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Energy Economics (Routledge Textbooks in Environmental and Agricultural Economics)
by Peter M. SchwarzWith interest in topics such as climate change, energy security, and alternative energy sources being at an all-time high, the effects of today's decisions now rest on the shoulders of future generations. There are no easy answers to our energy issues, so costs and benefits must be considered when evaluating all energy alternatives; alongside that, prices must be right and need to reflect the full social costs to society of a given source of energy. Energy Economics outlines the fundamental issues and possible solutions to the challenges of energy production and use, and presents a framework for energy decisions based upon sound economic analysis. It considers market forces and policy goals, including economic prosperity, environmental protection, and other considerations that affect societal well-being. This book focuses on both energy choices and the impact of these choices on market performance, environmental conditions, and sustainability. The initial section covers the fundamental economic concepts for analyzing energy markets. Following this, a detailed analysis of established energy sources, specifically fossil fuels and nuclear energy, leads into consideration of energy alternatives such as renewable energy and next-generation alternatives. Electricity production and regulatory trends are covered in depth. The final section considers policy: environmental considerations, sustainability, and energy security. The concluding chapter is a comprehensive vision for our energy future. Drawing on current energy headlines, perspectives familiar from the popular press, and views outside economics, this text sharpens students' ability to understand, evaluate, and critique policy using appropriate economic analysis. The text builds a foundation that culminates in a view of a comprehensive energy policy that improves upon the vacillations of past decades.
Energy Economics (Routledge Textbooks in Environmental and Agricultural Economics)
by Peter M. SchwarzEnergy Economics outlines the fundamental issues and possible solutions to the challenges of energy production and use, presenting a framework for decisions based upon sound economic analysis. This approach considers market forces and policy goals, including economic prosperity, environmental protection, and societal well-being. The second edition has been thoroughly updated, addressing dramatic shifts in the use of fuel and electricity, accelerated plans for the use of renewable energy, and pathways towards a lower-carbon future. A new chapter on electric vehicles examines its impact on transportation, the electricity market, and carbon emissions. Global examples throughout the book reflect the universal application of energy economics. With this economic foundation, coupled with perspectives from real-world applications, and perspectives from related disciplines, this text sharpens the student’s ability to understand, evaluate, and critique energy policy. A companion website provides reinforcement for students through multiple choice self-test quizzes and homework exercises, as well as additional materials for instructors. This textbook should be essential reading for students of energy economics, environmental and natural resource economics, energy-related disciplines, and general readers seeking to expand their knowledge of energy economics and policy.
Energy Efficiency: Building a Clean, Secure Economy
by James L. SweeneyThe entire world, especially the United States, is in the midst of an energy revolution. Since the oil embargo of 1973, individuals, corporations, and other organizations have found ways to economically reduce energy use. In this book, Jim Sweeney examines the energy policies and practices of the past forty years and their impact on three crucial systems: the economy, the environment, and national security. He shows how energy-efficiency contributions to the country's overall energy situation have been more powerful than all the increases in the domestic production of oil, gas, coal, geothermal energy, nuclear power, solar power, wind power, and biofuels. The author details the impact of new and improved energy-efficient technologies, the environmental and national security benefits of energy efficiency, ways to amplify energy efficiency, and more. Energy Efficiency: Building a Clean, Secure Economy reveals how the careful nurturing of private- and public-sector energy efficiency--along with public awareness, appropriate pricing, appropriate policies--and increased research and development, the trends of decreasing energy intensity and increasing energy efficiency can be beneficially accelerated.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Metal Industries: With Selected Cases of Investment Grade Audit
by Swapan Kumar Dutta Jitendra Saxena Binoy Krishna ChoudhuryThis book provides a deep insight into the energy usage in the energy intensive metal industry and the methodology for efficiency assessment. Various methodologies for energy audits are described, along with concept-level analysis for minimum energy design. Apart from the technical and engineering analysis, the book also describes management aspects such as energy management systems and financial, environmental and social analysis leading to the development of a comprehensive plan for implementation of energy efficiency and conservation in industries. Barriers to investment in energy efficiency and conservation are discussed, based on review of global and Indian case studies. FEATURES: Details fundamental principles driving energy consumption in an industrial set-up backed with illustrative examples Explains various alternative methods for discovery of energy efficiency and conservation projects. Focusses on metal-producing and -processing facilities with an emphasis on environmental quality Supports maximum digitalization of energy audit assessment and report preparation processes Includes global case studies and tutorials at the end of the corresponding chapters This book is useful for researchers, professionals and graduate students in thermodynamics, manufacturing, thermal engineering, energy engineering, energy efficiency and energy processes, especially in the metal industry.
