ENERGY POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

Energy use and environmental degradation associated with its use in developing countries are expected to increase well into the 21st century, with adverse ramifications on sustainable development prospects worldwide. This paper examines various energy policies to promote sustainable development in developing countries, noting that many such policies imply lower overall growth rates. Short-term policies such as measures encouraging efficient use of energy are generally energy specific, while long-term measures encompass broader development policies having an impact on energy resource development and use patterns. Economic and institutional barriers and constraints which may impede the effectiveness of these policies exist in many developing countries. These barriers and constraints often constrain general development prospects as well.