ABSTRACT
Throughout history the pattern of settlement has been influenced by a variety of factors including climate, defence, access to trade and resources. Access to energy has been one of many factors affecting the geography of settlement. However, the globalisation of energy markets, the flexibility of fossil fuels and the centralisation of energy production in many countries has removed this spatial dimension. Energy is now accessible in all but the most remote locations, thus development is not inhibited by it. The scale of energy production has influenced urban form in that it has enabled cities to grow in size. The introduction of district heating systems has also influenced urban morphology. Higher development densities are maintained to ensure the economic viability of district heating systems. However, the impact of energy systems on urban morphology to date has been minimal in comparison with the impact of the automobile.
