The United States and China are the world's top two energy consumers and, as of 2010, the two largest economies. Consequently, they have a decisive role to play in the world's clean energy future. Both countries are also motivated by related goals, namely diversified energy portfolios, job creation, energy security, and pollution reduction, making renewable energy development an important strategy with wide-ranging implications. Given the size of their energy markets, any substantial progress the two countries make in advancing use of renewable energy will provide global benefits, in terms of enhanced technological understanding, reduced costs through expanded deployment, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to conventional generation from fossil fuels. Within this context, the U.S. National Academies, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), reviewed renewable energy development and deployment in the two countries, to highlight prospects for collaboration across the research to deployment chain and to suggest strategies which would promote more rapid and economical attainment of renewable energy goals. Main findings and concerning renewable resource assessments, technology development, environmental impacts, market infrastructure, among others, are presented. Specific recommendations have been limited to those judged to be most likely to accelerate the pace of deployment, increase cost-competitiveness, or shape the future market for renewable energy. The recommendations presented here are also pragmatic and achievable.

This special topic volume tends to present leading publications dealing with the Environmental and Safety Aspects of Renewable Materials and Energy Sources. The aims and scope are divided into four main areas: Chapter 1. Environmental aspects of selected renewable sources, Chapter 2. Fire safety aspects of selected renewable sources, Chapter 3. Occupational safety and health aspects of selected renewable sources, Chapter 4. Other safety aspects of selected renewable sources. Keyword: Biofuels; Biomass; Biomaterials; Combustion; Emissions; Energy sources; Environmental safety; Fire safety; Geothermal energy; Occupational safety and health; Recycling; Renewable materials; Renewable sources; Solar energy Editors Ladomersk, Balog, Martinka, Hroncov, and Dibdiakov present students, academics, researchers, and professionals in the field with a special topic volume of peer-reviewed papers examining the various environmental and safety aspects associated with renewable energy and materials. The contributions that make up the text are organized in four chapters, focused on the safety aspects of energy systems, environmental and renewable materials and technologies, fire safety and heat research, occupational safety and health research in the industry, and safety aspects of management and applied research. Ladomersk and Hroncov are faculty members of the University of Matej Bel, Slovak Republic. Balog and Martinka are faculty members of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. Dibdiakov is a faculty member of the Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute. -- Alternative energy-- Materials science-- Sustainability.

Special topic volume with invited peer reviewed papers only.

This book provides a platform for scientists and engineers to comprehend the technologies of solar wind hybrid renewable energy systems and their applications. It describes the thermodynamic analysis of wind energy systems, and advanced monitoring, modeling, simulation, and control of wind turbines. Based on recent hybrid technologies considering wind and solar energy systems, this book also covers modeling, design, and optimization of wind solar energy systems in conjunction with grid-connected distribution energy management systems comprising wind photovoltaic (PV) models. In addition, solar thermochemical fuel generation topology and evaluation of PV wind hybrid energy for a small island are also included in this book. Since energy storage plays a vital role in renewable energy systems, another salient part of this book addresses the methodology for sizing hybrid battery-backed power generation systems in off-grid connected locations. Furthermore, the book proposes solutions for sustainable rural development via passive solar housing schemes, and the impacts of renewable energies in general, considering social, economic, and environmental factors. Because this book proposes solutions based on recent challenges in the area of hybrid renewable technologies, it is hoped that it will serve as a useful reference to readers who would like to be acquainted with new strategies of control and advanced technology regarding wind solar hybrid systems

Renewable Energy Has a Good Side and a Bad Side Evaluate BothAll energy sources affect the environment in which we live. While fossil fuels may essentially do more harm, renewable energy sources can also pose a threat to the environment. Allowing for the various renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, Environmental I

This Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report (IPCC-SRREN) assesses the potential role of renewable energy in the mitigation of climate change. It covers the six most important renewable energy sources - bioenergy, solar, geothermal, hydropower, ocean and wind energy - as well as their integration into present and future energy systems. It considers the environmental and social consequences associated with the deployment of these technologies, and presents strategies to overcome technical as well as non-technical obstacles to their application and diffusion. SRREN brings a broad spectrum of technology-specific experts together with scientists studying energy systems as a whole. Prepared following strict IPCC procedures, it presents an impartial assessment of the current state of knowledge: it is policy relevant but not policy prescriptive. SRREN is an invaluable assessment of the potential role of renewable energy for the mitigation of climate change for policymakers, the private sector, and academic researchers.

Nano Tools and Devices for Enhanced Renewable Energy addresses key challenges faced in major energy sectors as the world strives for more affordable and renewable energy sources. The book collates and discusses the latest innovations in nanotechnology for energy applications, providing a comprehensive single resource for those interested in renewable energy. Chapters cover a range of nano tools and devices, as well as renewable energy types and sources, from energy storage to geothermal energy. Materials scientists, engineers and environmental scientists interested in the application and evaluation of innovative nano tools and devices in renewable energy technologies will find this book very valuable. Nanotechnology can help to reduce energy consumption and lessen toxicity burdens on the environment. Despite the rapid growth of development and use of nanotechnology in the modern world, there are still challenges faced by researchers and development groups in industry and academia. This book helps solve the problems of reduced accessibility of relevant research, presenting important information on adverse impacts on the environment, human health, safety and sustainability. - Covers a range of nano tools and devices, as well as renewable energy types and sources, from energy storage to geothermal energy - Offers an insight into the commercialization and regulatory aspects of nanotechnology for renewable energy - Helps solve the problems of reduced accessibility of relevant information, presenting important research on adverse impacts on the environment, human health, safety and sustainability