4. From sign to market

4.1 Market situation

Global energy consumption is outstripping population growth. This trend, combined with the increasing scarcity and cost of fossil energy resources, calls for a change of energy paradigm. Two avenues seem to be emerging: a reduction in energy consumption and a change in energy sources. A reduction in per capita consumption is already underway, notably in the United States since the mid-1990s. However, this reduction is not sufficient to counterbalance both economic and demographic growth, particularly in India and China.

As far as the development of alternative energy sources is concerned, the growth in investment in renewable energies indicates that the main consumer countries, both present and future, are aware of this need.

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