 given the rapid evolution of technology in this sector, it is important to keep in mind that any attempt accurately to anticipate change over a 30-year period is obviously an impossible task. In particular, it is impossible to anticipate what technology will find widespread acceptance. Technological change is expected to proceed at a more sedate pace in the electricity sector, although technical progress in telecoms could have important spillover effects for the management of electricity networks. According to the IEA chapter, technical advances will be reflected in part in the improved energy efficiency of electrical equipment, notably in developing countries. This could moderate increases in the demand for electricity in these countries, but it is not clear by how much. New technology could also contribute to cut distribution losses, thereby reducing the need for generating and transmission capacity. The choice of generating technology [e.g. natural gas-fired combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT)] affects the size and location of power plants and therefore the need for transmission capacity. For instance, the volatile production patterns that result from a high proportion of renewable energy supply most likely mean increased investments in the grid, since it has to be particularly robust in order to secure reliable supply from both conventional and renewable energy production plants. However, technological factors need to be balanced against other factors, notably security of supply considerations. For instance, growing concerns about the reliability of supply of gas from Russia may dampen somewhat the enthusiasm for gas-fired electricity generation in Europe. On the other hand, technological progress may have important geopolitical consequences. For instance, over the long term, effective carbon sequestration could considerably strengthen the position of coal over oil and gas, and favourably influence the geopolitics of energy for consuming countries. And the successful development of long-life batteries could si