the european energy market continues to enjoy strong de mand growth at a high level electricity associ ation eurelectric forecasts demand for power among 25 states of enlarged eu rise by 1 8 per year be tween 2005 and 2010 consumer usage is expected see above average in south italy iberian penin sula east eg bulgaria romania baltic between 2020 it anticipated that this trend will off with regional divergences av erage rate put massive shortfalls on horizon creased dependence natural gas_growth coupled foreseeable reduction production capacity following closure various nuclear plants oth er old facilities after 40 years service are set result shortfall 15 alone means new or re placement magnitude 300 000 mw capital investment requirement region eur 550 billion depending plant
