Sustainable Energy: Opportunities and Limitations

Climate change is the most pressing problem of the 21st century. In this vitally important and timely book, key experts explore the possibilities for a sustainable energy future, asking can we meet our energy needs from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, waves and tides? Should we be more concerned with energy conservation? Can nuclear power play a role? Much of the debate is limited by an adherence to old myths and misconceptions about renewable energy. Arguing that it has much potential, this collection asserts hard-headed assessments of what can be done in practice and what is not possible. Detailing the social, political and economic context for sustainable energy to suceed, and outlining the challenges ahead, this book explores solutions to the key problem of our age, and possible scenarios for the future. In this timely book, leading authors explore the technologies that might help us to develop a sustainable energy future, emphasising renewable energy and the political and economic context needed for them to prosper. This collection makes hard-headed assessments of what is possible and what is not. Contents: Introduction: Sustainable Energy: The Options; D.Elliott PART ONE: THE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY OPTIONS Sustainable Energy: Nuclear Power and Renewables; D.Elliott Wind Power and Similar Renewable Sources: Why Intermittency Doesn't Matter; D.Milborrow Biomass: Greening the Transport System; J.Scurlock Sea Power: How We Can Tap Wave and Tidal Power; D.Elliott Solar Power: Energy From The Sun; S.Roaf & R.Gupta Saving Energy: How to Cut Energy Wastage; B.Everett The Limits to Energy Efficiency: Time to Beat The Rebound Effect; H.Herring PART TWO: MAKING IT HAPPEN Supporting Renewables: Local Ownership, Wind Power and Sustainable Finance; D.Toke How to Support Renewables: Feed in Tariffs and Quota/Trading Systems; D.Elliott Carbon Trading: Opportunities and Issues; S.Peake PART THREE: THE FUTURE Long-term, Renewables-Intensive World Energy Scenarios; G.Boyle Sustainable Lifestyles of the Future; P.Harper A Sustainable Future for Energy?; D.Elliot