Renewable Energy: A Primer for the Twenty-First Century

by Bruce Usher

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.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 extraordinary 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. Written in a straightforward style with easy-to-understand visual aids, the book illuminates the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy based on business fundamentals and analysis of the economic forces that have given renewables a tailwind. 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Sustainability, Environment, Economics, Business

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renewable Energy : A Primer for the Twenty-first Century, by Bruce Usher, is an interesting primer on renewable energy, and the aspects of financing that surround its implementation. Usher approaches this from a realistic perspective - analyzing costs based on the principle of LCOE (level cost of electricity) a calculation that allows for comparisons between different energy sources based on operating costs, costs of resources, energy output, efficiency, distance from grid, and so on. This standardized cost can then compare the cost of different energy sources across the spectrum. Usher posits that it is all but inevitable that wind and solar energy will become the standard form of energy production within the next 20-50 years. This is because the LCOE of wind and solar are decreasing rapidly. This is due to innovations in the field, like smaller and more energy efficient batteries, innovative financing from government and private firms, high tech materials, and so on. Usher also notes that these forms of energy are clean; good for environmentalists, and also key for countries like China and India desperate to get away from coal energy usage.

Usher analyzes new government financing techniques to encourage both utility companies and consumers to switch to renewable sources of energy for home energy use and for transportation. This can include subsidized electricity rates, taxable benefits, payments for grid loading, and so on. Although many consumers would love to switch to cleaner forms of energy, cost is usually the main consideration for many to make the switch. These incentives, coupled with the increasingly competitive nature of electric vehicles in terms of range, battery life and so on, are key to encouraging consumers to make the switch. Putting taxes on dirty energy, along with market led structures like a cap-and-trade system, are also key tactics that often encourage businesses and utilities to begin to make the shift.

Usher notes the difficulties of switching to wind and solar as well. The power grid of many localities would need to be reworked to allow for things like more remote wind farms, different times when energy peaks (wind at night, solar in the day), consumer habits like charging vehicles, and grid loading by consumers with solar power on houses, as well as the increasing necessity of batteries in the system. Even so, Usher notes that the benefits outweigh the risks, and indeed, the risks are increasingly minimal. Many major firms, including Norway's sovereign wealth fund (built off of oil revenues) are beginning to shift away from oil and gas. Most large car companies, including GM, VW and Toyota, to name a few, have made pledges to shift car production into the electric vehicle world, and to have only electric vehicles on market in the near future. Many countries are also playing with the idea of banning diesel and gas cars from the road all-together (UK, China, India, Germany).

All things told, an interesting read. The focus on financing, macroeconomics, strategy and ideas like power grid reform and electric vehicle usage, makes this book practical, interesting, and enjoyable. A quick read for sure, and offering just a primer overview of many topics, this is nonetheless an excellent book to read for those interested in learning more about renewable energy,

[Pedro Assunção · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where every human being has a superficial opinion about anything, Renewable Energy is a great example of an easy to read and even simpler to understand what Renewable Energy is.
Bruce gives us an overview of the history of energy during the first chapters, then introduces renewable energy sources and then deep dives into offshore wind and solar energy, finalizing with the main issues to be resolved during the XXI century to make renewable energy a reliable source of fuel, heating and cooling for Earth's inhabitants.
For anyone that wants to have a more comprehensive discussion about renewable energy, please read this book - or a similar one - before opening their mouth.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise primer.

[Luke Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful

[Joshua Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the rise of the wind and solar industries, their expected interplay with the emerging electric vehicle industry, and the financial incentive for the shift to renewables today, as increasingly recognised by governments, industry, and individuals around the world.

I was surprised that green hydrogen was not mentioned once; for Usher the only storage solution is in scaling lithium ion batteries. Similarly, there was only a footnote on the (lack of) potential for geothermal, which seems short sighted.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely brilliant primer on renewable energy and actually made me feel hopeful for the future. It's structured really well, beginning with energy transitions of the past (wood to coal, to nuclear, to gas), and then focusing in on wind and solar. A key theme is the role of economics in the transition to renewable energy and how the 'learning curve' and economies of scale bring down the cost over time to make it gain traction and eventually reach convergence with fossil fuels. The book also uses interesting case studies such as Tesla's effect on the cost of lithium-ion batteries. I learnt about lots of interesting things like the levelised cost of electricity, capacity factors, command and control policies, the duck curve, and the Keeling curve.

[Stevie Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

dry as fuck but a good overview

[Rudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great unbasis read! A factual based summation of
strengths and weaknesses regarding the application of popular nonrenewable sources of energy. I strongly recommend those who are curious about the present day argument surroundings green renewable energy to take a look at this book.

[Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewable energy is an important but intimidating topic to bring up in any conversation. In this Primer, Brian Usher explains in a clear, intelligible and balanced manner the rise of RE. Using examples and data makes a compelling case (in a concise manner) for the transition by outlining the issues and opportunities; and sets out the potential winners and losers-individuals, businesses and countries.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is interested in RE but demoralised by information overload.

[Farid Hasanov · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a good overview of the energy market. Discussion of the economics of renewable energy sources is engaging , and the text itself is easy to read. 'Easiness' of reading comes with the drawback though - book lacks depth in important aspects of energy generation, and even if it provides some facts, they are not explained but referenced to other papers and books. Generally, a good book for someone to get started with renewable energy - political, economical issues are well written and explained.

