Energy for a Sustainable World From the Oil Age to a Sun-Powered Future

About this book

This book surveys the energy issue from a broad scientific perspective while considering environmental, economic, and social factors. It explains the basic concepts, provides a historical overview and accurately assesses our current energy system based on fossil fuels, while outlining the alternatives for today and the future, including nuclear fusion and fission, solar energy and other renewables.

Contents

PART I: LIVING ON SPACESHIP EARTH.
The Energy Challenge.
The Concepts and Misconcepts.
Energy in History.
PART II: FOSSIL FUELS.
Oil.
Natural Gas.
Coal.
Fossil Legacy.
PART III: NUCLEAR ENERGY.
Nuclear Fission.
Nuclear Fusion.
PART IV: RENEWABLE ENERGIES.
Solar Energy Basics.
Solar Heat and Electricity.
Solar Fuels.
Other Renewables.
PART V: ENERGY VECTORS.
Electricity.
The Hydrogen Economy.
PART VI: SCENARIOS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
The Challenge Ahead.

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Biography

Nicola Armaroli got his PhD in chemical sciences in 1994 from the University of Bologna. After post-doctoral studies in the U.S. and Italy, in 1997 he joined the Italian National Research Council (CNR), where he his currently senior research scientist.

Vincenzo Balzani gained his chemistry degree in 1960 from the University of Bologna, where he has been Professor of Chemistry since 1973. He has been a visiting Professor in Canada, Israel, France and Belgium, headed various scientific committees and institutes and has held over 300 lectures worldwide.