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Perspectives on achieving sustainable energy production and use
Citation:
HECHT, A. D. AND C. A. MILLER. Perspectives on achieving sustainable energy production and use. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. American Institute of Physics, Melville, NY, 2(3):1002-1 - 1002-12, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
journal article
Description:
The traditional definition of sustainability calls for polices and strategies that meet society's present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Achieving operational sustainability requires three critical elements: advances in science and technology, application of effective government regulations and policies, and green business practices. Not only are these elements necessary: all three must work together across the economy. A key lesson drawn from the history of environmental regulation and especially in the climate debate is that sustainability cannot be advanced without a convergence of government and business interests, even when the requisite technology is available. The biofuel system presents an immediate and tangible test case for the successful interaction of these three critical elements. The massive investments in science and technology by both government and industry to develop new feed stocks and conversion methods are showing promise. From a regulatory perspective, existing statutes and new mandates impact all parts of the biofuel supply chain--a complex system involving feed stocks, conversion technologies, transport, storage, handling, and end use. The combination and coordination of such activities has the potential to achieve sustainable biofuel production and to demonstrate the kind of critical approaches that are essential to making sustainability operational.
