Sustainability challenges for future energy systems

Sustainability is the comprehensive paradigm on the basis of which it is possible to assess the perspectives of future evolution of all anthropogenic activities, including energy system exploitation and relations with the environment. This paper discusses some conceptual aspects concerning the many components that must be taken into account in order to address sustainability issues properly. These components belong to different fields of knowledge and application, ranging from technical and economic issues to a wider set of entries including production organization and quality, risk management, ecology, social, equity and diversity issues. Energy efficiency and climate change concepts are recalled to provide indications on the current status and envisioned perspectives in the corresponding areas. The discussion is then widened to address the critical points emerging in the definition of sustainability indicators. Specific references are made to recent scientific papers and regulatory documents of the European Union and various international organizations.