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In the discussion on the necessity to ensure the basic needs of the present and future generations, the concept of sustainable development refers, among others, to the problem of availability and exhaustibility of energy carries (and in further dimension, to the necessity of ensuring energy safety). Without energy our civiliza-tion cannot function, however, none of the known ways of obtaining it is indifferent to the biosphere. Traditional coal energy system is responsible for considerable environmental pollution, the nuclear energy system after the catastrophes in Chernobyl and Fukushima raises unrest, whereas renewable energy system is not sufficiently developed to meet the energy needs of the world at present. The paper discusses the main challenges facing the energy sector and localizes discussion in the context of the multidisciplinary issue of sustainable development. It comprises not only traditional analyzed environmental, economic and social issues but also ethical, technical, legislative and political ones.
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