This book addresses energy-related issues in light of the options available to
the European and Mediterranean countries. The articles attempt to identify and
analyse the economic, environmental, societal and regional security issues that
may emerge from those options. It is clear that a coherent energy strategy is
required, addressing energy supply and demand, security of access, financial
issues, market dynamics, and also taking into account the whole energy
lifecycle including fuel production, transmission and distribution. In the
short term, the aim should be to achieve higher energy efficiencies and
increased supply from local energy sources, in particular renewable energy
sources. In the long term, redesign of life styles, further increase of
alternative energy sources and shift to new energy technologies and carriers is
expected to contribute to solve or alleviate the problems generated by
declining availability of fossil fuels. In this volume, energy experts provide
background information and a detailed discussion of all these issues and
strategies.
