Therefore, maintaining a balance with thermal resources will be important over the long term. That said, investments could be raised and spent on projects and programmes on energy efficiency and conservation, and development of potential RES and other "green" initiatives, which could create jobs and thus redirect the economy to a more efficient use of natural resources. Furthermore, the construction and operation of new' coal-fired power plants can lead to an increase in pollution and associated health and climate risks. To achieve and sustain economic grow th, energy access at lower prices can be necessary to make industries competitive and to contribute to job creation and development.