ABSTRACT

Considering the very probable depletion of liquid fossil fuels toward 2090 and the start of declination of oil production in 2020 through 2030, humankind will face the huge challenge of maintaining its economic growth and stable technological development without compromising the welfare of the future generations (sustainable development). In addition, the quality of life for people from developing and underdeveloped countries should be improved without compromising the life level of those people in developed nations. Kosaric and Velikonja (1995) point out that the solution to this problematic situation depends on how mankind develops and implements viable technologies for the industry, transport sector, and heating based on alternative (renewable) fuels and feedstocks as well as ensuring the availability of sufcient amounts of renewable resources (energy and raw materials). Furthermore, man should develop and implement technologies for reducing the environmental pollution and CO2 emissions. For these reasons, the renewable energies may partially or totally replace the fossil fuels, especially if humankind does not choose the dangerous pathway toward the global development of nuclear energy as a primary source of energy.