32 Socio-Energy Systems Design: A Policy Framework for Energy Transitions

Over the past several decades, there have been significant concerns and countless discussions about the future of energy. Some fear that we will run out of petroleum reserves sooner rather than later. Some fear that we have too many petroleum reserves and that the temptation to use them and further pollute our atmosphere will be too great. Some worry about the unequal distribution of energy and the economic impact that it can have on developing areas. All of these issues and others have motivated individuals, companies, and governments to advocate for and attempt to develop entirely new systems of energy generation and distribution. They are calling for a massive energy transition from a world largely powered by fossil fuels to one that relies on alternative and sustainable energy sources.