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Fewer countries have devoted more time and verbosity to the construction of an ??alternative energy system?? than Sweden, and fewer have less to show for it. Now it appears that a Swedish-type energy model although it is a travesty of economic logic has been partially adopted by the Kyoto Conference on Climate Change (or COP 3). In this article I attempt to extend some of the comments on environmental matters that I make in my forthcoming textbook, Energy Economics: A Modern Introduction (Banks, 2000). This includes clarifying why it seems reasonable to accept the position of Gelbspan (1997) and others that climate warming may constitute a genuine danger to this planet. On the other hand, given the levels of unemployment, underemployment, and even poverty in many parts of the world, I see no point in amateurish experimentation with low-energy scenarios, nor an exaggerated faith in ??alternative technologies.?? For the present, within a framework of stricter environmental controls, energy consumption must ...

According to many observers, Swedish nuclear electricity is the safest in the world, owing to the high technological level in Sweden. This electricity is also among the least expensive because of the high capacity factors in Swedish nuclear installations. Even so, there may soon be an attempt to begin dismantling the Swedish nuclear sector, which in turn, could lead to serious problems for the Swedish macroeconomy. This article attempts to provide an analysis of some of the key economic issues associated with a Swedish nuclear retreat.

Analyse de la place du gaz naturel, considere comme le combustible de l'avenir, par rapport au petrole. Analyse de la croissance economique et des repercussions sur la scene energetique. Etude du cas de la Suede.

The purpose of this short paper is to examine some of the controversy about the Kyoto Protocol - though under no circumstances to impugn climate warming, since these are very different phenomena. An overwhelming majority of high-level scientific opinion accepts that a serious and possibly irreversible change is likely taking place in the global climate due to an overproduction of 'greenhouse gases, and that this dilemma should be addressed as soon as possible; however the Kyoto Protocol and the structure of the negotiating apparatus that brought it about, as well as any likely extensions of that apparatus, are patently flawed. I also emphasize that the resources used in abating greenhouse gases would simultaneously contribute to the establishment of a new global energy system - assuming that they are deployed in an optimal manner - regardless of whether excessive global warming is a reality or (ex-post) science fiction. Accordingly, since the position here is that a new energy system is essential (and inevitable), then a good reason for criticizing the Kyoto Protocol is that it does not do enough to expedite the establishment of this systerm, and thereby exploit the mutual positive externalities that might be available.

The age of coal has apparently come and gone, but many observers feel that it will return, and in some cases have even set a date. According to various well-placed observers in France, between 1996 and 2020 about 1,200 gigawatts (= 1,200 GW = twelve hundred billion watts) of new electricity generating capacity must be constructed and installed around the world, and up to 2010 most of this will be fueled by gas or coal. In fact, with the 21st century in sight, coal generates considerably more of world electricity than gas, oil, nuclear, or hydro. After 2020, however, it is possible that coal’s domination will increase. According to the world’s leading turbine manufacturer, General Electric, over 1,000 GW of new electrical generating capacity will be needed by 2005, and this is only the beginning. Mr Ron Knapp, chief executive of the World Coal Institute puts it as follows: Developing countries “will use coal in the way we in developed countries used coal 100–150 years ago — use it as a building block of economic development. There is an enormous demand for energy”.

There is a general belief throughout much of the world that Sweden is in the process of dismantling its nuclear sector. The last Swedish reactor is supposed to be turned off in the year 2010. No political party has yet officially insisted that nuclear energy will be required after 2010, but there are excellent economic reasons why these installations may not -- and probably even will not -- be closed down.

The basic intention of this paper is to present some new economic results pertaining to the world coal market. These results deal principally with the effect of devaluations on production; the effect of ‘volume’ and depletion on the calculation of marginal cost; and price formation in a stock flow market. Observations are also made in the paper concerning the use of combined cycle technology in coal based power plants, and present supply-demand trends in the world coal market, to include the development of (sea) freight rates.

The author commences his analysis of the iron and steel industry by examining the historical background of the industry, and discusses its importance for the world economy. He examines the implications for the world industry of the successful development of the steel industry in Japan, and traces the evolution of a commodity cartel in the iron ore market, analysing the price levels of the commodity in the ‘free’ and ‘controlled’ markets. Following a discussion of the role of energy and coking coal supplies in the industry, the author examines the evolution of this industry in the less developed countries, with particular reference to the role of technology in the industry's development. He concludes that there have been important structural changes in the world industry, embraced by the concept of ‘partial demise’.

Looking at the prolonged depression which has gripped the industrialized world following the quadrupling of oil prices by OPEC, the author considers that most of the blame lies with the governments of the major importing countries. Instead of relying on monetary policies, they should instead concentrate on the direct manipulation of employment.

A comment is made on the political displeasure produced in the US by the Soviet-Western Europe gas deal recently announced. The facts are presented concerning the North Sea and adjacent areas which were touted by American policymakers as being more politically suitable as gas sources for meeting the energy demands of Western Europe. The author feels the pact with the Soviets is a practical solution at this point in time. 2 references.