ABSTRACT
Since the 1970s, energy and environmental issues have played an important role in all countries. They have also provoked many conflicts. It is likely that these issues will remain one of the focal points of policy interest, not only at the national level, but also at the urban/regional level. Energy has become a strategic production factor that contributes significantly to the prosperity of regions and nations. Energy conversion and use are nowadays major sources of environmental pollution in most industrialized regions: burning liquid fuels in transportation accounts for most of the emissions of nitrogen oxides; the combustion of hydrocarbons in thermal power plants accounts for most of the sulphur dioxides, carbon dioxide, trace metals, etc. A high environmental quality offers a great potential for many activities such as recreation, tourism and research, without significant negative externalities. This chapter explores the potential for coordinated regional-energy environment projects.
