Energy is vital for a good standard of living, and much of the world's population does not have enough. Affordable and adequate sources of power that do not cause climate change or pollution are crucial; and renewables provide the answer. Wind and solar farms can now provide the cheapest electricity in many parts of the world. Moreover, they could provide all of the world's energy needs. But while market forces are fast helping the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, there are opposing pressures, such as the USA's proposed withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and the vested interests in fossil fuels. This Very Short Introduction describes the main renewable sources of energy- solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass- as well as the less well-developed ones- geothermal, tidal, and wave. Nick Jelley explains the challenges of integrating renewables into electricity grids, and the need for energy storage and for clean heat; and discusses the opportunities in developing countries for renewable energy to empower millions. He also considers international efforts and policies to support renewables and tackle climate change; and explains recent innovations in wind and solar energy production, battery storage, and in the emerging power-to-gas provision for clean heating. Throughout, he emphasises what renewable energy can deliver, and its importance in tackling climate change, and in improving health, welfare, and access to electricity. 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.

The only book to successfully integrate social, economic and environmental considerations with an accessible, quantitative approach to energy science.

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 acknowledged to provide the answer, and this book describes the main sources and what each could deliver, their innovative technologies, and how their variability can be handled.

A Dictionary of Energy Science covers terms related to energy technologies and their impact on the world's energy use. It sets out the principles behind each technology's operation, as well as its economic, environmental, and social impacts. Coverage includes energy demand and conservation, electricity generation and distribution, energy storage, renewable energy and fossil fuel technologies, nuclear energy, environmental issues, energy and society, and biographies of eminent energy scientists. Including more than 600 entries, the text is complemented by illustrations, a chronology, and global statistics on energy use. This topical dictionary appears at a time when the development of alternative technologies to fossil fuel is particularly important in trying to limit global warming, and is significantly affected by energy policy and politics. It is an essential resource for students of engineering, geography, and economics, and for professionals in energy-related industries.

The only book to successfully integrate social, economic and environmental considerations with an accessible, quantitative approach to energy science.

Ce livre détaille les principales sources d'énergie renouvelables - solaire, éolienne, hydroélectrique et biomasse - ainsi que celles qui sont moins développées - géothermie, marée et vagues. L'auteur expose les défis que représente l'intégration des énergies renouvelables dans les réseaux électriques, ainsi que la nécessité du stockage de l'énergie. Il examine également les efforts internationaux visant à soutenir les énergies renouvelables et à lutter contre le changement climatique, et détaille les récentes innovations en matière de production d'énergie éolienne et solaire, de stockage et de conversion de l'électricité en gaz pour le chauffage propre.

El inexorable agotamiento de los combustibles fósiles del planeta y el calentamiento global, ya admitido y asumido, hace que el estudio de las energías renovables -es decir, aquellas que se reponen de manera natural y de forma sostenible- cobre cada vez más importancia. En esta obra escrita con un enfoque objetivo y asentado con firmeza en principios físicos y datos contrastados acerca de la producción, la demanda y el consumo de energía, Nick Jelley aporta no sólo la información indispensable para conocer y entender las energías de esta clase junto con la tecnología actualmente disponible que las acompaña y sus perspectivas, sino que también explica con concisión y claridad los principios básicos de algunos de los inventos con ellas relacionados, por ejemplo cómo funciona una célula fotovoltaica, cómo trabaja una batería de ión litio, cuál es el fundamento de las pilas de hidrógeno o por qué motivo los aerogeneradores tienen tres palas.