ABSTRACT
As described in Chapter 2, cities primarily import high-quality raw fuels and export their wastes. This allows them to maintain high degrees of order within constrained spaces, a necessity for urban living. However, that is not to say that cities only import energy resources such as natural gas or electricity. Urban renewable energy sources – that is, renewable energy sources that lie predominantly within the urban boundary or the near hinterland – are an option for all cities, particularly those at early stages of development where lower energy demands and a lack of distribution infrastructure may make local resources an attractive option.
