The world’s population grew at a rate of 12 percent between 2003 and 2013. When this demographic expansion combined with economic growth, the natural consequence was a growth in energy demand. While primary energy consumption rose 28 percent in 10 years, electricity use rose by 39 percent.
It was mostly developing countries that led to the creation of such a picture in regard to global energy consumption… In this context, whether it be the rise recorded in demand for primary or secondary energy, it was the Asian region, which ranks highest in both markets, that triggered this demand. It won’t come as a surprise that China, with its fast growth, played the main role.
It needs to be stated that the increase in demand in Europe and Eurasia was almost entirely down to Turkey, which has attracted attention with its rate of development, and Russia, the other rising economy of the period.
MAIN ITEM ON WORLD AGENDA
Increasing energy consumption, which is set to continue rising, constitutes one of the biggest problems the world is faced with. An energy crisis could erupt if supply won’t be enough to meet growing demand. The ideal solution for meeting energy needs is not just limited to adequate supply but also encompasses economic and environmental dimensions.
In recent years the problem is being discussed within the framework of the “Energy Trilemma.” The trilemma consists of three problems related to the sustainability of energy. These are: energy supply security, energy equality and environmental sustainability.
The security dimension of the trilemma can be summarized as the efficient management of the primary energy supply from domestic or external sources, the reliability of energy infrastructure and the capacity of energy providers to meet current and future demand.
In terms of energy supply security, countries such as Denmark, Canada and Russia, which lead in terms of resources, infrastructure and/or efficiency, face the lowest risk. Developing and energy-poor countries, amongst which Turkey is included, face increased national energy security risks.
ONE IN FIVE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY GLOBALLY
Energy equality in the trilemma means the populace having equal access to energy supplies and being able to financially afford it… In this sense, energy equality is not at desired levels in certain regions of the world. One out of every five people in the world today does not have access to electricity. This situation, as you must have surmised, is prevalent in Asia and Africa, which are in the development stage.
In terms of energy prices, apart from regional price variations, fluctuating and high price trends negatively impact energy equality, whether they be the costs incurred for industrial use or household consumption.
The environmental aspect of the trilemma focuses on the procurement of energy supplies from resources low in carbon. Carbon emissions from thermoelectric power plants have registered a 30 percent rise in the last 10 years.
Increasing efficiency in both supply and demand is also grouped as part of the environmental dimension…
DIFFICULT TO SUCCEED
The energy trilemma is a cause of alarm for the entire world with the exception of a few countries that could be counted on the fingers of one hand. The Energy Trilemma Index, prepared by the World Energy Council, is one source of reference in this regard…
In the 2014 version of the index, which was published a few months ago and lists 129 countries, only two countries make the top 20 in all three categories: Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Canada, which is ranked first for energy security and second for equality, ranks 60th when it comes to the environmental factor! Another example is Costa Rica which ranks second in the environmental aspect: It ranks 57th in supply security and 45th in equality. These and many other examples indicate that it is very difficult to succeed with regard to all three criteria. Anyway, isn’t this why the term “trilemma” is used?
FROM 87TH to 75TH
Turkey is in 75th place in the general index. This result taken on its own appears negative but when compared to the 2012 index; it isn’t as if no progress has been made. Turkey was in 87th place in the index in 2012. Even if the progress made is not satisfactory, we have climbed 12 places.
Upon examination of the index, our relatively poor performance is mainly due to the energy equality and environment factors. Turkey was ranked 82nd in equality and 70th in regard to the environmental dimension in 2014.
The best rank Turkey attained in the sub indices was 64th with regard to energy supply security. It is clear that we have made relatively rapid progress in this respect when one considers that in 2012 we ranked 91st in this category.
We could say that the primary factor behind our general progress in the index compared to previous periods is the result of tangible steps taken in regard to supply security. However, we need rapid and continuous improvement in all areas of the trilemma.
THE WAY OUT
As I said, it is called a trilemma. Theoretically it would be great if one could reach the two best possible solutions! The most successful way out of the trilemma is renewable energy and nuclear energy. A significant portion of the globe is in agreement on this topic…
These two resources, with their pros and cons, address different areas of the trilemma; and when one thinks of the main burden on Turkey in particular, they have to support each other. This point needs to be stressed.
I had previously mentioned that I would delve into the importance of both topics and analyze them from various angles. I haven’t forgotten my promise.
The topics of nuclear and green energy will be taken up again in my column.
twitter.com/drhaticekarahan
