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Outlook
In the year 2050 there will be 9 billion inhabitants of the earth, 3 billion more than today. By 2020 the world energy demand will have risen by 50% to 178000 TWh/year. The global demand for electricity will have risen by 70% to 22000 TWh/year.
 This steady rise in worldwide energy consumption increases the risk for a global environmental catastrophe. Today, 85% of the need for primary energies is covered with fossil fuels - with dramatic consequences on mankind and nature due to the associated greenhouse gas emissions. A significant shift towards promoting sustainable renewable energies is therefore essential to ensuring a future worth living. An expanded and durable use of hydropower will significantly contribute towards this goal.
Among the renewal technologies it is hydropower which, throughout its life-cycle (from the processing of raw materials, construction, operation to the dismantling and disposal), produces the least amount of emissions. 9 g CO2 per kWh produced. Counteracting the aggravation of the greenhouse effect and its consequences necessarily means an increased use of hydropower.
 In addition hydropower helps prevent water shortages, floods, and makes it even possible to provide cost effective power in remote locations. Many countries have long ago recognized the advantages of using hydropower: Canada, Switzerland or Venezuela satisfy 50% of their demand for electricity from hydropower, Norway and Brazil even reach 90%. Small to medium-sized hydropower plants will play a major role in the development of rural areas in Asia, Central and South America. WKV is actively involved with its proven technology - 25 years of experience in over 30 countries worldwide.
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