Current trends in energy supply and use
are patently unsustainable – economically,
environmentally and socially. Without decisive
action, energy-related emissions of carbon
dioxide (CO2) will more than double by 2050 and
increased oil demand will heighten concerns over
the security of supplies. We can and must change
our current path, but this will take an energy
revolution and low-carbon energy technologies
will have a crucial role to play. Energy efficiency,
many types of renewable energy, carbon
capture and storage, nuclear power and new
transport technologies will all require widespread
deployment if we are to reach our greenhouse-gas
emission goals. Every major country and sector
of the economy must be involved. The task is also
urgent if we are to make sure that investment
decisions taken now do not saddle us with suboptimal technologies in the long term