Overview

Renewable energy is a fast-expanding field, welcomed by many as part of the answer to climate change and energy security concerns; but can renewables deliver enough energy reliably and economically? Rapid expansion continues in the area of renewable energy, with wind capacity expected to double over the next five years and PV solar perhaps treble in the same period. There have been some dramatic projections of potential expansion longer term, with some studies now suggesting that renewables could supply all, or nearly all, electricity needs globally and perhaps also all energy needs by 2050. In this book, David Elliott conveys the sense of excitement that abounds in this new area of technological development not only reviewing the basic technological options and how renewable technologies are being implemented and used around the world, but also considers the problems, including local environmental impacts and the need to deal with the variability of some renewable energy sources. Dividing the renewable energy supply options into those based on mechanical power, heat and light it also looks at some related energy-conversion options, including fuel cells, heat pumps and cogeneration/combined heat and power. The author explores how these new sources can be integrated and used together with technologies for reducing energy waste and demand to replace conventional energy sources and ensure a balance of supply and demand. After reviewing the renewable energy options, the book then considers implementation and policy issues, including storage and grid balancing; aspects that will play a critical role in the creation of sustainable, clean and viable renewable energy solutions. This is not a textbook - there are plenty available - instead the book reviews what is happening across this field at this time of great change and rapid development. Supplemented with many case studies and links to information sources, this book will be essential reading for scientists, engineers, policymakers and anybody involved with, or interested in, the implementation of green and renewable energy technologies, and the environmental aspects of modern energy demands.

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9780750310413

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Renewable energy is a fast-expanding field, welcomed by many as part of the answer to climate change and energy security concerns; but can renewables deliver? This book reviews the basic technological options and global implementation, so as to convey the sense of excitement that abounds in this new area of technological development, but it also looks at the problems, including technological, policy issues, local environmental impacts and the need to deal with the variability of some renewable energy sources.

Author Information

David Elliott worked initially with the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Harwell and the Central Electricity Generating Board, before moving to the Open University, where he is now an Emeritus Professor. Whilst at the Open University, he was the co-director of the Energy and Environment Research Unit and Professor of Technology Policy in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computing and Technology. During his time at the Open University he created several courses in Design and Innovation, with special emphasis on how the innovation development process can be directed towards sustainable technologies. Professor Elliott has published numerous books, reports and papers, especially in the area of development of sustainable and renewable energy technologies and systems. Still very active in research and policy David Elliott also writes the popular blog Renew Your Energy on http://environmentalresearchweb.org/

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