Building a sustainable energy future: Supply and demand options

Fossil fuel depletion and concerns over global climate change are increasing the demand for sustainable and clean solutions for electricity generation. In the coming years some of the most difficult engineering challenges in history will have to be faced if a future with sustainable energy is to be developed. In light of this challenge investments in human infrastructure are essential in particular for early stage students who represent the generation who will have to truly solve future energy needs. This paper discusses an initiative in Ireland to foster an interest in energy issues for undergraduate students. A report made by the students on sustainable energy issues in Ireland is discussed here. The students focussed on recommendations that can be achieved in the short to medium term thus in many cases the infrastructural changes needed are simply a change in thinking or operational approach. One of the key infrastructural issues that arose is the importance of spatial planning in all areas of energy demand and supply.