Energy Efficiency and the Future of Real Estate
by Yongsheng Wang N. Edward Coulson Clifford A. LipscombThis book explores how energy efficiency is a major component in the development of sustainable real estate. Efficiency is one of the most frequently-mentioned aspects of government policies for green building design in the United States and around the world. There has been a significant amount of effort devoted to the creation of green practices in real estate, including building construction, building assessment, city planning, investment, governmental regulation and policies, and industrial development. One of the key emphases of the above activities is energy efficiency, thus it is crucial for researchers and readers to have a comprehensive overview of the topic, as this book provides.
Energy Efficiency Finance: Assessing the Impact of IFC's China Utility-based Energy Efficiency Finance Program
by World BankThis evaluation assesses the performance of IFC's energy efficiency finance program in China aimed at stimulating energy efficiency investments through bank guarantees and technical assistance. The difference made by the program is traced along the chain of interventions: (i) at the level of banks, the program is narrowly based on one of the two partner banks, which, with the help of the program, expanded its energy efficiency lending as a new business line; (ii) at the level of energy management companies, the program's technical assistance improved the program participants' access to finance; and (iii) at the end-user level, it promoted the use of energy efficiency investments that achieved reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The utilization of IFC's program has been rapid compared with other similar programs. The energy efficiency investments supported by the program have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 14 million CO2 tons per year, slightly in excess of the target set at the beginning of the program. However, there is only a weak differentiation in behavior surrounding energy efficiency investment between end users supported by the program and other similar companies that were not. It is important to note that the performance of the program was heavily influenced by the government's policy actions and the earlier efforts of other players: The Chinese government and other players such as the World Bank. The CHUEE program, relying mainly on commercial funding through IFC's guarantees, builds on these efforts
Energy Efficiency in Developing Countries: Policies and Programmes (Routledge Studies in Energy Policy)
by Suzana Tavares Da Silva Gabriela Prata DiasThis book presents a comparative analysis of energy efficiency policies in developing countries. Although there is a vast amount of literature available about renewable energy policy and implementation in the developing world, energy efficiency tends to lack attention. This book fills this lacuna by examining the current state of the field and scope for future improvements. Drawing on a wide range of case studies including Brazil, China and Chile, the authors use a comparative approach to examine the policies and programmes being implemented, looking at the existing legal frameworks and regulatory challenges. By showcasing stories of success, as well as barriers to energy efficiency, they highlight the opportunities for increased energy access and efficiency and demonstrate how these opportunities may directly impact on climate change mitigation. This volume will be a useful resource for scholars and practitioners with an interest in energy policy and efficiency, climate change and international development.
Energy Efficient Affordable Housing: Policy Design and Implementation in Canadian Cities
by Sasha TsenkovaThis book provides the first comparative assessment of the energy-efficiency retrofit programs in the social housing sector of Canadian cities, focusing on program efficiency and effectiveness. The analytical framework explores key policy instruments - regulatory, fiscal and institutional - in relation to major results achieved. The approach is interdisciplinary, supported by rich empirical data from case studies, observations and interviews. The book explores important strategies for the provision of green and affordable housing, while addressing climate change imperatives and resilience issues. This is of great interest to researchers, policy makers, city leaders, professionals and students. Its value added contribution to scholarship is complemented by practical relevance for social housing organisations in countries with a small residual housing sector. It offers valuable lessons for the design, planning and implementation of energy retrofit programs in North America and beyond.
