In 2004, the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Partnership defined sustainable energy as an energy system that serves the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Which energy resource listed here would not be considered a sustainable energy resource?

Question

Responses
A wind powerwind power
B thorium fuel cyclethorium fuel cycle
C wave and tidal powerwave and tidal power
D concentrated solar powerconcentrated solar power
E geothermal energy

Answer 1

The energy resource that would not be considered a sustainable energy resource from the options listed is:

B. thorium fuel cycle

While thorium is a more abundant and potentially safer nuclear fuel compared to uranium, it still involves nuclear fission, which has concerns related to radioactive waste, potential for proliferation, and environmental hazards. Unlike renewable resources such as wind, wave, tidal, solar, and geothermal, which harness natural processes and have minimal long-term impact on the environment, the thorium fuel cycle still retains characteristics of traditional nuclear energy systems. Therefore, it does not fully meet the definition of sustainable energy that emphasizes serving present needs without compromising future generations.