Nuclear and biofuels are answer to clean energy future, says IEA
Biofuels and nuclear energy are given the seal of approval for their ability to meet future energy demands in the World Energy Outlook 2006, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The report shows how global energy demand is likely to spiral if a business-as-usual approach is taken, but also highlights how demand will be lower if government policies currently under consideration are implemented. 'WEO-2006 reveals that the energy future we are facing today, based on projections of current trends, is dirty, insecure and expensive,' said Claude Mandil, Executive Director of the IEA. 'But it also shows how new government policies can create an alternative energy future which is clean, clever and competitive - the challenge posed to the IEA by the G8 leaders and IEA ministers.' The Outlook suggests that nuclear power could make a major contribution to reducing dependence on imported gas and cutting CO2 emissions in a cost-effective way. It then goes on to warn that nuclear energy will only have a role to play if governments play a stronger role in encouraging private investment. 'Nuclear power remains a potentially attractive option for enhancing the security of electricity supply and mitigating carbon dioxide emissions - but financing the upfront investment cost may remain a challenge,' said Mr Mandil. Biofuels could have a clear role to play in meeting transport energy demands and reducing emissions. Without the introduction of new energy policies, biofuels are likely to account for 4% of road fuel use by 2030, according to the Review. With the implementation of policies currently under consideration, this figure would increase to 7%, up from today's 1%. There are however some restrictions on this technology. Rising food demand is likely to mean competition for arable and pasture land. 'New biofuels technologies being developed today, notably lingo-cellulosic ethanol, could allow biofuels to play a much bigger role - if major technological and commercial challenges can be overcome,' reads a statement from the IEA.