MAJOR ISSUES OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

摘要

Rapid growth in electricity generation is taking place in developing countries, where the demand is growing at a rate of 6-7% per year. After the year 2025, the largest amount of electricity worldwide will be produced in developing countries. The growth of the energy demand in these countries will be the main issue on the global electricity scene in the coming two to three decades. The electricity requirements in developing countries will have global effects on energy, fuels and the environment. Electrification and electricity expansion in these countries will have to be financed by their limited developmental and investment budgets. At least 10% of the gross capital formation funds in these countries will be needed for the electricity sector. It is necessary for developing countries to attract local and foreign investment, and the prospects will be enhanced by restructuring and efficient management of the electricity sector. Almost one third of the world's population has no access to electricity. These people, many of whom live in Africa and south Asia, desperately need electricity for improvements in their quality of life. Assisting developing countries in establishing electricity supply systems will not only improve the lot of these people but will also contribute to environmental protection. The efficiency in producing, distributing and utilizing electricity in developing countries is improving, but it is still rather low. Improvement in efficiency is essential for a rational expansion of electricity supply. Improved efficiency in electricity utilization through conservation and other measures will greatly assist in rationalizing the growth in demand and will improve health and environmental prospects. Also of great importance is the choice of proper generation technologies that will help reduce emissions and their detrimental impacts on health and the environment. An investigation of electricity and its relationship with health and the global environment that does not have at its centre of interest the electricity needs of developing countries will miss the main issue.