Energy Transition / Industrial Ecology (PDF)

This book opens up a critical dimension of energy transition taking in account multidimensional challenges on economic, social and environmental fields. The book discusses the trends in the field of energy transition and evolving practices adopted by public authorities and companies for betterment of environment and society. The editors (4) identify directions and challenges involved in the energy transition. The novelty of this book is the multidisciplinary approach, being presented the economic, social and environmental challenges involved in the energy transition. The energy transition is accompanied by a complex process of changing attitudes and behaviors of energy consumers and producers. The consequences are profound not only economically and environmentally but also socially, renewable energy being a solution for energy poverty reduction and development of rural communities. Therefore, certain social and environmental problems generated by energy poverty are solved by using renewable energy. Moreover, the complexity of the phenomenon is presented not only in terms of the analysis of the main sources of renewable energy but also the ethical aspects involved in the use of sources such as biofuels. In the case of this source, the main problem is whether the use of certain agricultural products for the production of biofuels threatens food security, especially in rural areas.

All categories of stakeholders must show responsibility and get involved in this complex process which requires a remarkable technical and financial effort. The energy transition can offer innovative solutions through which the impact of economic activity on the environment is minimized, and in this way, industrial ecology achieves its objectives to support sustainable development. The demands imposed by industrial ecology must shape not only the behavior of oil and gas companies but also of entities involved in the production and consumption of renewable energy. Given the negative externalities generated, companies in the fossil fuel sector have become increasingly socially responsible, their social and environmental performance (non-financial) being presented in detail in the annual sustainability reports to inform stakeholders. Therefore, this book is an important read not only for scholars, but also for those who are interested in ensuring an environmentally sustainable future taking in account energy transition challenges.