Managing Sustainability in Electricity Generation

Abstract

This study looked energy sustainability and sustainable development and measures necessary to ensure that electricity generation is sustainable. Current literature in form of published journal articles and conference proceedings as well as scientific and technical reports on the area of sustainable energy and development was examined. It was noted that there can be no development without energy and there can never be sustainable development without sustainable energy. There is need to sustainably exploit the energy resources to meet current energy needs and those of future generations in an environmentally friendly manner while noting that about 35% of the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions come from energy related activities in power generation. Technological advances which include smart grids and decentralization of generation as well as energy carrier technologies are rapidly providing electricity access options available beyond the traditional grid. The study showed that electrification of the global energy mix, electrification of the transport sector, energy efficiency measures and enhanced use of low carbon and renewable energy resources for electricity will play a significant role in the future sustainable energy transition. Additionally to realize energy sustainability effective measures include increased use of solar and wind for grid electricity, use of sustainable energy carriers like hydrogen, development and adoption of energy efficiency measures, limiting environmental impact of energy use including carbon sequestration and enhancing socioeconomic acceptability through community involvement and social acceptability, economic affordability and equity, lifestyles, land use and aesthetics. Whereas renewable energy is a solution to sustainable energy and electricity, current technology and limitation make it necessary to have an optimized mix of renewable and low carbon nonrenewable for sustainable grid electricity.