Global energy system and sustainable energy Security

Abstract

The global energy system is dynamic in nature and has evolved over time. This chapter presents the changing characteristics of the global energy system. It analyses the energy supply, transformation and demand subsystems and highlights the past trends. It applies the concept of sustainable energy security (SES) and examines the availability, affordability, efficiency and acceptability of the global energy system. The chapter also presents some results of energy models to identify the characteristics of future energy system. The assessment of the past trends and future energy scenarios reveals that the world is addicted to fossil fuels. It emerges that the energy system is resistant to change, and unless appropriate measures are introduced in the next few years, the global energy system is likely to continue on the current path which would threaten SES. The chapter presents some challenges in attaining SES and concludes that while efforts are being taken to transform the global energy system, the pace of change is inadequate.