Shell sets out vision of energy future

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell unveiled its vision of the world's future energy sources Thursday, suggesting two scenarios where policy either remains with individual countries or is decentralised to allow a reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

In both cases, Shell envisaged gas and oil prices should reach a "plateau" at around 2015, but the main energy source will be provided by coal, which is "available, cheap" and requires simple technology, the company said.

The company's vice-president, Jeremy Bentham, outlined the possibilities in a report -- "Shell energy scenarios to 2050: an era of revolutionary change" -- to reporters in London Thursday.

The report said energy demands were growing at an unprecedented rate and...