Energy Efficient Building Design
by Ana-Maria DabijaThis book is the result of recent research that deals with the built environment and innovative materials, carried out by specialists working in universities and centers of research in different professional fields ─ architecture, engineering, physics ─ and in an area that that spans from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf, and from South Eastern Europe to the Middle East. This book takes the necessity of re-shaping the concept of building design in order to transform buildings from large scale energy consumers to energy savers and producers into consideration. The book is organized in two parts: theory and case studies. For the theoretical part, we chose from the wide range of sources that provide energy efficient materials and systems the two that seem to be endless: the sun and vegetation. Their use in building products represents a tool for specialists in the architectural design concept. The case-studies presented analyze different architectural programs, in different climates, from new buildings to rehabilitation approaches and from residential architecture to hospitals and sports arenas; each case emphasizes the interdisciplinarity of the building design activity in order to help readers gain a better understanding of the complex approach needed for energy efficient building design
Energy Efficient Cities: Assessment Tools and Benchmarking Practices
by Ranjan K. BoseUrban areas account for two-thirds of global energy requirements while housing approximately half of the world's population. With current projections indicating that 70 percent of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, an increase in urban energy use is inevitable. In the face of this growing energy demand, developing climate-friendly urban energy solutions, while protecting the urban development that is crucial to socioeconomic progress in developing countries, is imperative. In an effort to catalyze solutions that would delink high levels of carbon-intensive energy use from urban growth, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank launched the Energy Efficient Cities Initiative in October 2008. 'Energy Efficient Cities: Assessment Tools and Benchmarking Practices' is a product of that initiative. The analytical tools and policy insights offered in this volume extend from integrated assessments of new cities to the impacts of socioeconomic, climate, and demographic changes on existing cities. In addition, the documentation and benchmarking of a variety of low-carbon and carbon-neutral good practices provide a range of practical insights on plausible energy efficient interventions in urban sectors. This book will be of particular interest to policy makers, development practitioners, and decision makers in the private sector, as well as researchers within nongovernmental organizations and the academic community.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Design
by Javad KhazaiiThis book provides readers with essential knowledge enabling the successful design of today's new energy efficient HVAC systems. The author introduces important concepts such as Knowledge Categorization, Performance Based Design Standards, and Quantification of Uncertainty in Energy Modeling for Buildings. Pivotal topics that all HVAC and architectural engineers must master in order to navigate the green building renaissance are given focused attention, including the role of renewables, air quality, automatic controls, and thermal comfort. Relevant ASHRAE standards, as well as sustainability scoring systems such as BREEAM, HQE, LEED and CASBEE are explained in depth. Armed with the material contained in this practical reference, students and practitioners alike will become more effective and prepared for engineering success.
Energy-Efficient Timber-Glass Houses
by Vesna Žegarac Leskovar Miroslav PremrovThe book discusses combining timber and glass, two eco materials, with a view to developing an optimal contemporary energy-efficient house with an attractive design. Furthermore, the book connects an architectural design approach with structural research to show the possibilities of stabilizing the building with an increased size of the glazing. Research results where the glazing is considered as a load-bearing structural element are therefore presented in a manner leading to the development of an optimal model of the timber-glass house, considering both the structural and energy related aspects. The presented research work can be useful to designers and future experts in their planning of optimal energy-efficient timber buildings. The study is based on using timber and glass, which were previously neglected as construction materials. With suitable technological development and appropriate use, they are nowadays becoming essential construction materials as far as energy efficiency is concerned. However, their combined use is extremely complicated, from both the constructional point of view as well as from that of energy efficiency and sets multiple traps for designers. A good knowledge of their advantages and drawbacks is thus vitally important, which is shown in the present monograph. Energy-efficient timber-glass houses was selected by the Slovenian National Research Agency as an extraordinary scientific achievement in the field of technical sciences/civil engineering for the year 2013.
Energy, Environment and Development
by Jose Goldemberg Oswaldo LuconThe relationship between energy and the environment has been the basis of many studies over the years, as has the relationship between energy and development, yet both of these approaches may produce distortions. In the first edition of this book, Professor Goldemberg pioneered the study of all three elements in relation to one another. With contributions from Oswaldo Lucon, this second edition has been expanded and updated to cover how energy is related to the major challenges of sustainability faced by the world today. The book starts by conceptualizing energy, and then relates it to human activities, to existing natural resources and to development indicators. It then covers the main environmental problems, their causes and possible solutions. Disaggregating national populations by income and by how different income groups consume energy, the authors identify the differences between local, regional and global environmental impacts, and can thus ascertain who is responsible for them. Finally, they discuss general and specific policies to promote sustainable development in energy. New coverage is included of today's pressing issues, including security, environmental impact assessment and future climate change/renewable energy regimes. The authors also cover all major new international agreements and technological developments. Energy, Environment and Development is the result of many years of study and practical experience in policy formulation, discussion and implementation in these fields by the authors. Written in a technical yet accessible style, the book is aimed at students on a range of courses, as well as non-energy specialists who desire an overview of recent thought in the area.
