Understanding the global energy crisis / edited by Eugene D. Coyle and Richard A. Simmons.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Coyle, Eugene D., editor.

Simmons, Richard A. (Engineer), editor.

Series:

Purdue studies in public policy

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Energy consumption.

Energy policy.

Energy development.

Renewable energy sources.

Physical Description:

xiv, 304 pages ; 26 cm.

Place of Publication:

West Lafayette, Indiana : Purdue University Press, [2014]

Summary:

We are facing a global energy crisis caused by world population growth, an escalating increase in demand, and continued dependence on fossil-based fuels for generation. It is widely accepted that increases in greenhouse gas concentration levels, if not reversed, will result in major changes to world climate with consequential effects on our society and economy. This is just the kind of intractable problem that Purdue University's Global Policy Research Institute seeks to address by promoting the engagement between policy makers and experts in fields such as engineering and technology. Major steps forward in the development and use of technology are required. In order to achieve solutions of the required scale and magnitude within a limited timeline, it is essential that engineers be not only technologically adept but also aware of the wider social and political issues that policy makers face. Likewise, it is also imperative that policy makers liaise closely with the academic community in order to realize advances. This book is designed to bridge the gap between these two groups, with a particular emphasis on educating the socially conscious engineers and technologists of the future. In this accessibly written volume, central issues in global energy are discussed through interdisciplinary dialogue between experts from both North America and Europe. The first section provides an overview of the nature of the global energy crisis approached from historical, political, and sociocultural perspectives. In the second section, expert contributors outline the technology and policy issues facing the development of major conventional and renewable energy sources. The third and final section explores policy and technology challenges and opportunities in the distribution and consumption of energy, in sectors such as transportation and the built environment. The book's epilogue suggests some future scenarios in energy supply and use while highlighting the urgent need for policy action that is coordinated, science-based pragmatic and flexible. Book jacket.

Contents:

Part 1 The Global Energy Crisis in Context

Chapter 1 Reflections on Energy, Greenhouse Gases, and Carbonaceous Fuels 11

1.1 Introduction: Man's Quest for Energy 12

1.2 Earth's Atmosphere and Greenhouse Gases 13

Chapter 2 Global Energy Policy Perspectives 27

2.1 Introduction: Energy Demand and Expected Growth 28

2.2 United States Energy and Climate Policy 34

2.3 Energy and Climate Policy in the European Union 42

2.4 China Energy and Climate Change Policy 50

2.5 Russia Energy and Climate Change Policy 52

2.6 Brazil Energy and Climate Change Policy 54

2.7 India Energy and Climate Change Policy 58

Chapter 3 Social Engagement by the Engineer 73

3.1 Introduction 74

3.2 Social Systems 75

3.3 Common Authentic Values and Principles 78

Part 2 Energy Conversion Technology

Chapter 4 Harnessing Nature: Wind, Hydro, Wave, Tidal, and Geothermal Energy 91

4.1 Introduction 91

4.2 Wind Energy 92

4.3 Hydroelectric Energy 99

4.4 Wave and Tidal Energy 102

4.5 Geothermal Energy 114

4.6 Impact of Renewable Technologies on Electricity Grid Developments 117

Chapter 5 Solar Power and the Enabling Role of Nanotechnology 125

5.1 Introduction 125

5.2 Solar Power Overview 126

5.3 Nanotechnology 128

5.4 Solar Photovoltaics 132

5.5 Thermoelectrics 135

5.6 Nanotechnology in Other Energy Applications 140

Chapter 6 Biofuel Prospects in an Uncertain World 151

6.1 Biofuels History 152

6.2 First Generation Biofuels 153

6.3 Second Generation Biofuels 155

6.4 Conclusions: Major Challenges and Opportunities 162

Chapter 7 A Future Role for Nuclear Energy? 167

7.1 Introduction: Essentials of Nuclear Energy 168

7.2 History of Nuclear Engineering 171

7.3 Current Status of Nuclear Energy 171

7.4 Nuclear Energy Safety 175

7.5 Nuclear Accidents and Impacts 177

7.6 Challenges in Nuclear Waste Management 180

7.7 Future Role for Nuclear Power 182

7.8 Social Engagement 185

7.9 Future for Nuclear Fusion 188

Part 3 Energy Distribution and Use

Chapter 8 Taking Emerging Renewable Technologies to Market 193

8.2 Introduction 194

8.2 Economic Factors 194

8.3 Political Factors 196

8.4 Social Factors 199

8.5 Maintainability Factors 202

8.6 Economics of Energy 202

8.7 Some Challenges for Emerging Wave Energy Technologies 204

8.8 Conclusion 209

Chapter 9 Transportation and Energy 215

9.1 Transportation Energy Overview 216

9.2 Electric and Hybrid Vehicles 225

9.3 Aviation Fuels and Regulation 239

Chapter 10 Policy Challenges for the Built Environment: The Dilemma of the Existing Building Stock 255

10.1 Introduction 255

10.2 Energy Conserving Building Retrofit Technologies 257

10.3 Complexity of Energy Efficiency Retrofit Strategies 261

10.4 Policy Challenges to Energy Efficiency Retrofit Success 266

10.5 Building Energy Reduction Programs Recently Employed in the US and EU 272

10.6 Recommendations and Opportunities for Future Solutions 276.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781557536617

1557536619

OCLC:

834393601