Presenting a comprehensive analysis of the use of alternative sources of energy and technologies to produce fuels and power, this book describes the energy value chain from harvesting the raw material, (i.e solar, wind, biomass or shale gas) followed by analysis of the processing steps into power, fuels and/or chemicals and finally the distribution of the products. Featuring an examination of the techno-economic processes and integration opportunities which can add value to by-products or promote the use of different sources of energy within the same facility, this book looks at the tools that can make this integration possible as well as utilising a real world case study. The case study of the operation of “El hierro” island is used as an example of the current effort towards more efficient use of the resources available. Tackling head on the open challenges of the supply, the variability of the source and its prediction, the description of novel processes that are being developed and evaluated for their transformation as well as how we can distribute them to the consumer and how we can integrate the new chemicals, fuels and power within the current system and infrastructure, the book takes a process based perspective with such an approach able to help us in the use and integration of these sources of energy and novel technologies.

A comprehensive political analysis of the rapid growth in renewable wind and solar power, mapping an energy transition through theory, case studies, and policy. Wind and solar are the most dynamic components of the global power sector. How did this happen? After the 1973 oil crisis, the limitations of an energy system based on fossil fuels created an urgent need to experiment with alternatives, and some pioneering governments reaped political gains by investing heavily in alternative energy such as wind or solar power. Public policy enabled growth over time, and economies of scale brought down costs dramatically. In this book, Michaël Aklin and Johannes Urpelainen offer a comprehensive political analysis of the rapid growth in renewable wind and solar power, mapping an energy transition through theory, case studies, and policy analysis. Aklin and Urpelainen argue that, because the fossil fuel energy system and political support for it are so entrenched, only an external shock—an abrupt rise in oil prices, or a nuclear power accident, for example—allows renewable energy to grow. They analyze the key factors that enable renewable energy to withstand political backlash, andt they draw on this analyisis to explain and predict the development of renewable energy in different countries over time. They examine the pioneering efforts in the United States, Germany, and Denmark after the 1973 oil crisis and other shocks; explain why the United States surrendered its leadership role in renewable energy; and trace the recent rapid growth of modern renewables in electricity generation, describing, among other things, the return of wind and solar to the United States. Finally, they apply the lessons of their analysis to contemporary energy policy issues.

Evaluates trade-offs and uncertainties inherent in achieving sustainable energy, analyzes the major energy technologies, and provides a framework for assessing policy options.

Provides a comprehensive overview of emerging perspectives and innovations for alternative energy sources. Highlighting relevant concepts on energy efficiency, current technologies, and ongoing industry trends, this is an ideal reference source for academics, practitioners, professionals, and upper-level students interested in the latest research on renewable energy.

The limitation of fossil fuels has challenged scientists and engineers to search for alternative energy resources that can meet future energy demand. Renewable Energy System Design is a valuable reference focusing on engineering, design, and operating principles that engineers can follow in order to successfully design more robust and efficient renewable energy systems. Written by Dr. Ziyad Salameh, an expert with over thirty years of teaching, research, and design experience, Renewable Energy System Design provides readers with the "nuts and bolts" of photovoltaic, wind energy, and hybrid wind/PV systems. It explores renewable energy storage devices with an emphasis on batteries and fuel cells and emerging sustainable technologies like biomass, geothermal power, ocean thermal energy conversion, solar thermal, and satellite power. Renewable Energy System Design is a must-have resource that provides engineers and students with a comprehensive yet practical guide to the characteristics, principles of operation, and power potential of the most prevalent renewable energy systems. - Explains and demonstrates design and operating principles for solar, wind, hybrid and emerging systems with diagrams and examples - Utilizes case studies to help engineers anticipate and overcome common design challenges - Explores renewable energy storage methods particularly batteries and fuel cells and emerging renewable technologies

Alternative Energy Sources, Part B contains the proceedings of the Alternative Energy Sources Symposium of the International Symposium Series of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, held in Kuwait in February 1980. The symposium provided a forum for discussing alternative energy sources and for reviewing and assessing those technologies that complement and will most likely replace oil and gas extracted by conventional techniques. Comprised of seven chapters, this book begins with an overview of the state of the art in nuclear fission power plants, along with the basics of nuclear fission and energy derived from nuclear reactions. The discussion then turns to fusion power and its prospects; the state of the art of energy storage systems used by electric utilities for peak shaving; and the outlook for transportation and energy through 2000. The next chapter focuses on the shortcomings of techniques that are typically used for the comparative evaluation of energy projects and suggests improvements, based on a present value approach, which allow for a more meaningful comparison. Mathematical techniques for the analysis of capital ventures are also described, with special reference to investments in the field of energy. The final chapter sets into context the mechanics of Third World development and the role of alternative energy systems in that process. This monograph will be of interest to researchers in the energy field as well as energy policymakers.