Search

Depletion of resources and severe environmental effects resulting from the continuous use of fossil fuels has motivated an increasing amount of interest in renewable energy resources and the search for sustainable energy policies. This volume contains research papers presented at the 9th International conference on Energy and Sustainability.

In A Comprehensive Guide to Energy Production and Development, a comprehensive analysis of existing examples in international practice regarding methods for massive implementation of renewable energy technology is provided. Following this, the authors assess alternative pathways for a future European energy system through the active involvement of relevant stakeholders according to their performance in key areas, such as the regulatory framework, market maturity, economic factors and stakeholder awareness towards a sustainable energy system, by using a multicriteria decision aid method. Recent developments in the field of electricity generation and distribution in Germany are presented, and decentralized forms of electricity generation and distribution are analyzed. As the consumption of power is increasing day by day, the power generation requirement is also increasing. As such, the authors discuss how renewable systems may be very useful in remote areas. The concluding paper studies the failure modes of wind turbine gearboxes and their causes. Factors affecting the gearbox reliability in both design and manufacturing processes are then analyzed.

This book delves into the pressing issue of energy justice as it relates to SDG 7 and its far-reaching implications for society. With a comprehensive exploration of various aspects, from reducing energy burdens to political considerations, environmental justice, and human rights, this thought-provoking collection of chapters offers a profound understanding of the challenges and potential solutions surrounding energy justice. Starting with an introduction to the concept of energy justice and its significance, the editors lay the groundwork for an engaging discourse. The book then delves into the disproportionate energy burdens faced by low-income communities, shedding light on the difficult choices they must make to meet their basic needs. It further examines the intricate interplay between energy justice, politics, and environmental concerns, striving to find a harmonious balance. Drawing from a diverse range of perspectives, the chapters explore the intersection of energy justice with human rights, analyzing its implications for countries worldwide. The book also investigates the influence of disruptive events on renewable energy programs, presents an Islamic perspective on energy justice, and highlights the roles of the financial sector, fossil fuel industry, nuclear energy sector, and energy technology innovation in mitigating energy injustice. Chapter'The Role of the Financial Sector in Energy Justice'is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Energy has been both a driving force behind human civilizations and the source of so many conflicts and wars around the world. Today, it remains a major element which guides both economic and political decisions. Yet despite its huge influence on human life, energy remains an immense subject which is, in many ways, a purely abstract one to most of us; after all, nobody has actually seen what a kilowatt-hour looks like (though we may have seen what its output can do in the form of the appliances it powers).This book is designed to provide readers with a general understanding of energy. No background in related fields in higher education are needed. It explores the topic by beginning with what'energy'means and where it comes from; the different forms of energy we currently known and when they were discovered; as well as the innovative breakthroughs and historical milestones which followed their discovery. It then expounds on how each newly discovered form of energy with the use of increased scientific and engineering knowhow needed for these discoveries, and their impacts that have powered our evolution of human civilizations, before arriving at the central concern of the 21st century: how long will humanity's access to energy last?

In the current era, there are many environmental and energy challenges facing the agricultural sector, which negatively impact the climate, business, industry, and society. Through modern technologies and engineering, however, these challenges are now able to be met with solutions. There is a need for research in this area so that the industry can continue to be sustainable. Human Agro-Energy Optimization for Business and Industry presents research on humanized optimization approaches for smart energy and the agro-business industry. It is a critical scholarly resource that examines the efficient use of modern smart farming and renewable energy sources, which have a positive impact on sustainable development. Covering topics such as biomass characterization, energy efficiency, and sustainable development, this premier reference source is an essential resource for agricultural scientists, engineers, government officials, software developers, managers, business leaders, executive officers, students and educators of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Originally published in 1977 and as second edition in 1979, this book argues that without energy sources on a vast scale our present society cannot survive. According to the author, Fred Hoyle, the technology to tap solar, wind or wave power on a large enough scale just does not exist. He considers nuclear fission to be the only source currently capable of supplying our needs. The author fills in the scientific background necessary to appreciate his arguments in his lucid, direct style, so that the book can act as an ideal introduction for those unfamiliar with the energy debate. This short book is unashamedly provocative and many of the central tenets of it remain as relevant today as when it was first published.

Energy Systems and Processes: Recent Advances in Design and Control addresses advanced systematic techniques in the design, control, operation, and optimization of complex energy systems. The book discusses recent advances in the study of energy systems and various aspects of technical challenges by using state-of-the-art systematic methods. It covers a broad range of energy topics, including traditional fossil fuels, renewable energy, clean energy production and storage, emerging non-traditional energy sources such as oil sands, shale gas, and natural gas hydrates, and energy-efficient techniques like HVAC/building control. This up-to-date book: • Includes the most recent developments in systems techniques including multi-scale modeling, model predictive control, and machine learning, as applied to a wide variety of energy systems • Focuses on how systematic strategies can be used to improve energy efficiency, economic performance, and safety • Presents thorough coverage of control approaches that align with the rising interest in AI and machine learning Energy Systems and Processes: Recent Advances in Design and Control is an invaluable resource for graduate students working in energy system design, control, and optimization. It is also useful for practitioners working in the power and sustainable energy industries.

