Energy & Regulation

FROM - Carbon  based fuels are a necessary driver of human advancement and prosperity.

TO - Living within a clean closed loop system of energy production and consumption.

Description of tensions and questions to be explored

We need to stimulate the introduction of zero-carbon technologies alongside reducing existing emissions. Is the mixed portfolio of renewables the holy grail of energy? Will nuclear fusion be available in time to help us in the current crisis? To what degree do we need to challenge the residual mistrust of nuclear technology?

Energy has to be considered at the macro scale within international agreements especially to tap tidal and wind power. It also impacts micro facilities and choices where people can decide whether to use low-energy light bulbs and have smart meters. But any changes in behaviour will need to account for less consumption.

Should we be denying developing countries the use of the same fossil fuels that enabled development in industrial countries? Is clean coal technology appropriate for these needs?

Big businesses are starting to accept that they can lead the way in carbon management and trading practice. What is the role of government in facilitating this? Smaller energy entrepreneurs are making great strides in the renewables sector, but feel that policy-makers and -mechanisms have yet to catch up with the intangible and tangible value of allowing risks. How do we break the stalemate between the two?

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