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It is widely assumed that our consumer society can move from using fossil fuels to using renewable energy sources while maintaining the high levels of energy use to which we have become accustomed. This book details the reasons why this almost unquestioned assumption is seriously mistaken. It challenges fundamental assumptions and stimulates the discussion about our common future in a way that will be of interest to professionals and lay-readers alike.

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Alternative Energy systematically approaches various alternative sources of energy, discussing in layperson's terms the current state of public policy, energy technology and the political, economic, and social feasibility of the alternative energy paradigm. The goal is to help the less technically-minded become active participants in choosing the energy future for their community. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a very enlightening intro to energy policy.
This book was very interesting.It outlines the environments in which laws and energy-governing bodies are made and how they are changed, created, etc.The book shows the different kinds of policies which exist, the history of energy policy in the U.S., difference between bottom-up and top-down policy, and more.It also has separate chapters on each of the different major kinds of renewable alternative energy:solar, wind, geothermal.The author(s) obviously know tons about all of these subjects and related subjects.The book is FULL of citations (which shows they did research and it's not all just conjecture) and refers to related books for further reading.In-line website address citations can be annoying in the text, but still could never detract from the wealth of information in this book.I will strongly suggest anyone to read this book.Now I don't have to say "there should be a law about this" or "why doesn't the government do something about this" because now I know why!In addition, the book was written within the last few years, so it is fairly up-to-date (this review written Jan 5th 2009).When I rented this book, I set out to learn about wind and solar, but ended up learning about wind, solar, energy policy, social concerns, risk assessment, and tons more. ... Read more

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The current unsustainable practices worldwide in energy production and consumption have led to a plethora of environmental problems. Until recently environmental law largely overlooked the relevance of energy production and consumption; energy was seen to be of little significance to the advancement of sustainable development. This has changed since 2000 with the global concern attached to climate change, the publication by the United Nations of the World Energy Assessment and the detailed consideration given to this issue at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. Australia has been seen to be lagging behind the other major industrialised nations of the world in addressing sustainable energy issues. ... Read more

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New information and strategies for managing the energy crisis from the perspective of growing economies are presented. Numerous case studies illustrate the particular challenges that developing countries, many of which are faced with insufficient resources, encounter. As a result, many unique strategies to the problems of energy management an conservation, environmental engineering, clean technologies, biological and chemical waste treatment and waste management have been developed.

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There are many misconceptions about the future of global energy often presented as fact by the media, politicians, business leaders, activists, and even scientists_wasting time and money and hampering the development of progressive energy policies. Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate debunks the most common fallacies to make way for a constructive, scientific approach to the global energy challenge.When will the world run out of oil? Should nuclear energy be adopted on a larger scale? Are ethanol and wind power viable sources of energy for the future? Vaclav Smil advises the public to be wary of exaggerated claims and impossible promises. The global energy transition will be prolonged and expensive_and hinges on the development of an extensive new infrastructure. Established technologies and traditional energy sources are persistent and adaptable enough to see the world through that transition.Energy Myths and Realities brings a scientific perspective to an issue often dominated by groundless assertions, unfounded claims, and uncritical thinking. Before we can create sound energy policies for the future, we must renounce the popular myths that cloud our judgment and impede true progress. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Rational
I really enjoyed this completely rational look at our current energy predicament. He doesn't shy away from telling the truth to spare feelings or forward a political side.

Worth a look
Three stars may be a bit overrated, but it is worth something for the challenge of trying to figure out what the author is getting at.Being published by the American Enterprise Institute, with Dick Cheney on the board and Lynne Cheney and Newt Gingrich on the research staff, don't expect this book to the leading edge of environmentalism and alternative energy.

Smil does mention global warming, but only briefly.

His main theme seems to be, "Don't put money and effort into seeking alternative energy solutions because they could not be provided in the short term; somehow any attention to alternative energy would detract from the current main energy sources: fossil fuels". He claims to be presenting his case from a totally rational perspective, and slams those with different views as operating on emotion and not on sound engineering and science.Smil is a Distinguished Professor of Environment and Environmental Geography at the University of Manitoba, and holds a doctorate in some unstated field from Penn State U.The question is whether this qualifies him for the rigorous engineering anlysis he claims others lack.

