This briefing paper synthesises recent debates, focusing on socio-economic factors. To what extent were biofuels to blame for the food price spike? What opportunities do biofuels offer for the poorest farmers in the developing world? What are their socio-environmental risks? The paper concludes with policy recommendations to reduce the risk and maximise the opportunities

India has many years of experience using renewable energy sources to fulfill the energy needs of its population. This includes exploitation of both traditional sources (such as biomass) and nontraditional sources (such as wind power).

The State Planning Board, Karnataka, and the Institute of Social and Economic Change, Bangalore had arranged a two day seminar on 11th Five Year Plan of Karnataka: Perspectives, in Bangalore on 4-5 May 2007. The author was invited to make a presentation on Power Sector Reforms in Karnataka to take into account the possible steps during the 11th Plan period.

In 1997 the IEA produced a handy, pocket-sized summary of key energy data. This new edition responds to the enormously positive reaction to the books since then. Key World Energy Statistics from the IEA contains timely, clearly-presented data on the supply, transformation and consumption of all major energy sources.

This study aims to reveal Sub-Saharan Africa

World marketed energy consumption is projected to increase by 50 percent from 2005 to 2030. Total energy demand in the non-OECD countries increases by 85 percent, compared with an increase of 19 percent in the OECD countries.