POWER 2000 - A NEW CONCEPT FOR THE ELECTRICAL-POWER INDUSTRY IN THE 21ST-CENTURY

A new concept for an alternative structure of the electrical power ind ustry in the twenty-first century is outlined. It is argued that throu gh a transition period, the existing dynamic for change driven by tech nological and economic development would shift the main means of produ ction from mechanical ones into high technology devices utilizing the achievements of ''mechatronics.'' It is assessed that a biological par adigm would prevail, examples of which are presented to prove its infl uence on energy systems. These developments will affect power economie s, with a direction sketched towards an increase in the use of renewab le energies.