Environmental and Social Aspects of Energy Policy

This paper presents what are currently perceived as salient environmental and social issues that are, or may become, significant in determining Australian energy policies during the next twenty years or more. The significance of the issues as policy factors depends as much on evolving community perceptions as on technical, ecological or economic judgements. Thus, although some policy implications are outlined, the paper emphasises that the coherent and orderly provision of energy systems requires a wide consideration of and consensus on society's goals. Thus it must be expected that inconsistencies will continue to be reflected in energy policies at least to the degree that such goals are not articulated.