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Impact assessment for a sustainable energy future'Reflections and practical experiences

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  • Hugé, Jean
  • Waas, Tom
  • Eggermont, Gilbert
  • Verbruggen, Aviel

Abstract

As energy issues are at the top of the policy agenda worldwide, policy-makers increasingly need better decision-supporting processes to assist them in fostering a sustainable energy future. This paper reflects on the interpretation of sustainable development, and links these reflections with the theory and practice of impact assessment applied on energy issues. An analysis of existing impact assessment approaches with regard to their contribution to sustainable development leads to a set of principles for 'sustainability assessment'. Through a study of a participatory impact assessment supporting the development of a radioactive waste management plan in Belgium, the interpretational limits of sustainable development in a nuclear energy context are discussed. This paper sheds light on the complex context in which impact assessment exercises must contribute to sustainable energy development, with a focus on the nuclear energy'(un)sustainability nexus.

Suggested Citation

  • Hugé, Jean & Waas, Tom & Eggermont, Gilbert & Verbruggen, Aviel, 2011. "Impact assessment for a sustainable energy future'Reflections and practical experiences," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(10), pages 6243-6253, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:39:y:2011:i:10:p:6243-6253
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    6. Tom Waas & Jean Huge & Thomas BLOCK & Tarah Wright & Francisco Javier Benitez Capistros & Aviel Verbruggen, 2014. "Sustainability assessment and indicators: Tools in a decision-making strategy for sustainable development," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/189410, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    7. Thygesen, Janne & Agarwal, Abhishek, 2014. "Key criteria for sustainable wind energy planning—lessons from an institutional perspective on the impact assessment literature," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 1012-1023.
    8. Ahmed M. N. Masoud & Marika Belotti & Amani Alfarra & Sabrina Sorlini, 2022. "Multi-Criteria Analysis for Evaluating Constructed Wetland as a Sustainable Sanitation Technology, Jordan Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-24, November.
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    10. Anastasiia Moldavska & Torgeir Welo, 2015. "Development of Manufacturing Sustainability Assessment Using Systems Thinking," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-26, December.
    11. Kontić, Branko & Bohanec, Marko & Kontić, Davor & Trdin, Nejc & Matko, Maruša, 2016. "Improving appraisal of sustainability of energy options – A view from Slovenia," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 154-171.
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    14. Wang, Zhenfeng & Xu, Guangyin & Lin, Ruojue & Wang, Heng & Ren, Jingzheng, 2019. "Energy performance contracting, risk factors, and policy implications: Identification and analysis of risks based on the best-worst network method," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 1-13.
    15. Luthra, Sunil & Mangla, Sachin Kumar & Kharb, Ravinder K., 2015. "Sustainable assessment in energy planning and management in Indian perspective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 58-73.
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