ENV 206 - Global Perspectives in Alternative Energy

Alternative Energy Sources is designed to give the reader, a clear view of the role each form of alternative energy may play in supplying the energy needs of the human society in the near future (20-50 years). The two first chapters on "energy demand and supply" and "environmental effects," set the tone as to why alternative energy is essential for the future. The third chapter gives the laws of energy conversion processes, as well as the limitations of converting one energy form to another. The section on exergy gives a quantitative background on the capability/potential of each energy source to produce power. The fourth, fifth and sixth chapters are expositions of fission and fusion nuclear energy, the power plants that may produce power from these sources and the issues that will frame the public debate on nuclear energy. The following five chapters include descriptions of the most common renewable energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, hydroelectric) some of the less common sources (e.g. tidal and wave energy). The emphasis of these chapters will be on the global potential of each source, the engineering/technical systems that are used in harnessing the potential of each source, the technological developments that will contribute to wider utilization of the sources and environmental effects associated with their wider use. The last three chapters are: "energy storage," which will become an important issue if renewable energy sources are used widely. The fourteen chapters in the book have been chosen so that one may fit a semester University course around this book. At the end of every chapter, there are 10-20 problems and 1-3 suggestions of semester projects that may be assigned to students for further research.

The increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the decrease of the available amount of fossil fuels necessitate finding new alternative and sustainable energy sources in the near future. This book summarizes the role and the possibilities of catalysis in the production of new energy carriers and in the utilization of different energy sources. The main goal of this work is to go beyond those results discussed in recent literature by identifying new developments that may lead to breakthroughs in the production of alternative energy. The book discusses the use of biomass or biomass derived materials as energy sources, hydrogen formation in methanol and ethanol reforming, biodiesel production, and the utilization of biogases. Separate sections also deal with fuel cells, photocatalysis, and solar cells, which are all promising processes for energy production that depend heavily on catalysts.

A comprehensive depository of all information relating to the scientific and technological aspects of Shale Gas and Alternative Energy Conveniently arranged by energy type including Shale Gas, Wind, Geothermal, Solar, and Hydropower Perfect first-stop reference for any scientist, engineer, or student looking for practical and applied energy information Emphasizes practical applications of existing technologies, from design and maintenance, to operating and troubleshooting of energy systems and equipment Features concise yet complete entries, making it easy for users to find the required information quickly, without the need to search through long articles

This book bringing together leading researchers in the field of renewable energy to discuss sustainability on a broad scale and to examine the status quo of renewable energy industry development in a global context. The volume starts with the European Union, then reviews current trends in the United States as well as the Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America. It moves on to analyze the German transition to one hundred percent renewable energy economy and energy systems (Energiewende) with a climate protection plan and sustainable economic development; and continues on to examine the determinants of the adoption of sustainable solutions in Finland and discuss the renewable energy agenda in the European Union with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals at its core.  Climate change has become one of the main global drivers for policy and this book discusses both it's over all global development as well as spotlighting localized progress across multiple continents. Over one hundred and fifty countries have developing sustainable energy policies, tax incentives, and laws. China remains the leader in renewable energy generation; and countries including the United States, the UK, India, Spain, and Turkey, compete in the Renewable Energy Sector to attract investments. In 2018, global investments in renewables exceeded $200 billion. The state of Bahia in Brazil has been experiencing a surge in wind energy production; and public policy has had a positive effect on that expansion. Kazakhstan is a country with great renewable energy prospects, particularly in wind, hydropower plants, and solar energy. This book is a comprehensive overview and invaluable reference for all those in the renewable energy sector.

The Transportation Energy Data Book (TEDB) is a compendium of data on transportation with an emphasis on energy. The TEDB is produced by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office.

The purpose of this data book is to draw together, under one cover, biomass data from diverse sources to produce a comprehensive document that supports anyone with an interest or stake in the biomass industry.

This book traces the origins of environmental ethics as a discipline, and considers how it defends the independent value of living creatures, and the need to make decisions informed by the needs and interests of future generations. Exploring the diverse approaches to ethical decisions and judgements, this text highlights the importance of making processes of production and consumption sustainable and of addressing human population levels, together with policies for preserving species, sub-species, and their habitats.

This text provides an overview of the main features of environmental law, and discusses how environmental law deals with multiple interests, socio-political conflicts, and the limits of knowledge about the environment. Showing how interdependent societies across the world have developed robust and legitimate bodies of law to address environmental problems, this book discusses some of the major issues involved in environmental law's: nation statehood, power, the reframing role of law, the need to ensure real environmental improvements, and environmental justice.

This book traces the evolution of environmental principles from their origins as vague political slogans reflecting fears about environmental hazards to their embodiment in enforceable laws. This title will be relevant to those interested in environmental law and policy, in the relationship between law and science, and in the ways in which political and ethical values can become embodied in laws.

This book examines the successes and failures of the Clean Air Act with the aim to offer lessons for future climate and energy policymaking in the U.S. at the federal and state level. It provides critical information to legislators, regulators, and scholars interested in understanding environmental policymaking.

This book provides a comprehensive look at the creation, implementation, and evaluation of environmental policy in the United States, which is of particular importance in the current era of congressional gridlock, increasing partisan rhetoric, and escalating debates about federal/state relations. It includes case studies, two chapters on food policy and natural resource policy, and public opinion data.

This book is a comprehensive and easy-to-understand primer that provides an overview of U.S. wildlife law for a broad audience. This text describes basic legal concepts while offering important updates that address recent legal topics. Chapter sidebars highlight relevant legal cases illustrating real-world application of the legal concepts covered in the main text.