Energy security and sustainability

Abstract

This introductory chapter presents the concept of sustainable energy security which flows from two related notions of ‘energy security’ and ‘sustainable energy’. The chapter examines the emergence, varying interpretations and the salient aspects of energy security. Sustainable energy and its characteristics are also identified. The two notions of energy security and sustainable energy are different, but there is an intrinsic relationship between them. In order to achieve the objectives of both energy security and energy sustainability together, the concept of sustainable energy security (SES) is proposed. ‘Sustainable energy security’ (SES) is defined as ‘provisioning of uninterrupted energy services (short term and long term) in an affordable, equitable, efficient and environmentally benign manner’. The conceptualization of SES goes beyond sustainable and secure energy ‘sources’ and implies a sustainable and a secure energy ‘system’. Hence, SES is contextualized in an energy system framework and the concept of ‘sustainability’ and ‘security’ is applied to the entire ‘energy system’. This perspective accommodates the supply side, the demand side and the three dimensions of sustainable development, viz. social, economic and environmental, in its approach. The characteristics, importance and competing dimensions of SES are also highlighted.