What role will distributive electricity technologies play in meeting future demand? Policy makers are divided on the answer.  For some, these technologies represent the foundations from which a decentralized electricity system could be established––one in which small, clean generating systems gradually replace the existing system of large centralized power stations. To others, they represent an alternative to the siting and permitting problems that have plagued the construction of new transmission systems, while simultaneously realizing the high reliability standards required in an era of growing reliance on computing and communication technologies. To others still, distributive generation is seen as simply an economic alternative to meeting power needs. Finally there are skeptics who believe that smaller generators will never be as efficient or cost effective as larger centralized technologies.

Any international proposal for reducing carbon emissions will require active Russian participation. Russia is the fourth largest emitter of carbon in the world. Its resource base of natural gas is unmatched by any other country, and its energy sector and industry are significant consumers of fossil fuels, and thus major emitters of carbon.

The Cost of Cleaner Power in the Midwest

Competition may offset many of the environmental shortcomings of the past regulatory regimes, although it is possible that competition will result in older, dirtier coal plants being kept on-line and used more often.

In the fall of 1998, the US government was divided between those who believed that the nation should agree to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and those who believed the price tag was too high and the scientific evidence too uncertain.

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