The Narrow Pathway to A Sustainable Energy System

Abstract

Achieving a sustainable energy system is a wide and complex area of debate and is also one of the most crucial issues facing the modern world. Despite all the environmental concerns associated with its generation and consumption, its use, from very basic human activities such as making a cup of tea to the most complex industrial processes, is unavoidable and will continue to be at the heart of the many challenges that arise globally. A sustainable energy system can be summarized as a system that provides access to affordable energy, ensures that the supply is secure, while minimizing the associated environmental impacts. This article, written mainly from the UK/EU perspective, attempts to provide a brief overview of the current challenges and mitigation measures and targets as well as focusing on the EU Emissions Trading System, which is one of the key elements in the discussion, imposing cost as a driver

Keywords

• Energy, Energy Efficiency, Environment, EU Emissions Trading System, Sustainability, Green House Gases.

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