| Abstract: | This paper reviews the current energy supply and consumption. Worldwide, there was an increase in the annual energy consumption of 5% between 1955 and 1973 and of 2.7% between 1973 and 1979, but there was a decrease of 0.2% from 1979 to 1983. The role of oil grew from 31% to 47% of world energy consumption between 1955 and 1973 but dropped to 40.3% in 1983. Despite an overall decline in energy consumption in the last few years, the consumption of electricity continues to grow. Nuclear energy has not completely recovered from the crisis of the second half of the 1970's. This is in part because of social acceptance factors and hostility to large plants. World energy problems will continue over the next 20 years. A comprehensive approach is needed which stresses renewable energy and nuclear fission. |
