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Why sustainable energy matters
Why sustainable energy matters

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4.4 Sustainability of renewable energy sources

Renewable energy sources are generally sustainable in the sense that they cannot 'run out' – although, as noted above, both biomass and geothermal energy need wise management if they are to be used sustainably. For all of the other renewables, almost any realistic rate of exploitation by humans would be unlikely to approach their rate of replenishment by nature, though of course the use of all renewables is subject to various practical constraints.

Renewable energies are also relatively 'sustainable' in the additional sense that their environmental and social impacts are generally more benign than those of fossil or nuclear fuels. However, the deployment of renewables in some cases entails significant environmental and social impacts. Renewable energy sources are generally much less concentrated than fossil or nuclear fuels, so large areas of land (or building surfaces) are often required if substantial quantities of energy are to be collected. This can lead to a significant visual impact, as in the case of wind turbines.

Also, the monetary costs of many renewable sources are at present considerably higher than those of conventional fuels. Until this imbalance is reduced, either by reducing the costs of renewables or through increases in the costs of conventional sources, renewables may be unable to succeed in capturing a substantial fraction of the world market.

Renewables may seem attractive in many ways, but how large a contribution might they make to world energy needs in the future?