tries will exhibit increasing demand for energy through the year 2000. This inelasticity of demand has already been shown over the past ten years as energy prices were sharply increased without triggering any corresponding drop in demand. According to a recent study prepared by the Workshop for Alternative Energy Strategies (WAES) (1), the total energy demand in the developing countries is expected to increase from 592 million tons oil equivalent (t.o.e.) to between 964 million and 1,164 t.o.e. in 1985 and between 1,764 million and 2,593 million in the year 2000. Table 1 provides an estimate of the energy consumption in developing countries based upon several assumptions regarding economic growth, real energy prices, government policy and for the 1985-2000 period, the principal replacement fuel (coal or nuclear). In another study prepared for the World Energy Conference (2), projections based on an economic growth rate of 4-5% per annum led to the expectation that the total energy requirements (including wood and solar) in the developing countries will reach between 2,231 million and 3,174 million t.o.e. by the year 2000. More detailed statistics of these projections are provided in Table 2. A synthesis of the WAES, World Energy Conference and United Nations energy consumption projections can be found in Fig. 1. Although the question of energy is now of worldwide concern, its availability is particularly vital to the developing countries. Not only do they have a natural desire for energy independence, but the attainment of their primary development goals will TABLE 2 PROJECTED ENERGY DEMAND AND PRODUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, 1985 AND 2000 (MILLIONS OFTONS OF OIL EQUIVALENT)
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