by Gunnar Boye Olesen, OVE

In 1991 a group of NGOs finalized an NGO-strategy for energy, called "Sustainable energy development, - towards a world strategy". In this work they used the main NGO-positions on energy, and described how they could be implemented in the energy systems of the world.

Now this strategy is supported by 56 non-governmental organizations worldwide.

The strategy calls for:

• restructuring of the energy sectors of the industrialized countries to allow energy savings and renewable energies to reach their potential of meeting energy needs, thereby realizing the necessary reductions of C02 and other pollutants, and without using nuclear power;

• change till sustainable lifestyles;

• for all countries to define and follow sustainable energy strategies.

For industrialized countries the strategy calls for a restructuring of the present systems, that favour fossil fuels and nuclear power over the cleaner options. The different supply and efficiency solutions should have equal access to the markets, and to financing. Environmental costs should be included in the evaluation of the alternatives.

The transport sector has the fastest growing energy consumption, and special measures have to be taken to favour trains and busses over cars and planes, and to reduce transport.

For developing countries, where 75% of the worlds population use 25% of the worlds energy consumption, there is a need for increased energy consumption for basic needs and development. But the more efficient and locally based the energy structure is, the more will it support a stable development. A sustainable energy balance should give immediate priority to developing renewable sources of energy and to the end-user approach, involving local participation of consumers, NGOs, and R&D institutions. There are needs for local institutional development, training, information, promotion of renewable energy, efficiency technologies and energy planning.

The strategy also calls for international collaboration as described In the articles of NGO energy network and a sustainable energy agency.