This book combines the fundamentals of industrial organization theories based on microeconomic foundations, applied econometrics and environmental and natural resource economics in undertaking a comprehensive review of reforms of the power sector and its impact on industrial and socio-economic performance. The book provides the reader with the intellectual groundwork necessary for understanding the workings and interactions of today's reforming power markets such as in the ASEAN and East Asia that are striving to achieve the energy policy trilemma of affordability, energy sustainability and energy security. The topics addressed in this book include application of welfare theorems such as competition in and for the market in the electricity sector, market failures such as lack of electricity access, analysis of forecasting models under volatility, energy resource allocation such as renewable energy and competitive market designs of energy markets. Country-specific and region-specific case studies are used to analyze the progress and outcomes of market-driven electricity reforms across the reforming and advanced electricity markets. Therefore, the book derives policy lessons and provides policy recommendations in reforming power markets for the ASEAN and East Asia taking stock of more than three decades of global experience with power sector reforms. The electricity markets case studies are carefully chosen and supported by extensive data analyses as appropriate. This book on energy economics and policy is highly recommended to readers who seek an in-depth and up-to-date integrated overview about the evolving literature and status on electricity market reforms with a particular reference to Asia.

This book focuses on the processes and materials behind energy technologies. The author details the underlying chemistry of renewable sources, such as biofuels and wind power, as well as the traditionally used coal and gas. Chapters on energy storage technologies and the connection between energy generation and climate change round off this uniquely concise overview of the relationship between chemistry and energy.

This volume provides an overview of the political economy of coal in diverse country contexts.Coal is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions globally, accounting for about 40 percent of energy-related CO2 emissions. Continued construction of coal-fired power plants could make the climate targets of the Paris Agreement infeasible to achieve. In spite of sharply declining costs for renewable energy sources, many countries still heavily rely on coal to meet their energy demand. The predominance of coal can only be adequately understood in light of the political factors that determine energy policy formulation. To this end, this edited volume assembles a wide variety of case studies exploring the political economy of coal for across the globe. These includes industrial and developing nations, coal importers and exporters as well as countries that are either substantial coal users, are just beginning to ramp up their capacities, or have already initiated a coal phase-out. Importantly, all case studies are structured along a unifying framework that focuses on the central actors driving energy policy formulation, their main objectives as well as the context that determines to what extent they can influence policy making. This large set of comparable studies will permit drawing conclusions regarding key similarities as well as differences driving coal use in different countries.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of energy, climate change, resource management, and sustainable development. It will also appeal to practitioners and policymakers involved in sustainable development.The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution- Non Commercial- No Derivatives 4.0 license.

This is a comprehensive book on how to make complex decisions on energy systems problems involving different technologies, environmental effects, costs, benefits, risks, and safety issues. Using Industrial and Systems Engineering techniques for decision-making in Energy Systems, the book provides the background knowledge and methods to incorporate multiple criteria involved in solving energy system problems. It offers methods, examples, and case studies illustrating applications. Decision-Making in Energy Systems discusses subjective as well as objective methods, approaches, and techniques taken from the systems and industrial engineering domain and puts them to use in solving energy systems problems. It uses an integrated approach by including effects of all technical, economic, environmental, and safety considerations as well as costs and risks. The book is specially designed for practicing engineers from industrial/systems engineering who work in energy systems engineering industries. Aimed at graduate students, researchers, and managers involved in various energy generating, distributing, and consuming companies, the book helps the reader to understand, evaluate, and decide on solutions to their energy-related problems.

This book presents both the importance of energy transition and its associated difficulties. Energy Transition, Second Edition, provides an explanation of the physical concepts of energy and power and also reviews global energy consumption and our dependence on energy.The book discusses the links between the economy and energy. It explains the drawbacks and dangers of different energy sources and tries to compare them. By reviewing future energy resources, it evaluates several transition scenarios.The book shows that the laws of physics prevent the emergence of simple, pleasant solutions, but it proposes potential solutions and encourages readers to develop better processes from energy sources to production to consumption.This book will be of interest to engineers and undergraduate and graduate students studying and working in various fields of energy; producers of fossil, gas, oil, coal, electric, renewable, and nuclear energy; and anyone interested in better understanding these fundamental problems for our future.FEATURES Discusses the current issues with energy transition Covers several energy transition scenarios and their associated difficulties Presents the links between economy and energy Highlights the importance of a global discussion of energy Encourages the development of better, improved processes in energy sources from production to consumption

This volume provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to energy, covering basic concepts, possibilities, ethical issues, and potential consequences of energy.

Energy Management: Conservation and Audit discusses the energy scenario, including energy conservation, management, and audit, along with the methodology supported by industrial examples. Energy economics of systems has been elaborated with concepts of life cycle assessment and costing, and rate of return. Topics such as energy storage, co-generation, and waste heat recovery to energy efficiency have discussed. The challenges faced in conserving energy sources (steam and electricity) have elaborated along with the improvements in the lighting sector. Further, it covers optimization procedures for the development in the industry related to energy conservation. The researchers, senior undergraduate, and graduate students focused on Energy Management, Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy Audits, and Energy Conservation. This book covers current information related to energy management and includes energy audit and review all the leading equipment (boilers, CHP, pumps, heat exchangers) as well as procedural frameworks (energy audits, action planning, monitoring). It includes energy production and management from an industrial perspective, along with highlighting the various processes involved in energy conservation and auditing in various sectors and associated methods. It also explores future energy options and directions for energy security and sustainability.

