Question

evaluate the role of alternative energy in society and the future of societies

Answer 1

Alternative energy refers to energy sources other than fossil fuels. These include renewable energy and nuclear energy. Boosted by impressive technological upgradation and innovation, alternative energy sources are changing the landscape. Among the benefits are opportunities for local value creation, for responding to growing energy demands and for reducing conflicts over scarce water, which are aggravated by fossil power generation. Allowing for distributed electricity generation, the rapidly expanding renewable energy world is opening up business models for many, including local communities, citizens and citizens’ cooperatives. Domestic energy policy can shape the enabling environment to seizing the social benefits of alternative energy.

Rapid technological innovation and substantial cost reduction, particularly for photovoltaic (PV) systems and wind power over recent years are opening up new economic, social and ecological opportunities. The development of renewable energy as a true multi-benefit system has also been indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its most recent assessment report on numerous occasions.

Citizens, local businesses and bottom-up initiatives for local renewable energy production have been true game changers in the domestic energy sectors of countries including Germany and Denmark. In contrast to established energy companies and their prevailing business models, these new players were much quicker to make use of the emerging economic opportunities presented by renewable energy. As a result, renewable energies in these countries enjoy a broad financial ownership, which not only drives the Renewable Energy market but also distributes economic returns across society.

The future is alternative energy sources and if utilised efficiently they can create for an equitable distribution whose benefits reach all levels.