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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 bio-fuels, solar power, wind power, wave
power, geothermal power and tidal power. It
usually also includes technologies that improve
energy efficiency. Conventional fission power is
sometimes referred to as sustainable, but this
is controversial politically due to concerns
about peak uranium, waste disposal and the risks
of disaster due to accident, terrorism, or
natural disaster. |