Heterogeneous catalysis plays a central role in the global energy paradigm, with practically all energy-related process relying on a catalyst at a certain point. The application of heterogeneous catalysts will be of paramount importance to achieve the transition towards low carbon and sustainable societies. This book provides an overview of the design, limitations and challenges of heterogeneous catalysts for energy applications. In an attempt to cover a broad spectrum of scenarios, the book considers traditional processes linked to fossil fuels such as reforming and hydrocracking, as well as catalysis for sustainable energy applications such as hydrogen production, photocatalysis, biomass upgrading and conversion of CO2 to clean fuels. Novel approaches in catalysts design are covered, including microchannel reactors and structured catalysts, catalytic membranes and ionic liquids. With contributions from leaders in the field, Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Applications will be an essential toolkit for chemists, physicists, chemical engineers and industrials working on energy.

Modular Systems for Energy and Fuel Recovery and Conversion surveys the benefits of the modular approach in the front end of the energy industry. The book also outlines strategies for managing modular approaches for fossil, renewable, and nuclear energy resource recovery and conversion with the help of successful industrial examples. The book points out that while the modular approach is most applicable for distributed and small-scale energy systems, it is also often used for parts of large-scale centralized systems. With the help of successful industrial examples of modular approaches for energy and fuel recovery and conversion, the book points out the need for more balance between large-scale centralized systems and small-scale distributed systems to serve the energy needs of rural and isolated communities. Coal, oil, natural gas, hydrogen, biomass, waste, nuclear, geothermal solar, wind, and hydro energy are examined, showing that modular operations are very successfully used in all these components of the energy industry.Aimed at academic researchers and industry professionals, this book provides successful examples and analysis of the modular operation for energy and fuel recovery and conversion. It is also a reference for those who are engaged in the development of modular systems for energy and fuel recovery and conversion.

This book captures the status of current electrical energy markets including the principal forces affecting decisions on selecting an energy source. It represents a seminal work that lays out the electrical energy decision tree for selecting an energy sou

This textbook provides an introduction to energy analysis for those students who want to specialise in this challenging field. In comparison to other textbooks, this book provides a balanced treatment of complete energy systems, covering the demand side, the supply side, and the energy markets that connect these. The emphasis is very much on presenting a range of tools and methodologies that will help students find their way in analysing real world problems in energy systems. This new edition has been updated throughout and contains additional content on energy transitions and improvements in the treatment of several energy systems analysis approaches. Featuring learning objectives, further readings and practical exercises in each chapter, Introduction to Energy Analysis will be essential reading for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students with a background in the natural sciences and engineering. This book may also be useful for professionals dealing with energy issues, as a first introduction into the field.

The research areas covered by this book include: the developments of the innovative process in the electrical energy field in Romania, initiatives for promoting new investments in the energy sector, new sources of energy for diminishing hazardous waste, infrastructure protection as a security factor, promoting electricity from renewable energy sources, floating wind turbines, multipurpose hydropower projects under climate change, innovations in landscape of nuclear power, innovations in energy trading, energy policy, patents and its application process in the energy field. This book seeks to bridge an important research gap by questioning and studying the progress of different types of innovations in the energy field and their impact on developing and advanced economies globally. It aims to explore and present trends, dynamics and implications of the innovations and progress in energy technologies and sustainable business, economic and political strategies and the most recent developments in the green energy field. Furthermore, it explores opportunities and threats in the way of innovative challenges in these economies through a wealth of insights by researchers in the field with the objective of emphasizing possible strategies to global sustainability. The book is a result of the Second Open Meeting of the Balkan UNESCO Chairs 2017, organised by the UNESCO Chair for Business Administration (Chaire UNESCO pour la formation et la recherche appliquée au développement de l'entreprise dans les pays en conversion économique) within the Faculty of Business Administration, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and Romania in partnership with the Romanian National Commission for UNESCO (CNR UNESCO). This event brought together the Balkan UNESCO Chairs on the topic of topic of “Education for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in the Knowledge Economy” on the 26-27th October 2017 at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies.

A handbook of sustainable energy, covering entire energy aspects from present status to future alternatives under one umbrella This book takes an interdisciplinary system approach to evaluating energy systems so that readers can gain the necessary technical foundation to perform their own performance evaluations and understand their interactions with socioeconomic indicators. Topics include the current and future availability of primary sources, energy supply chain, conversion between different forms of energy, security of energy supply, and efficient end-use of energy sources. Each chapter provides readers with comprehensive background information, an outline of the current technologies, and potential future developments. The book also examines the global, economic, societal, ethical, and environmental issues associated with currently used energy technologies. Energy for Sustainable Society: From Resources to Users starts with ageneral overview of energy systems, and describes the major elements of energy transformation and supply chain. It then discusses interdisciplinary career opportunities in the �energy engineering� field. The fundamental concepts of energy conversion, transmission, and load flow in electrical systems are covered, as are conventional and unconventional fossil fuels, and the basics of nuclear power generation and reactor types. Other chapters look at: the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and basic operation of steam turbines, gas turbines, and combined cycle heat engines used in fossil fuel and nuclear power plants; current technologies in hydroelectric power generation; renewable and alternative energy sources; energy security issues; and more. Contains up-to-date information on renewable energy technologies such as grid-tie, net-zero energy, battery backup, and utility-independent micro grids Presents the status of the share of renewable sources in the current and future energy supply mix Provides solved examples, case studies, self-assessment quizzes, and problems to enhance the understanding of readers Includes an exclusive chapter on energy security issues Energy for Sustainable Society gives readers a solid foundation to study energy related subjects and is an ideal book for a first course on energy systems for upper division undergraduate and first year graduate students.

