ABSTRACT
The 20th century left us a complex and efficient electrical system, ranging from the plugs in our homes to nuclear power stations, from the pylons along our country roads to major dams. The system plays an essential role in our everyday lives and our societies. It can be described as a network through which transit most of our energy needs and supply. In the 27-member EU, electricity accounted for some 17% of final energy in 1990 (Fig. 1); by 2007, the share had risen to 21%. In China, during the same period the electricity share on the final energy consumption grew from a bit less than 6% to more than 16%, narrowing the gap with Brazil. In the next decades, as shown in Fig. 2, electricity will continue to represent an ever larger share of energy consumption, accounting for about 30% in 2030, while enabling a significant reduction in carbon emissions as energy efficient electricity solutions are substituted to those relying on fossil fuels and as electricity mixes worldwide continue to be decarbonised. The growing role of electricity will thus be a key source of energy eco-efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reduction and will warranty the independence in terms of fossil fuels. In summary, it will play a central role in sustainable development in our countries and in emerging and developing ones where electrification rates remain very low and where unfortunately human beings are suffering from many other lacks.