Energy Generation: The Hard Facts Unveiled
We have often heard authoritative statements made by various reputable individuals about new ideas for producing plenty of energy in the near future - cleanly, efficiently and cheaply. These often involved new approaches combined with new scientific/technological advances of various sorts. But as the months, years and even decades pass by, we are left still waiting for these ideas, or perhaps some offshoots, to materialize. In this book, the author explains the reasons for these shortcomings and warns about any such statements that may currently being made. As the author puts it, the book is "aimed at criticizing assorted myths and misconceptions [about energy-related issues], and in doing so has mostly had to correct excessively positive or unjustifiably enthusiastic expectations and interpretation" (p. 156). Only in one case presented in the book has the opposite been done, i.e., to address a myth that is unjustifiably too negative. The myths discussed are related to: electric cars, cheap nuclear electricity, soft energy, peak oil, i.e., the so-called Hubbert's peak, sequestration of carbon dioxide, liquid fuel from plants, electricity from wind, and the pace of energy transitions. For some, this book may be an eye-opener; for others, it may confirm their suspicions. And for the enthusiasts who are, in all honesty, promoting some of these myths, the hard facts presented may be terribly discouraging.

The writing style is clear, occasionally witty, very authoritative, rather formal but also relatively accessible. The book reads like a set of scientific reports - one for each topic being addressed; consequently, one might say that the prose is often rather dry. As is standard for scientific reports, the text is dense with information, contains a great many facts and figures, has several useful diagrams and is extensively referenced. This book is likely to be most appreciated by those who are concerned about future energy production/consumption, e.g., policy makers, politicians, scientists, engineers and interested members of the public.
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Pure environmentalism and pure resource exploitation can be integrated together to form an encompassing sustainability solution. This is the main message of this book based on an innovative "structure-concentration-incentives" methodology applied to Egypt. This methodology provides a basis for achieving environmental sustainability based on endogenous source-driven forces of change in contrast to the traditional effects-dominant oriented approach. Though the book's methodology could be used as a framework of analysis in environmental sustainability research for any developing country, Egypt provides a rich case study because of its historical, socio-economic, and political constructs. Sustainable development is generally seen as a tradeoff between resource efficiency and social equity such that total resource essentials in society can become sustainable in the long run in a manner that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Environmental sustainability cannot be implemented without the direct inclusion of structure (form), concentration (effect), and incentives (drivers) as critical policy choices because: (1) they constitute a necessary condition in any country's path towards sustainable development, (2) they must be implemented simultaneously as a target and constraint, and (3) they require social and political sacrifice complemented by endogenous-based systems in contrast to authoritarian solutions. Egypt, Energy and the Environment presents research on Egypt's energy and environmental resources from multidisciplinary perspectives. It offers sustainability solutions to many of the country's problems relating to energy, pollution, water, gender, wildlife, politics, economics, management, ecology, and information technology.The book's method of analysis can be applied to other developing countries as well. ____________________________Tarek H. Selim is Associate Professor of Economics at the American University in Cairo and Faculty Affiliate to Harvard Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness. He has published extensively in leading international journals and presented papers in many conferences. His research output includes more than fifty research articles and book reviews, and he won his school's research excellence award in 2006. Professor Selim has PhD in economics from George Washington University, MBA from Johns Hopkins, and holds professional certificate programs from MIT, Harvard, Georgetown, Oxford, and Imperial College. ... Read more

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Fifteen interdisciplinary case studies on the application of technology in the energy and environment sectors include applications of solar, wind, fuel cell, nuclear, and other coal combustion and emission control technologies. The case studies reveal the interrelationships among technical and non-technical factors, and demonstrate that the successful application of new technologies requires the synthesis of technical, economic, political, environmental, and social aspects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Definitive title in energy studies
This timely piece covers all the critical components in the energy debate that will become critical in this century.This book is the most important resource that I have read in the past 10 years.Describes the key energy technologies and their economic and political characteristics in an unbiased and factual way.This is a "must-read" for anyone interested in energy studies. ... Read more

