Renewable Energy - A Primer for the Twenty-First Century

From wood to coal to oil and gas, the sources of energy on which civilization depends have always changed as technology advances. Now renewables are overtaking fossil fuels, with wind and solar energy becoming cheaper and more competitive every year. Growth in renewable energy will further accelerate as electric vehicles become less expensive than traditional automobiles. Understanding the implications of the energy transition will prepare us for the many changes ahead. Usher dissects the winners and losers, illustrating how governments and businesses with a far-sighted approach will reap long-term benefits while others will trail behind. Alongside the business and finance case for renewable energy, he provides a timely illustration of the threat of catastrophic climate change and the perils of delay. A short and powerful guide to our energy present and future, this book makes it clear that, from both economic and environmental perspectives, there is no time to lose.

List of contents

Preface: Setting the Record Straight
1. Renewable Energy in the Twenty-First Century
2. Energy Transitions: Fire to Electricity
3. The Rise of Renewables
4. Renewable Wind Energy
5. Renewable Solar Energy
6. Financing Renewable Energy
7. Energy Transitions: Oats to Oil
8. The Rise of Electric Vehicles
9. Parity
10. Convergence
11. Consequences
12. No Time to Lose
Appendix A. Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)
Appendix B. The Transition to Renewable Energy
Glossary
Notes
Index

About the author

Bruce Usher

Summary

This book is a primer for readers of all levels on the coming energy transition and its global consequences. Bruce Usher provides a concise yet comprehensive explanation for the growth in wind and solar energy; the trajectory of the transition from fossil fuels to renewables; and the implications for industries, countries, and the climate.

Product details

• Authors: Bruce Usher
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2019
• EAN: 9780231187855
• ISBN: 978-0-231-18785-5
• No. of pages: 224
• Series: Columbia University Earth Institute Sustainability Primers
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Music, film, theatre; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Development / Sustainable Development, SCIENCE / Global Warming & Climate Change, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / Environmental Policy, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Industries / Energy, SCIENCE / Energy, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / Energy Policy, Alternative & renewable energy sources & technology, Energy resources, Alternative and renewable energy sources and technology