Final answer:
The global energy system has been built primarily to ensure a stable energy supply, which is crucial for economic growth and development. While environmental sustainability is a growing concern, historically the development of energy infrastructure has been oriented more towards economic objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose for which our global energy system has been built is a subject of complex considerations that span economic, political, and environmental factors. However, the primary purpose distilled from various sources indicates a focus on economic growth and ensuring a stable energy supply. Energy is a cornerstone of modern civilization and is deeply intertwined with economic development and prosperity.
It is evident that concerns for energy sustainability and affordability are critical, as non-renewable energy resources such as fossil fuels are becoming scarcer and more expensive, prompting engineers and scientists to work on developing new energy technologies for the future.