What does "sustainable energy" mean?

Sustainable energy refers to energy that is generated from renewable resources and is utilized in a manner that satisfies current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own energy requirements. This concept emphasizes the importance of considering the environmental impact of energy production and usage today while preserving resources for the future.

Renewable resources include solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, all of which can be replenished naturally over time and thus do not deplete like fossil fuels. The essence of sustainability lies in balance: using energy in a way that minimizes harm to the environment, conserves resources, and promotes ongoing availability for future use.

In contrast, the other choices describe energy sources or concepts that do not align with sustainability. Finite and exhaustible sources, like fossil fuels, inherently lead to depletion. Energy solely produced from fossil fuels does not support the long-term health of the environment or future availability and is not considered sustainable. Lastly, energy that is categorized only as industrial neglects significant residential energy needs and does not encompass the broader understanding of sustainability for all sectors of society.