Seven European countries in Top Ten best energy systems - The so-called mature economies have begun transition but a lot of progress is still expected in terms of the environmental, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Energy Architecture Performance Index Report 2013, carried out in collaboration with Accenture. The report measures the strengths and weaknesses of the energy systems in 105 countries on the basis of three major criteria: economic performance, respect for the environment and energy security. It is also designed to help countries tackle the challenges created in this transition period which, according to the International Energy Agency, is going to require $38 billion in investment for energy supply infrastructure by 2035 if it is going to be able to meet rising demand in the world. The report reveals that mature high-income economies are those that manage the transition to the new energy architecture most efficiently. Norway is at the head of the league table, given its solid energy policy, combined with diverse resources, which enable it to provide cheap, abundant and relatively clean energy. Sweden is second, then come France, Switzerland and New Zealand. Seven European countries are in the “Top 10”. Surprisingly, Columbia is in fifth place. No OPEC country is among the 50 world leaders, and the US is in 55th position. With regard to the BRIC countries, Brazil is in 21st position, Russia in 27th, South Africa in 59th, India in 62nd and China in 74th. The report also illustrates that so-called rich or strong growth countries often perform badly on a large number of environmental indicators. Many developing countries are still experiencing difficulties in meeting the basic energy needs of their citizens and 12% of countries analysed provided electricity to less than half of their total population. (IL/transl.fl)