Introduction
The concept of energy can be very ambiguous, but scientists define it as the ability to do work. There are many forms of energy: heat, light, motion. It can change from form to form to be able to do work. [1] For example, solar energy can be transformed into heat to warm up a house.
On the other hand, sustainability is defined by EEA (European Environment Agency) as “meeting the world’s needs of today and tomorrow by creating systems that allow us to live well and within the limits of our planet”. [2] Another way of understanding sustainability is to never to take more than the other can afford to give away, which can be applied to the ecosystem, energy systems and human society.
Combining the two concepts brings us to sustainable energy, the key to the energy transition capable of addressing current problems like climate change and habitat loss.
To understand sustainable energy, it’s important to note that while it’s closely related to renewable energy, they are not the same concept. Sustainable energy also implies that it should be consumed efficiently while being affordable. [3]
Sources of energy
Primary energy sources take many forms including nuclear energy, fossil energy (oil, natural gas & coal) and renewable energy source (solar, wind, geothermal tides etc.). These types of energy are used to be transformed in a second energy source like electricity, heat and liquid fuels.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy comes from nuclear reactions. Nuclear fission, the separation of one nucleus into two or more, is produced in a reactor, generating heat that is later converted into electricity. This type of energy does not emit greenhouse gases but can be very dangerous due to its nuclear waste that can remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years. However, 90% of the nuclear waste generated by the production of nuclear energy can be recycled.[4]
Fossil Energy
Fossil energy comes from decomposed plants and animals buried deep under the Earth’s surface for millions of years, which means it is not limitless. That is why these resources are called non-renewable energy. This type of energy is the most used currently but is one of the main factors contributing to global warming due to greenhouse gases emissions, as well as other impacts like air pollution and habitat loss. [5]
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is produced from the sun, the wind, and water, which are limitless resources. They are considered to be much less harmful to the environment than nuclear and fossil fuels, producing far fewer emissions or pollution, and they can be independent from the grid, establishing energy security. The biggest problem is that energy production is not constant because it depends on external factors like the wind. [6] Whilst at one time renewable energy was more expensive, today large-scale solar and wind projects are producing some of the world’s cheapest electricity.
Sustainability and sustainable development
Sustainability and sustainable development go hand in hand. The definition of sustainable development was established by the Brundtland Commission in 1987: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”[7]
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.[8]
The concept of sustainability is a bit complex. It rests on three pillars: environmental, economic and social. To achieve sustainability, all three pillars need to be addressed.
- Environmental sustainability involves living within the limits of natural resources. It means consuming resources without surpassing their limits in terms of materials, water and land.
- Economic sustainability involves efficient resource use to maintain consistent profitability for a company or country.
- Social sustainability refers to a social system’s ability to promote well-being and positive outcomes.
Sustainable energy is crucial in achieving sustainable development, as it addresses the environmental, economic and social factors. [4]
Current regulations
To promote the use of sustainability energy, the world has come up with different policies. The Sustainable Development Goals, as mentioned earlier, are 17 goals established in 2015 to be reached in 2030. One of the goals is affordable and clean energy, in other words, sustainable energy. This policy was created by the United Nations.[9]
In Europe, the Green Deal aims to transform EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where sustainable energy plays a huge role. The main objectives are achieving no greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, economic growth decoupled from resource use and,ensuring no person and no place is left behind.[10]
HYIELD, a sustainable energy solution
In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, addressing global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion is imperative. HYIELD represents a significant advancement in this journey by offering a practical solution that integrates waste management with clean hydrogen production.
By creating a multistage steam gasification and gas separation process, HYIELD will transform waste and organic material into low-carbon hydrogen. The overall objective is to open a new low-cost pathway for clean hydrogen production and waste management to accelerate Europe’s progress towards zero-carbon and zero landfill goals. The project utilizes sustainable energy and will serve as a tool for sustainable development by using waste to produce energy. Through this method, not only will greenhouse emissions be reduced, but organic waste will be minimized as well. By embracing sustainable energy solutions like HYIELD, we can move towards a more sustainable era that balances environmental protection, economic growth, and social well-being.
References
[1] https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/what-is-energy/
[2] https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/topics/at-a-glance/sustainability
[3] https://www.repsol.com/en/energy-and-the-future/future-of-the-world/sustainable-energy/index.cshtml
[4] https://earth.org/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-nuclear-energy/
[5] https://group.met.com/en/mind-the-fyouture/mindthefyouture/pros-and-cons-of-fossil-fuels
[6] https://www.ibm.com/blog/renewable-energy-advantages-disadvantages/
[7] https://circularecology.com/sustainability-and-sustainable-development.html
[8] https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals
[9] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/sustainable-development-goals_en
[10] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
Writer: Zoe Cardell
Editorial: Nick Chapman and Lucía Salinas
August, 2024
