Title: Developing criteria for sustainable energy technology

Authors: Dave Elliott, Alexi Clarke

Addresses: Technology Policy Group, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK. ' Technology Policy Group, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK

Abstract: Assuming that the primary strategic requirement is to develop energy technologies which meet human needs without undermining ecological process, there is a need to develop guidelines to aid the process of technological assessment and choice. A tentative set of generalised criteria for sustainable energy technologies is developed, with the emphasis on the rapid expansion of the use of renewable energy, combined with measures to improve the efficiency with which existing fuels are used. Some key strategic development issues are then considered, with particular reference to the need to find ways to evaluate and compare environmental impacts, and some current policy prescriptions and viewpoints are critically reviewed.

Keywords: energy conservation; environmental impact; renewable energy; sustainable development; technology assessment criteria; sustainability; energy technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1997.063340

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1997 Vol.9 No.4/5/6, pp.264-274

Published online: 10 Jul 2014 *

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