Sustainability will replace security of supply as the energy industry’s top priority within the next 20 years as a new wave of greener-thinking professionals enter the sector.

That’s according to a new survey conducted by the European Energy Students’ Network (EESN), which suggests energy students and young professionals are a more environmentally conscious generation than their predecessors.

The respondents expect to see security of supply, affordability and sustainability under greater pressure in the future.

Compared to older power utility professionals, they think sustainability will be a much higher priority, both in 2017 and in 2037.

Around half consider security of supply to have high or very high importance in 2017, with 82% believing it will be essential in 2037.

Approximately two-thirds currently think sustainability is around medium importance to energy systems. Looking to the future, 84% agree it will have a very high importance.