency became the centerpiece of many countries' strategies. In the early 1990s the IEA calculated an unachieved efficiency potential of 30 % because of market imperfections and barriers towards energy efficiency.
2000 - Future energy demand patterns will be shaped by environmental concerns, technological developments, competition and market restructuring, efficiency improvements and the use of cleaner energies, such as renewables or CHP. Competitive pressure will probably reduce energy prices. It will also improve the productivity of the energy sector, both in manufacturing and utilities, thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing environmental damage.