Energy Transformation towards Sustainability explores how researchers, businesses and policymakers can explore and usefully improve energy systems and energy consumption behavior, both to reflect the reality of climate change and related environmental degradation and to adapt to the expanding periphery of renewable energy technologies. It introduces the reader to a suite of potential policy pathways to the necessary transformation in societal energy consumption, usage and behavior. Solutions discussed include energy efficiency, energy security, the role of political leadership, green public policy, and the transition to renewable energy sources. International contributions address the range and depth of current research from a position of advocacy for'energy stewardship'as the driver of this transformation. Case studies illustrate the range of various countries to diminish energy use. Finally, policy avenues are covered in depth. - Reviews the interrelationship between economic growth, energy consumption and climate change - Uses a wide variety of case studies to support practical implementation across national energy systems - Highlights a wide spectrum of urgent issues, including threats related to energy use and secure and sustainable development - Contains contributions that reflect a breadth and depth of scholarship from international backgrounds

Energy is essential to all human activities as well as critical to social and economic development. Sustainable energy planning encompassing the concept of smart cities has a high potential to significantly contribute to climate change mitigation. For improved energy efficiency, it is essential to find low carbon solutions for the urban environment. The integration and management of energy supply with predominant exploitation of local resources is examined through the fundamental concept of exergy. This book can assist in decision making, with regard to sustainable energy design both at a national and local level.

Die Volatilität in der Stromerzeugung erneuerbarer Energien eröffnet neue Marktchancen, insbesondere im Bereich der Speichermöglichkeiten. So trägt sich nahezu jedes größere Stadtwerk mit dem Gedanken, in den Speichermarkt einzusteigen. Auch im Hausspeichersegment besteht ein beachtliches Potenzial. Dieser Sammelband gibt erstmalig einen Überblick über den Markt und zeigt Einstiegsmöglichkeiten auf.

This book is for anyone interested in renewable energy for a sustainable future of mankind. Batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, electrolyzers and solar cells are explained at the molecular level and at the power plant level, in their historical development, in their economical and political impact, and social change. Cases from geophysics and astronomy show that electrochemistry is not confined to the small scale. Examples are shown and exercised.

This book provides fundamental theoretical concepts for the understanding, the modelling, and the optimisation of energy conversion and storage devices. The discussion is based on the general footing of efficiency-power relations and energy-power relations (Ragone plots). Efficiency and Power in Energy Conversion and Storage: Basic Physical Concepts, is written for engineers and scientists with a bachelor-degree level of knowledge in physics. It contains: An introductory motivation of the topic A review on equilibrium thermodynamics A primer to linear non-equilibrium thermodynamics and irreversible processes An introduction to endo-reversible thermodynamics The basics on the theory of Ragone plots Derivations of efficiency-power relations or Ragone plots for illustrative examples like heat engines, batteries, capacitors, kinetic energy storage devices, solar power, photodiodes, electro-motors, transformers, and flow turbines An excursion to impedance matching and the optimization of technical devices with respect to economic and related objectives

Providing cheap and affordable energy is one of the most important tasks facing the world today. Inspired by a Deutsches Museum's exhibition, Energy Transition features prominent scientists discussing the challenges and opportunities of the transition from fossil fuels towards sustainable energy.

Changing Energy outlines how humanity established the current energy economy through three previous transitions, and how we now stand poised for a necessary fourth transition. Human societies around the globe have received immense benefits from uses of coal, oil, gas, and uranium sources, yet we must now rebuild our energy economies to rely on renewable sources and use them efficiently. The imperative for a fourth energy transition comes from dangers related to climate change, geopolitical tensions, documented health and environmental effects, and long-term depletion of today's sources. John H. Perkins argues that a future in which current levels of energy service benefits are sustained can come only from investments in the technologies needed to bring about a fourth energy transition. Changing Energy envisions a viable post–fossil fuel economy and identifies the barriers to be overcome.

The analysis of energy systems is of paramount importance in modern societies, since it is fundamental to guarantee a sustainable economic development. It combines technical and economic research with a specific focus on quantitative modelling, in order to optimize the modalities of energy demand and supply globally.The book covers major advanced topics related to the analysis of energy by considering different aspects, namely management, planning and policies. The most recent trends, such as smart grids, transition from fossil fuels to renewables based energy systems and distributed generation, are also discussed in this book. Intended to be a collection of various contributions from experts all around the world, it includes latest research results, innovations and methodologies about the analysis of energy systems. The book also focuses to contribute to the current debate related to the evolution of energy systems, by discussing in an open way the pro's and con's without any pre-constitute point of view. Title is aimed to be a reference for the academic community, students and professionals with a wider interdisciplinary background.Key Features: Presents integration of renewable sources with conventional energy systems. Topic is addressed from a multidisciplinary point of view, i.e. economy, technical, modelling, planning. Investigates management and planning aspects of future energy supplies. Multidimensional nature of energy systems is highlighted and discussed. Contributes towards implementing policy measures to reduce primary energy consumptions and carbon footprint.

