Sustainable energy: A small review

Solar Energy As A Sustainable Source Of European Economic Growth. Scientists from leading European research institutions in the field of solar-to-fuel energy conversion call for unified action and substantial support for novel clean fuel technologies as well as a paradigm change in Europe's current energy policy. This is crucial if Europe is to maintain its environmental stability and economic development.[...]

Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A broader interpretation may allow inclusion of fossil fuels and nuclear fission as transitional sources while technology develops, as long as new sources are developed for future generations to use. A narrower interpretation includes only energy sources which are not expected to be depleted in a time frame relevant to the human race.Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded as including all renewable sources, such as biofuels, solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal power and tidal power. It usually also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency. Conventional nuclear power and fusion power may be included, but they are controversial politically due to concerns about waste disposal and the risks of disaster due to accident, terrorism, or natural disaster.

Some ways in which sustainable energy has been defined are:

• "Effectively, the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the future without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. ...Sustainable Energy has two key components: renewable energy and energy efficiency." – Renewable Energy and Efficiency Partnership (British)[1]

• "Energy which is replenishable within a human lifetime and causes no long-term damage to the environment." – Jamaica Sustainable Development Network[2]

This sets sustainable energy apart from other renewable energy terminology such as alternative energy and green energy, by focusing on the ability of an energy source to continue providing energy. Sustainable energy can produce some pollution of the environment, as long as it is not sufficient to prohibit heavy use of the source for an indefinite amount of time. Sustainable energy is also distinct from Low-carbon energy, which is only sustainable as in not adding lots of CO2 to the atmosphere.

References:
Renewable Energy and Efficiency Partnership (August 2004). "Glossary of terms in sustainable energy regulation" (pdf). Retrieved on 2008-04-19.
Jamaica Sustainable Development Network. "Glossary of terms". Retrieved on 2008-04-19.