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Energy and environment are interconnected and an integral part of human society. The need for exploring energy resources (coal, oil, natural gas, coalbed methane, uranium, oil shale, wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal) to meet skyrocketing energy demands while protecting the environment (atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere) has become obvious in recent years. As society relies more heavily on difficult to extract and non-traditional energy resources, it is often more challenging to ensure a low impact on the environment. This book offers a review of global energy supplies over a period of 30 years indicating a steady increase (>30 per cent) in the use of natural gas (including coalbed natural gas, CBNG) driven by expansion of global economies and global population growth. ... Read more

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This volume examines energy security in a privatized, liberalized, and increasingly global energy market, in which the concept of sustainability has developed together with a higher awareness of environmental issues, but where the potential for supply disruptions, price fluctuation, and threats to infrastructure safety must also be considered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Energy Security
This book covers all items that are essential for effective management of energy issues by both importing and exporting countries. It should be prescribed to all energy policy makers. ... Read more

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Winning Our Energy Independence shares energy solutions from S. David Freeman, a man who has spent his life at the forefront of energy policy.

Customer Reviews (15)

Pragmatic solution from an experienced energy executive
Winning Our Energy Independence: An Energy Insider Shows How by S. David Freeman is an excellent book by an expert. It is an apolitical pragmatic argument for how and why the USA should change our energy use from fossil fuels to renewables. Freeman spent decades rescuing power companies and improving their efficiency. If the guy called in to save failing power companies says making them greener saves them, we should probably listen. Freeman certainly has more accurate and thorough knowledge than the people claiming we can't afford to move to renewable energy. He provides a good critique of the distorted system that has led to current inefficiencies.

"... efficiency and renewables are cheaper even on the misleading pricing system we use. If we consider--and we must--the health costs of air pollution, the proliferation and radiation risks of nuclear, and the health and global warming costs of coal, it is a no-brainer."

Now that sustainable energy is economical--but still little used--Freeman proposes using subsidies to jump-start their implementation. He proposes a workable solution that will make the world a better place as well as saving money over the long term. I agree with Freeman's assessment of the situation and the end results of his proposed solution. I don't like all the details of his proposed solution, but it is probably more likely to happen than my preferred answer of removing the existing subsides to dirty power. The existing subsidies probably won't be removed, so this is a more pragmatic, less idealistic solution.

In addition to the solution provided, I like that Freeman provides some numbers to go with statements I have heard from other sources. For example, an interisting statistic that I hadn't seen anyone put a number with is that compared to the average car, a plug-in hybrid emits 1/4 the CO2. And that is when powered by coal generated electricity. The number goes down with cleaner power plants. This is in addition to the gasoline saved, "If everyone drove an HEV 60, it would cut gasoline consumption by over 70 percent."

This is an excellent book that debunks all the arguments against moving to sustainable energy. I wonder if Freeman puts too much emphasis on hydrogen for storage, but over all his solution is reasonable. I spent far more time searching for original sources and checking his math than I did reading the book. If I hadn't, this would have been a quick read. I would have preferred better footnotes, but the format used is appropriate for the intended audience. Winning Our Energy Independence makes my short list of books that everyone should read. As Freeman says, "There can be no more urgent task for humanity than to find, as rapidly as possible, alternatives to burning the limited fossil fuels on Earth." I hope it is effective enough that I am able to move it from this list to a list of books that are interesting for their historic impact.

Typical Leftist Fascist Solution and False Science.
When I browsed this book in the bookstore, I had a feeling that it would end being a Leftist Fascist diatribe.I was correct.

It emphasized technologies like solar, wind, and hydrogen which are and will be costly and inefficient for years to come.At the same time, it demonized solutions like coal and nuclear and deemphasized biofuels.

It also promoted overregulation and pie in the sky mandates that will hurt rather than help the solution.This is the typical shortsightedness of the Fascist Left.

Finally, it seems that the author thinks if you repeat the same false arguments in every chapter, it will become eventually become true.Sorry, but that is not the case.

I will keep this book, but only until I need kindling for my fireplace.

