Prospects for Sustainable Energy
A Critical Assessment

Critical assessment of the complete range of sustainable energy technologies for policy-makers and advanced students.

Edward S. Cassedy (Author)

9780521018371, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 January 2006

296 pages, 80 b/w illus. 10 tables
24.7 x 19 x 1.7 cm, 0.531 kg

'… this book succeeds in highlighting often overlooked links … clearly show the authors' long practical experience of work in developing countries … readable and memorable book, amply justifying the authors' undiminished enthusiasm for their subject.' Experimental Agriculture

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, and this book 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. The book is therefore written so as to be accessible to an audience from a broad range of backgrounds and scientific training. It will also be a valuable supplementary text for advanced courses in environmental studies, energy economics and policy, and engineering.

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.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], Economics [KC]