[Bruce Tannehill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary of the options. I appreciate the fact that there are lots of specifics because the economic details are so important.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating economic and financial analysis of the current state of renewables as of 2019 (most of the figures are from 2017). It also explores some of the engineering solutions currently being explored to solve major barriers, such as intermittency in the electricity base load (since the sun isn’t always shining and the wind isn’t always blowing). There is a lot of myth and misinformation out there. This is only one perspective, but it has 30 pages of citations, which I typically see as a good sign. I wish this book had been more overt about the LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) used for traditional fossil fuel energy sources. He shows in detail the equation, which was amazing. He says that renewable prices are dropping and becoming competitive (with graphs), but I was left wondering what exactly the LCOE is for traditional fossil fuels in comparison. He does share the background and numbers for renewables quite overtly though. I think this was a great primer and not too technical. This book has stoked my interest to learn more about energy production systems in general.

[Michaël Silvestre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the other book in the series a lot more. This one, while making a great case for renewable energy and explains the economics of renewable vs. fossil fuel very well, falls short on multiple points.

Too much of the book is spent praising Elon Musk as the savior of the planet, which also results in this book being very car-centric. Yes electric cars are better than combustion cars, but car-centric city design is a big driver of climate change, as cars require a lot of land that could be used for solar farms (as mentionned in the book several time) or as green areas.

The author also does not touch on the topic of raw materials and the environmental impact of their extraction or recycling. No discussion on solar panel or batteries can be complete if you do not mention where materials come from and where they go once they're out of commission.

[Lester Foo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do I think?
A good primer for renewable energy, with a focus on wind and solar (by far the most promising renewables today). But one must remember that renewables is not and cannot be the only solution to achieving a net-zero future. And this sector is moving very quickly, so while this book is a good place to start, it should be the end.

Who should read?
For anyone who is interested in learning about renewables (particularly solar and wind), but is unsure of where to start cause we are getting flooded with related information today, then this book is a great start!

[Jacquelyn Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an educator in climate change studies, this was an excellent summer read to build on my current knowledge of renewable energy. The economics focus is enlightening and a critical component to understanding the transition. By just evaluating the LCOEs, the author makes it clear that the future is in renewable energy. Not only do investors find it to be a wise investment to receive a profitable return, but the transition is necessary for staying below the 2°C target by 2050. The author’s writing is interesting and concise. I’m looking forward to reading his book on climate change.

[Wesley F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent intro to renewable energy with some science and some economics. Will probably need to have a new edition published every two or three years. This one already had a couple predictions that have already happened much differently in the year or two since this one came out.

This is fairly quick read and gives a little of everything. Not too much depth, not a science or economics textbook. Meant for laypersons. Does its job well.

[Damiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensible, comprehensive introduction to the shift to renewable energy.

I liked this book from start to end. The author is able to convey in an easy language, but with plenty of details and analysis, the fundamentals of the big challenge we face as humanity in the transition from fossil furls to renewable energy. This is a challenge for the future of humanity, but also a huge opportunity from which new powers, mew economies and new players will arise.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that this book was very simple to read and made very clear, concise points. It's short enough that I would highly recommend to everyone! Anything other than renewable will obviously run out at some point... so understanding the pros and cons and how they influence the market or just how Elon Musk's plan for Tesla and making batteries was pure business genius, it's a quick and good read!

[Rohan Dalvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of the progress made in renewables and the hurdles yet to be overcome. I appreciate the business and technology lens it takes by diving into details like LCOE and drivers of cost reduction. I also thought the mental model is puts forward around the interdependency of EVs and renewable sources was really insightful.

[Skywalker Hu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It provides a pretty good macro overview of the history of renewable energy, energy in general, solar, and wind from a business and financial point of view, which is very helpful for business and finance people. On the other hand, it lacks certain depth, which is totally understandable because it is, after all, a primer.
I wish the author went deeper in solar and wind, like real deep.

[Ocean Man · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fine overview for someone who hasn't had much exposure to renewable energy and why it has taken off in recent years. His discussion of economies of scale is interesting and important for thinking about the future of energy. A quick read.

[Patricio Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book (hence the name "primer"), but a very informative one at that. I like that the author skipped alternative energy sources that have little future (like biofuels) and went for the important topics, namely solar, wind, EV's, and LI batteries.

[Lane Erickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive and basic, with moments of naive optimism (at one point Usher suggests using “the blockchain” to coordinate electric vehicles for grid storage), it nevertheless presents a good introduction to some subjects for anyone with little previous exposure to the discussion of renewable energy.

[Matthew Podsiadly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and quick! I intend to give this book to family and friends who are not familiar with the big developments in cheap wind + solar over the last 10 years.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise and clearly written book about renewable energy, electric vehicles, and the convergence of the two.

[Edvardas Lukošius · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed overview from historic and ecocomics perspectives on renewable energy. Quick yet very informative read.

[Dominique Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply: Amazing!

[Stefan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect little primer, especially on wind and solar. Technical but not dense and informative but efficient.

[Kieran Donnelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and boring.

[Ethan Sprague · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative