Application of Concepts in Sustainability and Physics to Stimulate the Transition to a Low-carbon Energy Mix

Sustainable development is that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In studies of sustainability, the three pillars of sustainability need to work together, namely: (a) environment, (b) social equity, and (c) economics.

In applying these concepts to global energy options, the challenge is to find ways of making low-carbon energy solutions sustainable. Concerning the three main classes of low-carbon energy, last decade has seen a significant growth in the renewables and natural gas sectors; however, CCS has made limited progress. An important route to making CCS a more sustainable option is via CO2-EOR as part of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) systems.

To address societal aspects of sustainable development, we need to appreciate that our sustainable future depends on achieving a low-carbon energy mix. The scientific case for the urgent need to protect our atmosphere from the damaging effect of man-made emissions of greenhouse gases is now overwhelming, and is essentially a matter of appreciating the basic principles of physics.