THE MAIN ASPECTS OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD BETWEEN THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTIONS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF ELECTRICITY)

Abstract

The variability of the energy sector was studied in the periods between industrial revolutions, i.e. the restructuring of the system of production, consumption, transportation and supply of energy resources under the influence of a changing external environment. Specific trends were described in mineral extraction after 1900 and shown that the global increase in coal mining and hydrocarbon production from 1900 to 2019 increased the annual production of fossil carbon approximately 20 times, from 500 Mt in 1900 to 6 .7 Gt a century later and to 10.2 Gt in 2019. Because of the asymmetric distribution of minerals, this production led to global oil trade, but the analysis showed that there were significant limits and exceptions where global growth resulted in absorption and reduction of national production or a complete cessation of fuel production. Technical improvements were the most important factors in this cheap and productive extraction, transportation, and processing, as well as increased environmental friendliness. We have shown in the study that there has been a noticeable shift in the direction of higher-quality fuel, that is, from coal to oil and natural gas. The result of this process was the relative decarbonization of global fossil fuel production, while the absolute level of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere increased. In the article, we proposed promising directions and areas that require increased investment due to the needs of increasing the competitiveness of the economy, achieving overall sustainable development and the growth of energy innovations as a favorable factor that ensures the formation of Industry 4.0. We have determined that the development of leading technologies is a promising direction for ensuring the growing consumption of industry in the conditions of Industry 4.0. Technological changes are so powerful that they make our age both the most promising and at the same time full of threats in the history of mankind. The scientific provisions, conclusions and proposals formulated and substantiated by the authors can be applied for further scientific developments and at the legislative level to solve the problem of improving the energy sector in the conditions of the formation of Industry 4.0.