This book provides a detailed, global examination of energy transitions, supplying a long-term historical perspective, an up-to-date assessment of recent and near-term advances in energy production technology and implementation, and an explanation of why efforts to limit global warming and to shift away from fossil fuels have been gradual.Based on the best international and national statistical sources, the second edition of Energy Transitions: Global and National Perspectives supplies an in-depth evaluation of how economies and nations around the world are striving to move away from traditional energy sources, the unfolding decarbonization process, and problems with intermittent energies and national transition plans. It supplies readers with a clear introduction to the basic properties of energy systems and key concepts of their appraisal, puts energy transition patterns in long-term historical perspective, and looks at the energy transition in eight of the world's leading economies. The last chapters focus on the advances in the decarbonization of the global energy supply and consider how the energy transition will continue in the coming decades.This fully updated and substantially expanded edition addresses the many new developments affecting energy supply, such as the recent expansion of hydraulic fracturing, oil price fluctuations, the Fukushima nuclear power plant catastrophe, advances in solar and wind generation, adoption of combined cycle gas turbines, and increased availability of electric cars. The coverage highlights the differences in the pace of transitions in various countries, thereby providing a complete and accurate picture of the current state of energy development in different parts of the world. The book serves as an invaluable resource for students as well as for anyone interested in a realistic appraisal of the current state of energy transitions in various nations and regions and the likely future development of the global energy supply.

Imagine a world where the power is always on, where there is not just enough energy, but an abundance of it. Such a world is no Utopia, it is a possible reality. Using indefinitely available sources of energy – especially photovoltaic solar, in combination with others – and networking this energy, much in the way that we have networked information, we can get beyond our current energy ‘crisis'and resolve it. The world we then find ourselves in is not a world without problems – we will face new challenges on the way – but in terms of energy it is a world of plenty. Rooted in sound theory and based on technology that is available now, A Genius Planet offers an accessible but detailed and insightful perspective on how we can free ourselves from our dependency on natural resources and generate, trade, and use energy in ways that open up the genuine potential that we have at our disposal today.

As a society we use energy for climate control and lighting in buildings, moving people and goods form one place to another and making things. Our standard of living depends on transforming energy locked up in fossil fuels, atomic nuclei or provided free of charge by the sun and wind into a form that we can use. This book uses simple classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism) to quantitatively review sources of energy and how we use them. It addresses key questions such as: Can renewables such as solar and wind take over from fossil fuels? How much will their use reduce CO2 emissions? To see what is important, numbers are used to estimate how big or small things are, but the maths is kept at the level of simple algebra and trigonometry. The aim is to give an overview of the big picture, to only worry about what really makes a difference. There's also growing concern that CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels will change climate irreversibly in harmful ways.

Energy is the mainstay of industrial societies, and without an adequate supply of energy the social, political and economic stability of nations is put into jeopardy. With supplies of inexpensive fossil fuels decreasing, and climate change factors becoming more threatening, the need to conserve energy and move steadily to more sustainable energy sources is more urgent than ever before. The updated Second Edition of this successful handbook includes chapters from leading experts on the economics and fiscal management of energy, with a focus on the tools available to advance efficiency and conservation measures. Updated coverage of renewable energy sources, energy storage technologies, energy audits for buildings and building systems, and demand-side management is provided. The appendix of the handbook provides extensive data resources for analysis and calculation.

The first systematic, quantitative appraisal of power density, offering detailed reviews of power densities of renewable energy flows, fossil fuels, and all common energy uses.“There's no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil.”—Bill GatesIn this book, Vaclav Smil argues that power density is a key determinant of the nature and dynamics of energy systems. Any understanding of complex energy systems must rely on quantitative measures of many fundamental variables. Power density—the rate of energy flux per unit of area—is an important but largely overlooked measure. Smil provides the first systematic, quantitative appraisal of power density, offering detailed reviews of the power densities of renewable energy flows, fossil fuels, thermal electricity generation, and all common energy uses.Smil shows that careful quantification, critical appraisals, and revealing comparisons of power densities make possible a deeper understanding of the ways we harness, convert, and use energies. Conscientious assessment of power densities, he argues, proves particularly revealing when contrasting the fossil fuel–based energy system with renewable energy conversions. Smil explains that modern civilization has evolved as a direct expression of the high power densities of fossil fuel extraction. He argues that our inevitable (and desirable) move to new energy arrangements involving conversions of lower-density renewable energy sources will require our society—currently dominated by megacities and concentrated industrial production—to undergo a profound spatial restructuring of its energy system.

