RESEARCH AND ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ISSUES IN EDUCATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The current economic recession is merely caused by the existent environmental limitations where the modern environment promotes excessive energy intake and discourages the usage of alternative forms of energy. Although humans have presented excellent academic record and technology mechanisms to defend against energy reserves, only recently issues for renewable fuels which can be produced from different resources and engines became subject for significant consideration. During the last two decades the need to overcome the so called "energy-foreign exchange crisis" forced many countries to centralize their research interest to a series of new technologies such as wind turbines, hydroelectric power plants, photovoltaic and fuel cells, including the use of renewable sources and 'clean' fuels, with hydrogen to be the prevailed one. Hence the role of some fundamental disciplines of the modern societies such as education in this new environmental framework should be explored. What actually is its impact in familiarizing students and prospective consumers in terms of energy, environment and their strong linkage? Recent reports note the alarming state of scientific illiteracy (in all education levels), highlighting the absence of the Research and Development (R&D) and the applied technology in the educational system. However, how can we ensure energy, environmentally and economically sustainable literate society? This can be achieved from an early age via reforming the current Greek educational system. Technology and R&D breakthroughs should be used in all levels of educational system in order to prepare the future energy consumers to succeed in a rapidly changing world. For this reason, in this present work it is reported the role of the R&D and the technology breakthroughs in education and especially in Greece, for energy management and consequently for a sustainable future.