Renewable Energy

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Energy is vital for a good standard of living, and affordable sources of power that do not cause climate change or pollution are crucial. Renewable energy is recognised as providing the answer, with countries from around the world deciding at COP28 in 2023 to aim to triple the global renewable energy capacity by 2030, for the transition away from fossil fields to be on track for net-zero emissions by 2050. This Very Short Introduction describes the main sources of renewable energy- solar PV, wind, hydropower, and biomass - their innovative technologies, and what each could deliver. It also discusses the relatively small contributions expected from tidal, wave, geothermal, and nuclear power, and from carbon capture and storage. Nick Jelley presents how the variability of solar PV and wind power can be handled in an electricity grid predominantly powered by renewables, and discusses recent innovations in batteries and other energy storage technologies. Jelley goes on to explain the importance of decarbonising the huge global heat demand by using heat pumps, hydrogen from electrolysers, and electricity directly; and of changing to electric vehicles, which will decarbonise most of transport. Electrification of buildings, industry and transport for net-zero will roughly triple the supply of electricity, and this can be met predominantly by solar PV and wind power. The learning effect has resulted in a dramatic drop in the price of wind and solar PV power in the last decade, making them the cheapest generators of electricity in most parts of the world. This could make powering the world by renewables considerably cheaper than continuing to burn fossil fuels. Jelley explores the challenges in achieving this; notably, geopolitical tensions, lack of grid infrastructure, permitting (planning) issues, the availability of finance in the global South, and the vested interests in fossil fuels. The Very Short Introduction ends by discussing the actions needed that include strong consistent policies, financial initiatives to take advantage of the long-term benefits of renewables, and good community involvement. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Energy is vital for a good standard of living, and affordable sources of power that do not cause climate change or pollution are crucial. Renewable energy is recognised as providing the answer, with countries from around the world deciding at COP28 in 2023 to aim to triple the global renewable energy capacity by 2030, for the transition away from fossil fields to be on track for net-zero emissions by 2050. This Very Short Introduction describes the main sources of renewable energy- solar PV, wind, hydropower, and biomass - their innovative technologies, and what each could deliver. It also discusses the relatively small contributions expected from tidal, wave, geothermal, and nuclear power, and from carbon capture and storage. Nick Jelley presents how the variability of solar PV and wind power can be handled in an electricity grid predominantly powered by renewables, and discusses recent innovations in batteries and other energy storage technologies. Jelley goes on to explain the importance of decarbonising the huge global heat demand by using heat pumps, hydrogen from electrolysers, and electricity directly; and of changing to electric vehicles, which will decarbonise most of transport. Electrification of buildings, industry and transport for net-zero will roughly triple the supply of electricity, and this can be met predominantly by solar PV and wind power. The learning effect has resulted in a dramatic drop in the price of wind and solar PV power in the last decade, making them the cheapest generators of electricity in most parts of the world. This could make powering the world by renewables considerably cheaper than continuing to burn fossil fuels. Jelley explores the challenges in achieving this; notably, geopolitical tensions, lack of grid infrastructure, permitting (planning) issues, the availability of finance in the global South, and the vested interests in fossil fuels. The Very Short Introduction ends by discussing the actions needed that include strong consistent policies, financial initiatives to take advantage of the long-term benefits of renewables, and good community involvement. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

From wood to coal to oil and gas, the sources of energy on which civilization depends have always changed as technology advances. Now renewables are overtaking fossil fuels, with wind and solar energy becoming cheaper and more competitive every year. Growth in renewable energy will further accelerate as electric vehicles become less expensive than traditional automobiles. Understanding the implications of the energy transition will prepare us for the many changes ahead. This book is a primer for readers of all levels on the coming energy transition and its global consequences. Bruce Usher provides a concise yet comprehensive explanation for the extraordinary growth in wind and solar energy; the trajectory of the transition from fossil fuels to renewables; and the implications for industries, countries, and the climate. Written in a straightforward style with easy-to-understand visual aids, the book illuminates the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy based on business fundamentals and analysis of the economic forces that have given renewables a tailwind. Usher dissects the winners and losers, illustrating how governments and businesses with a far-sighted approach will reap long-term benefits while others will trail behind. Alongside the business and finance case for renewable energy, he provides a timely illustration of the threat of catastrophic climate change and the perils of delay. A short and powerful guide to our energy present and future, this book makes it clear that, from both economic and environmental perspectives, there is no time to lose.

From wood to coal to oil and gas, the sources of energy on which civilization depends have always changed as technology advances. Now renewables are overtaking fossil fuels, with wind and solar energy becoming cheaper and more competitive every year. Growth in renewable energy will further accelerate as electric vehicles become less expensive than traditional automobiles. Understanding the implications of the energy transition will prepare us for the many changes ahead. This book is a primer for readers of all levels on the coming energy transition and its global consequences. Bruce Usher provides a concise yet comprehensive explanation for the extraordinary growth in wind and solar energy; the trajectory of the transition from fossil fuels to renewables; and the implications for industries, countries, and the climate. Written in a straightforward style with easy-to-understand visual aids, the book illuminates the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy based on business fundamentals and analysis of the economic forces that have given renewables a tailwind. Usher dissects the winners and losers, illustrating how governments and businesses with a far-sighted approach will reap long-term benefits while others will trail behind. Alongside the business and finance case for renewable energy, he provides a timely illustration of the threat of catastrophic climate change and the perils of delay. A short and powerful guide to our energy present and future, this book makes it clear that, from both economic and environmental perspectives, there is no time to lose.

Bent Sørensen’s Renewable Energy: Physics, Engineering, Environmental Impacts, Economics and Planning, Fifth Edition, continues the tradition by providing a thorough and current overview of the entire renewable energy sphere. Since its first edition, this standard reference source helped put renewable energy on the map of scientific agendas. Several renewable energy solutions no longer form just a marginal addition to energy supply, but have become major players, with the promise to become the backbone of an energy system suitable for life in the sustainability lane. This volume is a problem-solving tool for engineers, researchers, students, consultants, and planners currently working in the field, as well as a detailed map of the renewables universe for those looking to expand into new technological specialties, offering the most comprehensive coverage of the subject available. The book has been structured around three parts in order to assist readers in focusing on the issues that impact them the most for a given project or question. PART I covers the basic scientific principles behind all major renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and biomass. PART II provides in-depth information about how these raw renewable sources can actually be converted into useful forms, transmitted into the grid, and stored for future utilization. Finally, PART III undertakes the aspects of energy planning, environmental impacts, and socio-economic issues on regional and global levels. In this new edition, Sørensen presents his audience with updated data about renewables market penetration, current insights on climate change, the most recent available technology for renewable energy conversion, transmission and storage, and revised planning scenarios and the future outlook.