The term “sustainability” can encompass several different subjects, but the underlying idea is that “systems need to be regenerative and balanced in order to last.”[1] Specifically in terms of the energy industry, a very common definition of sustainability is given by the United Nations as “meeting our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”[2] How the preceding quote came into play was the concern by the UN in 1987 of the effects of the current energy portfolio, for both the environment and economics. The need to be “sustainable” arose due to three main factors: fossil fuels (the most predominately used fuels) are of finite supply and will eventually run out, energy security became an important issue, and the current usage of fossil fuels has likely tarnished the environment because of the high emissions of carbon dioxide.
Transforming the current energy industry crisis to one that is sustainable and solves the three preceding issues takes into account how the energy is supplied and the way energy is used. By combining the implementation of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal, along with making energy conversion processes more efficient, will likely lead to sustainability. Thus, the quantity and quality of energy for future generations will not be compromised while also maintaining the amount of energy necessary for society to function.
Transforming the current energy industry crisis to one that is sustainable and solves the three preceding issues takes into account how the energy is supplied and the way energy is used. By combining the implementation of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal, along with making energy conversion processes more efficient, will likely lead to sustainability. Thus, the quantity and quality of energy for future generations will not be compromised while also maintaining the amount of energy necessary for society to function.
