Power to the people: Integrated resource planning in developing countries

Journal Article · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review

OSTI ID:254564

Hill, L

Increased burning of fossil fuels to meet the growing demand for electricity throughout the world could create havoc for our climate. Many argue that greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide) from producing electricity using fossil fuels contribute significantly to global warming. Over the past two decades, carbon emissions grew fastest in developing countries such as China, Brazil, South Korea, and India, primarily because of high growth rates in electricity production. From 1970 to the present, for example, carbon emissions increased by only 30% in the developed countries, while increasing by 80% in developing countries. Scientists believe that using combinations of resources different from those used in the past to produce electricity - and integrating them in a cost-effective way - could ease the health, economic, and environmental effects of increased worldwide demand for electricity services. In developed countries, for example, electric utilities and energy planners have combined planning for electricity-capacity increases to meet growing demand with cost-effective reductions in the use of electricity. The combination reduces the total amount of electricity needed yet maintains the same level of electricity services. This planning process is called integrated resource planning (IRP).

• OSTI ID: 254564
• Journal Information: Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review, Journal Name: Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review Journal Issue: 2-3 Vol. 28; ISSN ORNRAH; ISSN 0048-1262
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CARBON DIOXIDE
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
EMISSION
ENERGY DEMAND
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT