Perspectives on the future of power generation and transmission worldwide

A review is given of world-power demands, including energy-resource, environmental, technological, financial, and political aspects. International perspectives on the future of power generation and transmission to early in the next century in Germany, Italy, France, Japan, and the United States are provided. Discussed are nuclear power stations in Eastern Germany that are being closed down on safety grounds and the construction of semifinished nuclear plants that has been halted. Economic use of energy and combined heat and power is also evaluated. The Italian energy sector, which is the most import- and hydrocarbon-dependent of any of the major European economies, is discussed. Distribution of the generation between nuclear and hydro units in France is reviewed. International interconnections between France and European countries are discussed. Three major policy agendas for Japan are reviewed. A 1000-kV trunk line to transmit nuclear power to metropolitan areas that is under construction is also discussed. Proposed changes to Clean Air Acts to reduce SO₂ emissions from electric power generation in the United States are examined