Current Issues in Energy is a collection of essays that explains the role of energy in the evolution of society and creation of insights into the consequent problems of energy utilization. The book discusses the relationships between energy and its method of production, between energy and its economic products, and between energy and national warfare. The text gives a comprehensive account of the range of technological choices that could be made in the energy production. The analysis of the types of risk and how risk is accepted by society is explained in the book. The productions of energy through the exploration of solar sources are evaluated. Also covered in the book are the use of nuclear power and the spread of weapons. Inventions such as the laser, jet membrane, the process of plasma fusion-fission, and electron beam implosion are explained. The book can be a useful tool for physicists, electrical engineers, students, and researchers in the field of energy production.

The primary objective of the Phase I ERDA High-Temperature Turbine Technology (HTTT) Program was to provide a ''Program and System Definition'' of the three-phase program which would culminate in the testing of a Technology Readiness Vehicle (TRV) at the end of a six-year period. The TRV is designed for use in a combined cycle using coal-derived fuels at a firing temperature of 2600°F; growth capability to 3000°F is projected. The Phase I results reported are based on a 2600°F gas turbine burning coal-derived fuels. The following major areas are covered: overall plant design descriptions; systems design descriptions; turbine subsystem design; combustor design; phase II proposed program; and phase III proposed program. Details regarding final results of each of these areas are presented. It is concluded that the water-cooled gas turbine in combined cycle has been shown to be capable of extremely attractive levels of performance, both in terms of efficiency and specific output. Coupled with the ability to tolerate a wide range of coal-derived fuels with minimum fuel treatment, an extremely attractive system is presented for the generation of electric power. Future technology development of the high-firing-temperature water-cooled gas turbine is expected to result in the commercial introduction of this concept in combined cycles by the late 1980's or early 1990's.