Activists, scientists and policymakers around the world have long argued that we need to find sustainable and secure solutions to the world's energy demands. At issue for citizens worldwide is whether we are scientifically literate enough to understand the potential policy choices before us. Understanding Energy and Energy Policy is a one-stop resource for understanding the complexities of energy policy and the science behind the utilization of energy sources. The multidisciplinary perspective presented in this book is necessary for readers to be able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of potential energy policies. The book draws on case studies from the global North and South, from countries that are resource poor and resource rich, while providing explanations of the science and politics behind burning fossil fuels, and power created through nuclear energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, biofuels and water.
Author(s): Braun, Timothy F.; Glidden, Lisa M.
Edition: 1
Publisher: Zed Books
Year: 2014
Language: English
Commentary: Category: Engineering: Mechanical, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Economics | LCCN: TJ163.2 | Dewey: 333.79
Pages: 224
Tags: Energy conservation policy Renewable energy sources
About the Authors
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Figures and Tables
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Global Energy Issues
0.1 Total energy consumption in quadrillion BTUs, with % of world consumption, 2010
0.2 Total energy consumption per capita in millions of BTUs, 2010
0.3 Energy intensity – total energy consumption per dollar of GDP, 2010
Table 0.1 Energy intensity and CO2 emissions from energy consumption
Table 0.2 France, final energy consumption by sector by energy source, 2010
Table 0.3 India, final energy consumption by sector by energy source, 2010
Consensus in Science and The Climate Change Debate
0.4 Flowchart of scientific method
Organization of This Book
1: Basic Energy and Policy Concepts
Sustainable Energy Systems
Thermodynamics
Types of Energy
Energy Density
Electricity Generation
Comparing Electricity Generation Sources
Table 1.1 Energy sources and their EROeIs
Table 1.2 Levelized cost of selected energy sources
Electricity Distribution Systems
1.1 The North American power grid – interconnects in the United States and Canada
Policymaking
Policymaking Tools
International Policy Drivers
Domestic Policy Drivers
Conclusion
2: Fossil Fuels
2.1 Hydrocarbon molecule, octane
Coal
Crude Oil
Peak Oil
The Structural Effects of Cheap Oil
Unconventional Oil and Hydraulic Fracturing
2.2 Overview of hydraulic fracturing
Natural Gas
Case Studies
China
The USA
Saudi Arabia
Russia
Conclusion
3: Nuclear Power
Atoms
3.1 Atomic diagram of carbon
Radioactive Atoms
Nuclear Fission Reactors
Radiation and Nuclear Waste
Table 3.1 Measuring radiation
3.2 Radiation effect models
Spent Nuclear Fuel
Nuclear Accidents
Future Reactor Designs
The Future of Nuclear Power
Nuclear Fusion Reactors
Case Studies
France
The United States
Japan
Conclusion
4: Biomass and Biofuels
Biomass
Biofuels
Food-Based Biofuels: Ethanol and Butanol
Non-Food-Based Biofuel: Cellulosic Ethanol
Biodiesel
Algae
Case Studies
Brazil
The European Union
The United States
Conclusion
5: Hydropower
Hydropower around the World
Dams and Reservoirs
The Other Hydropower: Tidal and Wave Power
Case Studies
Hydropower in China: The Three Gorges Mega-Dam
Transnational Issues
Conclusion
6: Wind Power
Intermittency and Dispatchability
Modern Wind Turbines
Placement of Wind Farms
Offshore Wind Farms
Small-Scale Wind Power
Case Studies
Denmark
The United States
Table 6.1 US installed wind capacity, by year
Conclusion
7: Geothermal Energy
Passive Geothermal
7.1 Geothermal heat pump schematic
Geothermal Electricity Production
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS or Hot Dry Rock Geothermal)
Case Studies
Iceland
Turkey
Australia
8: Solar Energy
Passive Solar
Active Solar
Photovoltaics
8.1 Concentrating solar, with Stirling engine
8.2 Concentrating solar, with PV field
Concentrated Solar with Thermal Storage
8.3 Parabolic solar trough field
8.4 Parabolic solar trough
8.5 Power tower solar thermal plant
The Future of Solar Power
Case Studies
Germany
Kenya
9: Conclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?
Business as Usual
Climate Change in the Driver’s Seat
Pros and Cons of Various Electricity Generation Methods
Table 9.1 Comparison of different energy sources for electricity generation
Thinking Beyond Electricity
Transportation
Industry
Commercial/Residential
The Rosenfeld Curve, Jevons Paradox, and the Energy Efficiency Trap
Getting the Policy Right
Policy Recommendations
Conclusion
Appendix: Renewable Energy Support Policies
Notes
Introduction
1 Basic Energy and Policy Concepts
2 Fossil Fuels
3 Nuclear Power
5 Hydropower
6 Wind Power
7 Geothermal Energy
8 Solar Energy
9 Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