Energy, Environment and Globalization: Recent Trends, Opportunities and Challenges in India
by Anshuman Gupta Narendra N. DaleiThis book analyzes contemporary issues relating to energy, environment, and globalization in the Indian context. As a signatory to the Paris climate accord, India has reiterated its commitment to taking strong and positive steps toward climate change mitigation. However, as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it is battling the effects of a steep rise in fossil fuel usage and pollution. Further, increasing globalization is leading to greater economic activity and production, resulting in additional energy use, which has a negative effect on the environment. The book argues that globalization need not have only a negative environmental impact; it can also have positive impact through the importation of environmentally sound technologies and implementing global compliance standards. The book is divided into three sections: The energy section discusses issues relating to the status of Indian natural gas market and the need for developing an efficient gas market in India; the economics and politics of sustainable energy in India; the challenges of thermal power and significance of clean thermal power generation in India; environmental and policy issues concerning energy use in urban India; the importance of energy use in developing Human Development Index (HDI); and issues relating to renewable energy in India. The environment section then examines topics such as the impact of global warming on local weather by examining the frequency of extreme weather events such as drought and floods, and their impact on farming activities in the Indian state of Odisha; the importance of according the economic value to environmentally significant things like national park , mangroves, etc. for sustainable development; the role of environmental accounting for ecological sustainability and ecotourism; and environmental concerns increasingly gaining traction among the corporate sector for their long-run benefits . Lastly, the third section addresses issues relating to the challenges and opportunities of globalization, such as the interface between globalization and environment; managing India’s business interest in proposing new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT); the challenges being faced by Indian exports and their revival; and making Indian SMEs competitive. As such, it is an invaluable resource for policymakers, researchers, practitioners and students in the field of energy, environment and trade economics.
Energy & Ethics
by Benjamin K. SovacoolBenjamin K. Sovacool applies concepts from justice and ethics theory to contemporary energy problems, and illustrates particular solutions to those problems with examples and case studies from around the world.
Energy Fables: Challenging Ideas in the Energy Sector
by Jenny Rinkinen Elizabeth Shove Jacopo TorritiEnergy Fables: Challenging Ideas in the Energy Sector takes a fresh look at key terms and concepts around which energy research and policy are organised. Drawing on recent research in energy and transport studies, and combining this with concepts from sociology, economics, social theory and technology studies, the chapters in this collection review and challenge different aspects of received wisdom. Brief but critical introductions to classic notions like those of ‘energy efficiency’, ‘elasticity’, ‘energy services’ and the ‘energy trilemma’, together with discussions and analyses of well-worn phrases about ‘low hanging fruit’ and ‘keeping the lights on’, articulate aspects of the energy debate that are often taken for granted. In re-working these established themes and adding twists to familiar tales, the authors develop a repertoire of new ideas about the fundamentals of energy demand and carbon reduction. This book presents a valuable and thought-provoking resource for students, researchers and policy-makers interested in energy demand, politics and policy.
Energy Flow and Earth: How Earth Works (SpringerBriefs in Earth System Sciences)
by John A. WhiteheadThis book shows how energy flow plays a major role in: plate tectonics; the formation of continents; ocean basins; and building mountains. Energy flow also produces and drives volcanos, Earth’s magnetic field, the wind belts, our weather, and ocean circulation. The studies of convection cells, eddies, and energy flow all contribute to our understanding of how they are all formed and driven. Insight accumulated during 55 years of research is presented using simple fluid mechanics. The mathematics is algebra. No calculus or advanced geometry is used, so the text is readable to a broad audience. Some laboratory and computer studies are described that help to visualize the applications. This book should appeal to anyone interested in how energy flow is responsible for much of the earth’s larger “workings”. In addition to the general public, these include people who work in applied mathematics, fluid mechanics, earth science, and climate.
Energy Footprints of the Bio-refinery, Hotel, and Building Sectors (Environmental Footprints And Eco-design Of Products And Processes)
by Subramanian Senthilkannan MuthuThis book deals with the energy footprints of biorefineries and the hotel and buildings sector. It presents footprint case studies, which include background information, methodological frameworks, assessment checklists, calculation tools and techniques, applications, challenges and limitations. It also discusses the application of each indicator/framework in various industrial sectors and the associated challenges, along with outlooks for the future. Consumption and conservation of energy are key elements in any industry’s sustainability strategy.
Energy for Sustainability, Second Edition: Foundations for Technology, Planning, and Policy
by Gilbert M. Masters John RandolphThe most comprehensive textbook on this topic,Energy for Sustainability, Second Editiontakes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to help techies and policymakers alike understand the policy and social mechanisms required to enable conversion to efficient and renewable energy that is clean, affordable, and secure. Major revisions to this edition reflect the current changes in technology and energy use and focus on new analyses, data, and methods necessary to understand and actively participate in the transition to sustainable energy.Throughout the book, analytical methods for energy and economic analysis and design give users a quantitative appreciation for and understanding of energy systems. Randolph and Masters use case studies extensively to demonstrate current experience and illustrate possibilities.
