Clean and sustainable energy
Clean and sustainable energy refers to a form of energy produced and consumed with minimal impact on the environment and human health, while incorporating the principles of sustainability. This means that it is exploited in a way that meets current energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It is part of an approach that respects planetary boundaries, promotes social equity and contributes to long-term economic development.
Key components of clean, sustainable energy:
- Environmental:
- Low ecological impact: Drastic reduction or elimination of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollutants.
- Preservation of natural resources: Responsible and renewable use of energy sources such as the sun, wind, water or biomass from agricultural waste.
- Waste reduction: Limiting waste related to energy production and storage (e.g. recycling solar panels, nuclear waste management).
- Economic:
- Economic viability: Systems must be financially accessible, thereby promoting their adoption by the population.
- Local innovation: Encourage technologies adapted to local needs and resources to maximise their usefulness while stimulating regional economies.
- Social and ethical:
- Universal accessibility: Ensure equitable access to energy for all populations, including marginalised or isolated communities.
- Community participation: Include local populations in decisions about the development and management of energy infrastructure.
- Energy justice: Ensure that the transition to clean energy does not widen social or economic inequalities.
- Systemic sustainability:
- Life cycle consideration: Integrate sustainability criteria at all stages, from material extraction to waste management.
- Resilience: Develop infrastructure that can withstand climate hazards and adapt to future needs.
- System interconnection: Harmonise energy systems with other sectors (transport, agriculture, housing) to create sustainable synergies.
Examples of sustainable clean energy:
- Renewable energies:
- Solar energy: Harnessing the sun’s rays to produce electricity or heat, ensuring that photovoltaic panels are recycled at the end of their life.
- Wind energy: Using wind to generate electricity, with planning that avoids impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Small-scale hydroelectricity: Dams or turbines that respect local aquatic ecosystems.
- Hybrid energies and innovations:
- Green hydrogen: Produced from renewable energies, it is a sustainable storage and transport solution.
- Sustainable biomass: Use of agricultural or forestry residues without compromising resource regeneration.
- Systemic improvements:
- Smart grids: Optimisation of production and consumption to reduce waste.
- Sustainable storage: Recyclable batteries or solutions such as pumped storage stations to store energy.
Sustainable component integrated into clean energy
Adding sustainability to clean energy requires a long-term, systemic vision:
- Ecological: Not only producing cleanly, but also protecting ecosystems affected by energy infrastructure.
- Social: Ensuring that energy transitions are equitable, participatory and beneficial to all.
- Economic: Investing in technologies that minimise long-term costs for communities and governments.
- Technological: Innovating solutions that adapt to local needs while remaining modular and scalable.
Conclusion: Towards clean and sustainable energy
Sustainable clean energy goes beyond simply reducing emissions. It aims to create an energy system that is:
- Planet-friendly: Minimising ecological impacts while integrating harmoniously into ecosystems.
- Socially just: Ensuring universal and equitable access to energy.
- Economically viable: Providing a sustainable solution to meet current and future needs.
It is a fundamental pillar of the global energy transition, essential for achieving climate goals while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.