LONDON -- If all the energy experts, the analysts and the consultants are right -- and often they are not -- the people of Western Europe, and especially Britain, are in for an uncomfortable time over the next few years.

Coming soon, so the forecasts predict, are serious shortfalls in electricity supply, power cuts, falls in gas pressure (and outright interruptions to industry), Russian failures to meet their gas supply undertakings, further gasoline and diesel price increases, much higher electricity and gas prices (plus levies and taxes), still rising emissions of carbon and other polluting gases into the world's atmosphere, much more burning of coal, especially in the developing world, rows about new nuclear power stations and about radioactive waste disposal, anger about forests of wind pylons in beauty spots, many icy winters ahead and nastier weather conditions everywhere.

At a time when public debate is full of talk about a greener, cleaner future and about the measures to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency, this may all sound pessimistic. Surely, the optimists argue, the rush for low-carbon technologies, hybrid vehicles and general energy and fuel savings will bring a more pleasant energy future. Surely this is just round the corner, because the political leaders and commentators have told us so.