Energy for the Future (Earth in Danger)
by Helen OrmeBurning fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, may be accelerating Earth's climate change. How can we develop clean, renewable sources of energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels? Energy for the Future clearly presents the pros and cons of alternative energy sources-- from wind, water, and solar power to bio-fuels, hydrogen fuel cells, and nuclear power. A section in the back of the book will inspire young environmentalists by suggesting ways they can help protect their planet.
Energy For Water: Regional Case Studies (Routledge Special Issues on Water Policy and Governance)
by Christopher NapoliWater and energy are inextricably linked as unsound management of either resource can have an impact on the cost, availability, and sustainability of the other. This book explores the "energy for water" component of the water–energy nexus. It offers diverse case studies from around the world including the deserts of Saudi Arabia, rural China, Pakistan’s Indus Basin, arid Greek islands, and urban centers such as Los Angeles. The analyses show that while many regions face unique water scarcity challenges, they are all united by the fact that solutions require mobilizing energy.This book focuses on how different policies and technologies are changing the way societies use energy to extract, treat, and transport water. In terms of policy, chapters explore how initiatives aimed at reducing demand for water and improved integrated resource planning can lead to energy savings. Regarding technology, case studies highlight the pros and cons of different methods of meeting water demand. Through exploring both technology and policy across a wide range of diverse case studies, the book offers a robust explanation of the "energy for water" side of the water–energy nexus equation, making it valuable reading for academics and policymakers.This book was originally published as a special issue as International Journal of Water Resources Development.
Energy, Foresight and Strategy (Routledge Revivals)
by Thomas J. SargentThe essays in Energy, Foresight and Strategy apply rational expectation theory to various energy markets with the intention of discussing issues relevant to analysis and decision making in the whole of the energy field. Originally published in 1985, issues explored include oil exportation, energy prices and embargoes, both focussing on how past regulation has created issues in the market at the time of publication as well as creating models to ascertain the futures of various energy resources. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental Studies and Economics.
Energy from the Desert: Feasibility of Very Large Scale Photvoltaic Power Generation Systems & Practical Proposals for Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Systems
by Keiichi Komoto Masakazu Ito Peter van der Vleuten David Faiman Kosuke KurokawaThe world's deserts are sufficiently large that, in theory, covering a fraction of their landmass with PV systems could generate many times the current primary global energy supply. The Energy from the Desert two-volume set details the background and concept of Very Large Scale Photovoltaics (VLS-PC) and examines and evaluates their potential as viable power generation systems. The authors present case studies of both virtual and real projects based on selected regions (including the Mediterranean, Sahara, Chinese Gobi, Mongolian Gobi, Indian Thar, Australian Desert and the US) and their specific socio-economic dynamics, and argue that VLS-PV systems in desert areas will be readily achievable in the near future.
Energy from the Desert: Practical Proposals for Very Large Scale Photovoltaic Systems
by Kosuke Kurokawa Keiichi Komoto Peter van der Vleuten David FaimanThe world's deserts are sufficiently large that, in theory, covering a fraction of their landmass with PV systems could generate many times the current primary global energy supply. In three parts, this study details the background and concept of VLS-PV, maps out a development path towards the realization of VLS-PV systems and provides firm recommendations to achieve long-term targets. This represents the first study to provide a concrete set of answers to the questions that must be addressed in order to secure and exploit the potential for VLS-PV technology and its global benefits.
Energy Futures: The Story of Fossil Fuel, Greenhouse Gas, and Climate Change
by Daniel SoederThe objective of this book is to help readers better understand the links between fossil fuel, greenhouse gas, and climate change in a clear, explanatory format. It avoids sensationalism and politics, using plain language to explain the details of the science, how the science works, and how we know what we know. It describes the history of fossil fuels, why fossil fuel combustion products are a problem, and what must be done to address the impacts on climate. It provides details about a number of energy engineering solutions to replace fossil fuels and technology called geoengineering that can cool the planet and directly remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Some of these technologies can be implemented almost immediately, and others may be applied in the future. Many young people are pessimistic about the future and prepared to give up on addressing climate change. The book strives to maintain hope throughout that humanity can solve this and other environmental problems. The climate crisis was caused by human engineering, and human engineering can fix it. The goal is to produce informed readers that can have responsible discussions with their political leaders about implementing solutions to climate change.