ABSTRACT
The European Union (EU) comprises highly industrialized countries with extended urban agglomerations, and therefore needs to rely on a secure and economic supply with energy. As of 2007, the EU holding 7.5% (or 496 million) of the world population consumed 15% of the total energy or 1.757 billion TOE (tons of oil equivalent), and 18% (3325 TWh) of the total electricity [1], and is responsible for 14% (4100 Mt) of the total CO2 emissions. The situation in the European Union as predicted for the next 30 years is characterized by a growing demand for energy by 2% annually and, at the same time (after 2010), a decreasing domestic energy production. In 2030, if no additional measures are taken, 70% of the energy demand will have to be covered by imports. In addition, this development will push CO2 emissions to a plus of 14% compared to the 1990 level, far off the Kyoto commitment of an 8% reduction. For these reasons, all energy options should be left open for the next generations [2].
