Sustainable electric power systems in the 21st century: requirements, challenges and the role of new technologies

Electricity has indeed become a basic necessity in modern society. While the industry has done a good job of meeting the energy needs of the 20th Century, generally it has had an adverse impact on the natural environment. The industry is now undergoing a period of major restructuring: a shift from a monopolistic to a competitive structure. It is facing new economic and social pressures to refocus its business so as to meet the energy needs of the society in a way that is "sustainable" in the long run. Sustainability requires balancing economic growth and prosperity with the preservation of the natural environment.