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Today, everyone seems to have an opinion on energy. You probably know whether you are pro-nuclear or against, whether the world should install more renewables or not.
Now, ask yourself this: What is renewable energy? How about the future of renewable energy – what will that be?
You might be surprised by not having any firm answers off the top of your head. The reason is that, while sounding simple, these questions are terribly complex.
Renewable energy is often described as energy derived from natural, inexhaustible, or replenishable resources. Resources included in these descriptions are sometimes dependent on the sun, wind, or water. In addition, the Collins English Dictionary says that renewable energy is derived without “causing severe ecological damage”.
The latter is questionable; for example, hydropower, regularly considered a renewable energy source, is famously damaging to the surrounding environment and wildlife. While perhaps not obviously evident, there is much more to be asked for in terms of renewable energy.
…To read the full article, head over to Issue 31: Science in the 22nd Century
Written by Alexandra Bruncrona (she/her), a communications professional with a background in energy technology (MSc) and linguistics (BA) and a Narrative Futures student at the University of Edinburgh.
