Prospects for Sustainable Energy: A Critical Assessment

by Edward S. Cassedy Jr

Overview

Fossil fuels are a finite resource, and their continued use as the world's dominant energy supply is damaging the environment. Future use of alternative methods of energy supply is inescapable. This book offers a critical assessment of all possible sustainable energy technologies and energy storage. Coverage explores the historical origins, technical features, marketability, and environmental impacts of the complete range of sustainable energy technologies: solar, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal power, ocean-energy sources, solar-derived hydrogen fuel, and energy storage. The aim is to inform policy analysts and decision makers of the options available for sustainable energy production. This accessible volume will be a valuable resource for a broad group of academics and researchers with a wide range of backgrounds and scientific training. It will also be an ideal supplementary next for advanced courses in environmental studies, energy economics and policy, and engineering.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521018371
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/19/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	7.48(w) x 9.72(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I. Introduction: Part II. The Candidate Sustainable Technologies: Technological/Economic Assessments: 1. Solar energy sources; 2. Biomass energy; 3. Windpower; 4. Hydroelectric power; 5. Energy storage; 6. Geothermal energy; 7. Ocean energy; 8. Nuclear fusion; 9. Hydrogen fuel from renewable resources; 10. Summary assessment of the technologies; Part III. The Prospects for Technological Change Toward Sustainability: 11. Research & development (R&D); Appendix I. Energy cost analysis; Appendix II. Glossary of symbols; Appendix III. The conduct and management of research and development.

Editorial Reviews

"The book is well written, well organized...I found Prospects for Sustainable Energy: A Critical Assessment to be thought-provoking and an excellent vehicle for evaluating alternative technologies, and even a little self evaluation...I recommend this book for any geologist who dares to attempt reading the tea leaves of the world's energy in the future." Palaios

"A valuable resource for all students in the energy field." Choice

From the Publisher