This book analyzes the entire spectrum of energy, from conventional sources to various alternative sources. Historically, the Sun has been viewed as the ultimate source of energy on the Earth. All forms of energy – fossil fuels and renewables alike – owe their existence to the Sun. The book also provides a historical perspective on energy policy over the years. It explains the fundamentals of energy and all related aspects using clear and straightforward language, and will serve as a reference guide for all stakeholders including policymakers, academics, students and world citizens in general.

A comprehensive and unified introduction to the science of energy sources, uses, and systems for students, scientists, engineers, and professionals.

World Energy Handbook presents an overview of the energy systems of selected countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. It is a complete guide to energy history and generation in these countries, including renewable energy, storage, and use. The authors follow the same analytical approach for each country to construct comprehensive surveys of all aspects of energy systems, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each country’s energy infrastructures. The handbook aims to raise awareness about the condition and deficiencies of energy systems in developing countries, and the potential for the countries to improve, grow, and advance the technologies for energy generation – especially by turning to renewable energy sources to increase energy storage capacities and optimizing the way subsystems are integrated. The book serves as a must-have guide for decision-makers, investors, business people, and other professionals to understand the global distribution of energy generation, transmission, and each country’s carbon footprint and identify opportunities for energy system improvement worldwide.

Activists, scientists and policymakers around the world have long argued that we need to find sustainable and secure solutions to the world's energy demands. At issue for citizens worldwide is whether we are scientifically literate enough to understand the potential policy choices before us. Understanding Energy and Energy Policy is a one-stop resource for understanding the complexities of energy policy and the science behind the utilization of energy sources. The multidisciplinary perspective presented in this book is necessary for readers to be able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of potential energy policies. The book draws on case studies from the global North and South, from countries that are resource poor and resource rich, while providing explanations of the science and politics behind burning fossil fuels, and power created through nuclear energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, biofuels and water.

Nader Elhefnawy has been writing on the connections between complexity, economics and international security for nearly two decades. This book brings together the results of that research and what it means for our world in this age of economic, political and ecological crisis.