Energy: The Countdown considers the possibility that a catastrophic energy crisis might become inevitable and could explode even before any comprehensive emergency plans are concerted. The goal is to raise with both public opinion and decision-makers the consciousness that there exists a real threat to human society in the form of a looming energy crisis. This book is comprised of 11 chapters and begins by emphasizing energy as the oxygen of economic life, an essential requirement for the development of modern society, and how a shortage or limitation of energy resources can seriously endanger the world's economic development. The constraints that will limit the supply of certain types of energy are highlighted, along with the importance of long-term planning. The next section deals with the politics of energy, paying particular attention to the oil crisis and its impact on international relations since October 1973, along with the nuclear power crisis and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The relationship between geopolitics and energy policy and the nature of the energy problem are also discussed, together with energy sources such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy. The final chapter assesses the economic effects of a massive increase in oil prices. This monograph will be of interest to energy policymakers and government officials.

This 800-page premier book on energy focuses on energy sources, utilizations, legislations and sustainability as it relates to a state, a province, or a country, or a community within a state. This book presents various kinds of energy sources, ways to convert energy for end use, better use of energy towards conservation and energy- and environmental-sustainability. As a very proper model-state the authors chose the State of Illinois which has the largest overall fossil energy reserves, including the largest strippable bituminous coal reserves; the largest user of nuclear energy in USA and has also been investing in all kinds of renewable energies including wind energy, solar energy, biofuels, geothermal energy, and various energy storage options. In the authors'opinion, State of Illinois is a pioneer in legislations for proper development and use of all kinds of energy. Their motivation to do this project was to educate the public (including students, energy engineers and planers, as well as state- and country-wide policy makers) about all aspects of energy.In this book, the authors present various energy sources, conversions technologies, and conservation possibilities. In every case, the authors have presented various options available for a country, for a state, or for a community to achieve its goal of energy sufficiency, clean environment and as a result, sustainability. Variety of schemes related to each energy source and its related conversion technologies are presented and sustainability of renewable energy sources is discussed. All the possible energy sources including coal, natural gas, petroleum, nuclear, solar, wind, biofuels and geothermal energy are presented in this book, as well as energy storage options. The authors have also presented various ways of dealing with carbon dioxide, which is produced from fossil fuels combustion, including its collection, transportation, storage and sequestration. The energy storage systems presented in this book will facilitate reliable and full integration of renewable power to the grid.

This book provides a detailed, global examination of energy transitions, supplying a long-term historical perspective, an up-to-date assessment of recent and near-term advances in energy production technology and implementation, and an explanation of why efforts to limit global warming and to shift away from fossil fuels have been gradual.Based on the best international and national statistical sources, the second edition of Energy Transitions: Global and National Perspectives supplies an in-depth evaluation of how economies and nations around the world are striving to move away from traditional energy sources, the unfolding decarbonization process, and problems with intermittent energies and national transition plans. It supplies readers with a clear introduction to the basic properties of energy systems and key concepts of their appraisal, puts energy transition patterns in long-term historical perspective, and looks at the energy transition in eight of the world's leading economies. The last chapters focus on the advances in the decarbonization of the global energy supply and consider how the energy transition will continue in the coming decades.This fully updated and substantially expanded edition addresses the many new developments affecting energy supply, such as the recent expansion of hydraulic fracturing, oil price fluctuations, the Fukushima nuclear power plant catastrophe, advances in solar and wind generation, adoption of combined cycle gas turbines, and increased availability of electric cars. The coverage highlights the differences in the pace of transitions in various countries, thereby providing a complete and accurate picture of the current state of energy development in different parts of the world. The book serves as an invaluable resource for students as well as for anyone interested in a realistic appraisal of the current state of energy transitions in various nations and regions and the likely future development of the global energy supply.

Although it is widely understood that energy and water are the world's two most critical resources, their vital interconnections and vulnerabilities are less often recognized. This farsighted book offers a new, holistic way of thinking about energy and water—a big picture approach that reveals the interdependence of the two resources, identifies the seriousness of the challenges, and lays out an optimistic approach with an array of solutions to ensure the continuing sustainability of both. Michael Webber, a leader and teacher in the field of energy technology and policy, explains how energy and water supplies are linked and how problems in either can be crippling for the other. He shows that current population growth, economic growth, climate change, and short-sighted policies are likely to make things worse. Yet, Webber asserts, more integrated planning with long-term sustainability in mind can avert such a daunting future. Combining anecdotes and personal stories with insights into the latest science of energy and water, he identifies a hopeful path toward wise long-range water-energy decisions and a more reliable and abundant future for humanity.

Energy and Fuel Systems Integration explains how growing energy and fuel demands, paired with the need for environmental preservation, require different sources of energy and fuel to cooperate and integrate with each other rather than simply compete. Providing numerous examples of energy and fuel systems integration success stories, this book:Discu

La production et la distribution de l'énergie ont une importance cruciale dans l'évolution de nos sociétés. Les ressources contenues dans l'écorce terrestre sont en quantités limitées et le système énergétique a sur l'environnement des impacts négatifs qu'il convient de minimiser : autant de contraintes que les projets politiques doivent nécessairement prendre en compte dans une vision à long terme.La Société Française de Physique a souhaité éclairer le débat à travers ce petit ouvrage écrit par la commission énergie-environnement composée d'experts du domaine. Cette deuxième édition tient compte de l'évolution de la conjoncture tant sur le plan des données que sur celui de la politique en raison de la promulgation en France de la loi sur la transition énergétique et de la conférence des Nations unies sur le climat (COP21) en décembre 2015.L'ouvrage se présente en deux parties :– une analyse de la situation énergétique dans notre pays et plus généralement à travers le monde ;– une dizaine de fi ches résumant des aspects aussi bien économiques qu'environnementaux ou politiques.

