Beyond traditional power systems: Energy externalities, ethics and society

Existing electric power infrastructures were based on the continuous availability of non-renewable fuels that can be stored close to the point of generation. Nevertheless, an increased use of renewable energy in electric power generation requires a paradigm shift in order to create new energy infrastructures and practices better suited for renewable sources. The decisions needed to create this new energy paradigm must go beyond the traditional economic perspective to include broader and complex social and environmental issues. This paper presents the integration of technical, economical, environmental and social aspects in power systems research guided by sustainability principles. The framework used was developed at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, and is based and informed by ethics.