Perfect for debates and discussion.
Author David Freeman has some thirty years of clean energy pioneering and a business knowledge which applies this knowledge to objectives of profit in the renewable energy realm. His focus on the potentials of renewable resources challenges the U.S. and the world to recreate its energy grid through independent national homegrown, carbon-free renewable energy sources. A dream? Freeman explains how the reality can be now in a survey perfect for general-interest lending libraries and specialty college-level holdings alike. Perfect for debates and discussion.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

An Inspring Overview of our Clean Energy Future
This is a terrific book for anyone who is interested in understanding why a clean energy future is not only possible, it is inevitable. We don't need oil, coal, and nuclear. We can get all the energy we need from the sun, the wind, and other limitless renewable sources. Dave Freeman has been an energy executive for nearly six decades. You can take what he says in his book to the bank. A very worthwhile read.

Speaking Truth to Power
"The United States has a lot to learn from the rest of the world."

Bold and true.No one convinced Freeman it is polite to lie in order for America appear good.No one convinced Freeman it is for Americans to drive SUVs everywhere just because they need to express freedom.One can express freedom by farting out loud in a cafeteria, but I wouldn't be proud if I did it.I would be embarrassed.No one convinced Freeman that by holding onto your arrogance and downright stupidity that one shows a measure of authority necessary to keep the world in line.No one convinced Freeman it is necessary for troops to die in Iraq so that their deaths would not be in futility, and that this simpleton logic deserves no further exploration.Freeman is not convinced that America is not above learning.Freeman thinks America will actually benefit from learning.If one is so smart to be beyond all help then don't bother reading this book.

In the last three years there have been many books on the subject of energy independence, and while there is some agreement there are also distinctions.Freeman's positions are pro-Hydrogen, pro-Lithium, and anti-nuclear.Freeman will admit that Hydrogen fuel cells need work, but believes that work here will be worth the effort.I'm not sure how hydrogen fuel cells will work in a place like Phoenix if there are 2 million cars on the road giving off water vapor when it is 120 degrees in the shade.Water vapor emissions will cause an increase in humidity and also increases temperature as it is a strong greenhouse gas until it precipitates.Hydrogen is not ready for the market.Hydrogen needs a good deal of work to make it inexpensive for manufacture and available to the public.

While I like Richardson's plan, I welcome discussion of Freeman as it has become well beyond time to get on with a new energy plan for America.Let's stop taking down the solar panels from the White House and do something right for a change. ... Read more

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Physics of Societal Issues is a textbook those who seek to understand fundamental issues of energy use, nuclear weapons, and the environment using facts and figures instead of slogans and postures. Taking inspiration from Fermi's famous "back of the envelope" calculations, author David Hafemeister shows how to capture the essence of a problem with rough estimates of important parameters, and use those estimates to gauge the effects of policy decisions.

Customer Reviews (2)

Mediocre
Poor quality book binding - pages falling out.Heavy emphasis on nuclear issues.Less emphasis on relevant timely topics.

Excellent textbook for Energy, Environment, and Arms Control
Bravo for an excellent textbook!The book contains many concentrated explorations of topics ranging from renewable energy to nuclear weapons to pollution. Because each subtopic is addressed so efficiently, even less advanced and non-physics students can benefit from some of the examples and problems. More advanced students can absorb the whole book. Some of the examples and calculations are even fun.This semester I assigned one chapter from the book for my graduate class.Next semester I will use the whole book for my graduate class. I expect to use this regularly in both graduate and advanced undergraduate classes. ... Read more

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This book presents the methods of quantitative determination of solar irradiation incident amount on a surface on the Earth. It brings together information not found elsewhere in a single source, and includes an innovative exposition of expert system methodologies used in the domain of solar irradiation and energy. The book provides a background to the underlying physical principles of solar irradiation and energy, with explanations as to how these can be modelled and applied.

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The latest book by Penni McLean-Conner, Energy Efficiency: Principles and Practices, is an outline for utilities, government agencies and power generators for educating consumers on conservation, better resource management, and a smaller carbon footprint. These techniques are not only of interest to the modern consumer, but also can maximize opportunities for demand-side management. Demand-side management programs are effective methods for reducing peak demand of electricity, helping to curb escalating electricity prices for consumers, allowing power generators greater control of the electrical loads and promoting overall conservation of stretched resources. This book offers proven strategies for creating, delivering and maximizing demand-side management, truly a smart approach for your organization! ... Read more