China has the second largest electricity supply system in the world. Since implementation of reform and opening-up policy, the Chinese power industry has grown rapidly. Now the Chinese power sector is undergoing a major transformation from a state-owned sector to a market-oriented industry. This...

The objective of this paper is to analyse the background of the reform process in the Brazilian Electricity Industry and to examine the adequacy of the new energy policy being implemented as a way to restore the level of investment, in particular private investment. The Brazilian experience of...

Facing rapid urbanisation in developing countries, public utilities' electricity management is challenged by an ever-growing demand and collapsing infrastructures. Economic growth and consumers' related behaviours add to the technical and governance problems. We analyse the ways in which...

Market-based instruments increasingly shape international environmental governance. Against this background, this paper puts forward a conceptual framework on the development of regulated global carbon markets. Regarding the adoption of carbon trading as an instance of wider shifts in governance...

This paper examines how electricity reforms in India managed to influence the responses of generating firms. Indian electricity reforms have federal and state character. This paper utilises an extensive survey of generation units in Gujarat State. The findings suggest that reforms have created...

This paper is adapted from a speech given by James Bond at the International Energy Agency, 14 May 1998. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and should not be attributed in any manner to the World Bank, to its affiliated organisations, or to members of its board of...

Photovoltaic (PV) technology has recently evolved as an attractive option for rural electrification worldwide, particularly in the developing countries. However, a number of barriers need to be addressed for its widespread introduction. Capacity enhancement of institutions and individuals is...

Lack of access to an adequate, affordable and environmentally friendly energy supply is a severe constraint for development. Financial sustainability and demand-side focus of projects are the most relevant parameters to consider for long-term sustainability of electrification projects according...

The role of farmers as future energy producers of China is explored within a fast changing rural economy. Data on rural households energy demand, socio-economic and environmental data are used from a household survey with a geographical spread over China. A concept of a more flexible energy...

This study makes an empirical analysis of energy intensity versus per capita GDP in seven developing countries from 1973 to 1995. It is based on two data sets that cover different statistical scopes for total primary energy supply. The results reveal that the statistical scope of total primary...