2.8. Energy production

Due to both population growth and economic growth, energy consumption and resulting greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing in the pan European region, despite energy efficiency improvements and an increased use of renewable energy in certain areas. This trend is expected to continue if no additional policies and measures are implemented. Total energy consumption throughout the pan-European region is growing and remains dominated by fossil fuels. Despite large reductions in some air emissions in parts of Europe, the energy supply sector remains a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Increasing investments in renewable energy production installations in all regions remains a key tool to meeting environmental challenges and to improving security of supply.

Increased use of fuel for domestic use may increase the public health effects. Various forms of electric power generation are associated with public and occupational health impacts along the production life cycle - from fuel extract to waste disposal - or recycling.

In general, renewable energies seem to be preferable especially if no combustion is involved in the different production stages. However, a holistic view is necessary in order to analyze the public health impacts of energy production as a basis for avoiding surprises and reducing risks in the future. The WHO has summarized the health impacts of different forms of electrical power generation below as shown in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4. Health impacts of different forms of electrical power generation.

Source: WHO (2004)

Many health outcomes depend on the technology used, occupational health and safety practices, measures of control of pollutant emissions, workers protection legislation and practices and enforcement mechanisms. Many of these activities are under the responsibility of the enterprise. The exposure of the local population is very much dependent on the location of human settlements in relation to pollution dispersal and population vulnerability. Such factors are likely to significantly influence the associated health effects. We have to make sure that the highest measures of protection are adopted by the enterprises and energy companies, in order to control air, soil or water pollutants’ impact on the environment and therewith on human health. Renewable sources, such as photovoltaic and wind energy, are associated with fewer health effects in general. There has been a shift in the types of fuels used, away from coal and towards relatively cleaner ones, such as gas, in several central and Eastern European countries, both in district heating systems and in individual houses. The increased use of renewable energy, especially wind, solar and photovoltaic energy, will have positive health benefits. The production of electricity from nuclear sources has increased. Further major increases in nuclear power are not expected, however, until after 2020, when some increase may be necessary to meet the targets for reducing greenhouse gases. As noted above, addressing public concerns about the human health consequences of nuclear power accidents and nuclear waste disposal is a "must" for policy makers. The market price of energy is also very important for health; in fact, significant increases in prices of essential forms of energy (e.g. as is currently the case for oil) are likely to have a major impact on prices of manufactured and transported goods (e.g. food).