Aim of the seminar

Global Energy Foresight 

Access to cheap and clean energy is probably the most important factor for improving the standard of living in the world. It is therefore crucial that we can provide energy in a sustainable way. Several studies indicate a growth of 1.5 – 2 % in global energy consumption. With 2% growth, consumption will double by 2035 and triple by 2055 compared with 1998. During the period from 1980 to 2000, 90% of the growth in energy consumption took place in the OECD countries. However, from 2000 to 2020, 90% of the increase in consumption is expected to take place outside the OECD. The IEA report "World Energy Outlook” (WEO) concludes that fossil fuel will continue to be the dominant source of energy and will cover more than 90% of the growth in consumption until 2030. This leads to a key question; Is it possible to increase the use of fossil fuels without seriously impacting the environment?

"Global Energy Foresight" will be the third in a series of “Energy and Environment”-seminars arranged by the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA). The first seminar in 1998 was: "Do we Understand Global Climate Change?" and the second in 2001 was "Future Energy – Resources, Distribution and Use". NTVA has also recently published a report on Norway’s role in the European energy market and we have participated in the energy panel of Euro-CASE.

The energy situation today, and in the future, differs from country to country and between regions. It is therefore of great importance that this seminar is arranged in cooperation with CAETS (International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences, Inc.).

The key question is how we can provide a sustainable supply of energy in the future. This seminar will draw upon the large knowledge base we have in our academies in order to address this important issue.

Arne Bjørlykke

President of NTVA and Seminar Chairman