Renewable Energy and Resource Efficiency: Governance Is Key

Abstract

This chapter draws insights into the nature of energy security by emphasising its contextual, dynamic, multidimensional and polysemic features. It then identifies critical questions requiring further investigation (e.g. about the trade-offs involved in using the emergent twenty-first century energy security paradigm). The chapter argues that the value of the proposed novel model of energy security is in its ability to transform the energy sector and ensure sustainability. The sustainability approach is useful as it accommodates critical perspectives on energy security (ever-increasing utilisation of renewables, complemented by continuous improvements in efficiency and energy efficiency), which forms the governance’ focus. Future research opportunities (energy security as value to society, community mobilisation) are also identified.