Energy can be neither created nor destroyed—but it can be wasted. The United States wastes two-thirds of its energy, including 80 percent of the energy used in transportation. So the nation has a tremendous opportunity to develop a sensible energy policy based on benefits and costs. But to do that we need facts—not hyperbole, not wishful thinking. Mara Prentiss presents and interprets political and technical information from government reports and press releases, as well as fundamental scientific laws, to advance a bold claim: wind and solar power could generate 100 percent of the United States'average total energy demand for the foreseeable future, even without waste reduction.To meet the actual rather than the average demand, significant technological and political hurdles must be overcome. Still, a U.S. energy economy based entirely on wind, solar, hydroelectricity, and biofuels is within reach. The transition to renewables will benefit from new technologies that decrease energy consumption without lifestyle sacrifices, including energy optimization from interconnected smart devices and waste reduction from use of LED lights, regenerative brakes, and electric cars. Many countries cannot obtain sufficient renewable energy within their borders, Prentiss notes, but U.S. conversion to a 100 percent renewable energy economy would, by itself, significantly reduce the global impact of fossil fuel consumption.Enhanced by full-color visualizations of key concepts and data, Energy Revolution answers one of the century's most crucial questions: How can we get smarter about producing and distributing, using and conserving, energy?

Energy and Society: An Introduction, Second Edition provides readers with a detailed introduction to energy sources and energy utilization. This book presents an overview of alternative energy issues and technologies, discusses the pros and cons of various energy sources, and explores their impacts on society and the environment.What's New in the S

First authored book to address materials'role in the quest for the next generation of energy materials Energy balance, efficiency, sustainability, and so on, are some of many facets of energy challenges covered in current research. However, there has not been a monograph that directly covers a spectrum of materials issues in the context of energy conversion, harvesting and storage. Addressing one of the most pressing problems of our time, Materials in Energy Conversion, Harvesting, and Storage illuminates the roles and performance requirements of materials in energy and demonstrates why energy materials are as critical and far-reaching as energy itself. Each chapter starts out by explaining the role of a specific energy process in today's energy landscape, followed by explanation of the fundamental energy conversion, harvesting, and storage processes. Well-researched and coherently written, Materials in Energy Conversion, Harvesting, and Storage covers: The availability, accessibility, and affordability of different energy sources Energy production processes involving material uses and performance requirements in fossil, nuclear, solar, bio, wind, hydrothermal, geothermal, and ocean energy systems Issues of materials science in energy conversion systems Issues of energy harvesting and storage (including hydrogen storage) and materials needs Throughout the book, illustrations and images clarify and simplify core concepts, techniques, and processes. References at the end of each chapter serve as a gateway to the primary literature in the field. All chapters are self-contained units, enabling instructors to easily adapt this book for coursework. This book is suitable for students and professors in science and engineering who look to obtain comprehensive understanding of different energy processes and materials issues. In setting forth the latest advances and new frontiers of research, experienced materials researchers and engineers can utilize it as a comprehensive energy material reference book.

This book provides an evaluation for each of the current means and consumption of power generation of the available fuel resources. The book examines resource quantity, resource availability, economics, energy quality, conservation requirements, transportation requirements, delivery requirements, operation and manufacturing, regulatory issues, political issues, environmental concerns, cost consequences, advantages, disadvantages, and public acceptance. It defines the energy issues of availability and management, and provides a means of solving energy problems as well as defining the optimal course for the future.

Watt's up? A reader-friendly introduction to all things power.Power generation is a relatively recent concern because humans had little need for sustained power until the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Today, modern civilization is wholly dependent on the production and distribution of power. Without it, our way of life would be extinguished.In Lights On!, Mark Denny reveals the mysterious world of power generation. He takes us on a fun tour, examining the nature of energy, tracing the history of power generation, explaining the processes from production through transmission to use, and addressing questions that are currently in the headlines, such as:• Is natural gas the best alternative energy source in the near term? • Could solar power be the answer to all our problems? • Why is nuclear power such a hard sell, and are the concerns valid?Devoting individual chapters to each of the forms of power in use today—electrical, coal, oil and natural gas, hydro, nuclear, and solar—Denny explains the pros and cons of each, their availability worldwide, and which are in dwindling supply. Making clear that his approach is that of'a scientist and engineer, not a politician or businessman,'Denny addresses environmental concerns by providing information to help readers understand the science and engineering of power generation so they can discuss contemporary energy issues from an informed perspective. For those who wish to delve deeper into the science, a technical appendix provides estimations for a variety of power generators.Anyone who is interested in how energy works and how it is transformed to power our lives will get a charge out of Lights On!

Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources which form over millions of years. Global reserves are being depleted faster than new ones are being made. Aside from diminishing availability and rising costs, the production and use of fossil fuels raises environmental concerns. As a major producer of coal, oil and gas, Australia is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which have underpinned Australia's energy and industrial sectors for the past century. Growing household energy consumption is an important contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly because of Australia's reliance on coal for electricity generation. While coal and gas are the lowest cost fuel sources for electricity in Australia, they have much higher greenhouse gas emissions than renewable energy sources. What steps is Australia taking to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency and sustainability? This book examines Australia's non-renewable and renewable energy resources and production, and energy consumption and costs. What is the controversial role of coal seam gas in our energy mix? Will ‘peak oil'force the globe to eventually adapt to petroleum-free alternatives such as hydrogen for transport fuel? What is the future of fossil fuels, and how is Australia going to power itself through to the next century? Also includes: Worksheets and activities ; Fast facts ; Glossary ; Web links ; Index. Titles in the ‘Issues in Society'series are individual resource books which provide an overview on a specific subject comprised of facts and opinions. The information in this resource book is not from any single author, publication or organisation. The unique value of the ‘Issues in Society'series lies in its diversity of content and perspectives. The content comes from a wide variety of sources and includes: Newspaper reports and opinion pieces ; Website fact sheets ; Magazine and journal articles ; Statistics and surveys ; Government reports ; Literature from special interest groups.

Many events that affect global energy production and consumption have occurred since the second edition of Energy in the 21st Century appeared in 2011. For example, an earthquake and tsunami in Japan led to the disruption of the Fukushima nuclear facility and a global re-examination of the safety of the nuclear industry. Oil and natural gas prices continue to be volatile, and the demand for energy has been affected by the global economy. The third edition updates data and the discussion of recent events.Energy in the 21st Century has been used as the text for an introductory energy course for the general college student population. Based on student feedback, we have included several features that enhance the value of the third edition as a textbook. In particular, we have included learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, end of chapter activities, a comprehensive index, and a glossary. Points to Ponder are abbreviated as P2P in the Learning Objectives boxes and are provided throughout the text. They are designed to encourage the reader to consider the material from different perspectives.

This book presents a comprehensive review of energy research studies from authors around the globe, including recent research in building energy, the applications of biogas; ground-source heat pump technology advancements; sustainable green energies development and technologies; membrane technology for sustainable growth; applications of wind energy in the Sudan; renewable energy in heating, ventilation and indoor air quality systems, and agriculture; increasing energy efficiency; and evaluation of meteorological data with respect to renewable energy applications.

This timely Handbook reviews many key issues in the economics of energy and climate change, raising new questions and offering solutions that might help to minimize the threat of energy-induced climate change.Constructed around the objectives of displaying some of the best of current thinking in the economics of energy and climate change, this groundbreaking volume brings together many of the world s leading and most innovative minds in the field to cover issues related to:fossil fuel and electricity marketsenvironment-related energy policyinternational climate agreements carbon mitigation policieslow-carbon behavior, growth and governance.Serving as an indispensable guide to one of the fastest-growing fields of economics, this invaluable resource will strongly appeal to students, academics and policy makers interested in energy, environmental and climate change issues.Contributors include: J.E. Aldy, E.B. Barbier, A. Bowen, J. Chevallier, C. de Perthuis, J. Evans, N. Eyre, M. Fillipini, R. Fouquet, S. Gabriel, A. Gago, C. Gennaioli, J. Gowdy, C. Haftendorn, J.D. Hamilton, M. Hanemann, I. Hascic, D.F. Hendry, C. Hepburn, B. Holtsmark, F. Holz, C. Hope, L. Hunt, H.D. Jacoby, M. Jefferson, N. Johnstone, J.G. Kassakian, C. Kemfert, S. Kverndokk, X. Labandeira, H. Lee, H. Llavador, G. Lovellette, R. Martin, R. McKitrick, A. Moe, M. Muûls, I.W.H. Parry, M. Pollitt, F. Pretis, T. O'Garra, A. Ramos, C. Robinson, J.E. Roemer, K.E. Rosendahl, R. Schmalensee, I. Shaorshadze, J. Silvestre, P. Stevens, R. Tol, R. Trotignon, M. Tsygankova, G.C. van Kooten, C. von Hirschhausen

Energy resources, the basic input in every area of the economy, have a fundamental function for society's welfare. Traditional energy resources are, however, rapidly decreasing. Energy supply has been falling behind in meeting global demand, and is causing increased focus on efficiency and economy concepts in recent energy policies. Since the existing energy resources are not spread evenly among the countries, but instead are concentrated in certain regions and countries, a monopolistic situation arises. Equally, supply assurance is an issue, since the energy supply is held by certain regions and countries who have monopolistic pricing power. Both the EU and many other countries are studying how to marketize energy. This book focuses on the importance of energy and the problems posed by it. It will be useful for the academic community, related sectors and decision makers.

The Global Energy Assessment (GEA) brings together over 300 international researchers to provide an independent, scientifically based, integrated and policy-relevant analysis of current and emerging energy issues and options. It has been peer-reviewed anonymously by an additional 200 international experts. The GEA assesses the major global challenges for sustainable development and their linkages to energy; the technologies and resources available for providing energy services; future energy systems that address the major challenges; and the policies and other measures that are needed to realize transformational change toward sustainable energy futures. The GEA goes beyond existing studies on energy issues by presenting a comprehensive and integrated analysis of energy challenges, opportunities and strategies, for developing, industrialized and emerging economies. This volume is an invaluable resource for energy specialists and technologists in all sectors (academia, industry and government) as well as policymakers, development economists and practitioners in international organizations and national governments.