What does 'sustainable energy' refer to?

Sustainable energy refers to energy that is renewable and non-polluting. This means it comes from sources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, without depleting resources or causing long-term environmental harm. The concept of sustainability emphasizes the importance of meeting current energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own energy needs — a principle that aligns perfectly with the characteristics of renewable and non-polluting energy sources.

In contrast to sustainable energy, energy sourced from fossil fuels is limited and contributes significantly to pollution and environmental degradation. In addition, energy that persists beyond future needs does not necessarily take into account the environmental impact or the renewability of the sources. Lastly, energy that meets current needs while compromising future requirements directly opposes the principle of sustainability, which aims to balance present and future energy demands responsibly. Therefore, the definition of sustainable energy encompasses the essential qualities of being both renewable and non-polluting.