Global electricity usage is expected to increase from 14.8 trillion kWh in 2003 to 27.1 trillion kWh by 2025, according to the U.S.

      Department of Energy Internal Energy Outlook 2005.

 

      Approximately 65.7% of the world's electricity is currently produced with fossil fuels. As demand for electricity continues to increase,

      the electric power industry is facing several challenges: 

 

• Fossil fuel supply constraints 

      Limited supply and escalating consumption of coal, oil, and natural gas continue to drive up wholesale electricity prices, resulting             in higher electricity costs for consumers. 

 

• Infrastructure constraints

      In many parts of the world, electricity demand exceeds the capacity of existing  

      electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. 

 

• Desire for energy security

      As political and economic instability in key oil and natural gas producing regions has increased, governments are increasingly

      focused on developing reliable and secure energy sources. 

 

• Environmental concerns

       Long-term use of fossil fuels is associated with a range of environmental issues

       including global warming, air pollution and water pollution, the increased  

       prevalence of which is driving increased environmental awareness.

 

       Industry and governments are considering alternatives to traditional fossil fuels to   address these challenges, including renewable

       energy sources and technologies.