CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN EUROPE

Abstract

The article makes a critical analysis of the impact electric power generation has on greenhouse gas emissions in Europe with reference to the Kyoto protocol. First, a possible Italian strategy for implementing Kyoto protocol mechanisms to meet commitments of the EU Emission Trading Draft Directive, the Italian strategy in the Ministerial documents and final considerations are analysed. Then measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions in Greece, a country whose economy is anticipated to converge to the average European economy, are considered. Here, impact of the currently adopted measures and initiatives to reduce emissions in the Greek energy system for the period up to 2030 are discussed, with emphasis on the current decade. Also examined is how the UK is dealing with greenhouse gas emissions in respect of the Kyoto protocol. Clean power generation technology for the 21st Century is then examined. This gives a perspective from the EU Power Plant Supply Industry. A perspective is presented with respect to impact of global climate change (GCC) on product development strategy. Such environmental drivers, typified by the increasing public and political desire to introduce measures that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) (especially C0 2 ) world-wide have to be positioned against the other key market issues of wider globalization, increased liberalization, deregulation and privatization, all of which contribute to the substantial changes in the energy market world-wide.