This European Commission Green Paper, adopted in 2000, reviews the current state of energy supply in the European Union, outlines the environmental and economic challenges, and proposes an energy strategy to secure supplies for the future. Modern economy is energy-intensive, based on the major sources of oil, gas and coal. Resources of these within the European Community are limited, and this will lead to increasing dependence on outside markets. Energy options considered include nuclear energy and new and renewable sources, including hydroelectric power and biofuels. Concern about climate change has led to greater stress on sustainable energy resources. The interdependency of the member states of the European Union means that decisions on energy policy by one government affect the others. The weaknesses in current energy supply are assessed as being physical, economic, social or environmental risks. Forecasts illustrate the potential instability of the market. Priorities for the future management of energy supply comprise controlling the growth of demand and managing supply dependence, including ensuring the existence of supplies outside the European Union.
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