Renewable Energy: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #631

by Nick Jelley

Energy is vital for a good standard of living, and much of the world's population does not have enough. Affordable and adequate sources of power that do not cause climate change or pollution are crucial; and renewables provide the answer. Wind and solar farms can now provide the cheapest electricity in many parts of the world. Moreover, they could provide all of the world's energy needs. But while market forces are fast helping the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, there are opposing pressures, such as the USA's proposed withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and the vested interests in fossil fuels.

This Very Short Introduction describes the main renewable sources of energy- solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass- as well as the less well-developed ones- geothermal, tidal, and wave. Nick Jelley explains the challenges of integrating renewables into electricity grids, and the need for energy storage and for clean heat; and discusses the opportunities in developing countries for renewable energy to empower millions. He also considers international efforts and policies to support renewables and tackle climate change; and explains recent innovations in wind and solar energy production, battery storage, and in the emerging power-to-gas provision for clean heating. Throughout, he emphasises what renewable energy can deliver, and its importance in tackling climate change, and in improving health, welfare, and access to electricity.

ABOUT THE
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Environment, Stem, Technology, Sustainability

168 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[Everybody’s a Critic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A well written short introduction. Though at parts a little too technical (mostly when discussing batteries), I found that the author did a great job explaining different aspects of renewable energy in an easily digestible way without sacrificing some of the finer nuances--at least as far as I could tell. I am, after all, a novice on this topic.

[Jorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for anyone curious as to how renewable energy systems today, hold up against current GHG emitting energy solutions; their efficiencies, inefficiencies, future, comparability and call for attention, all touched upon in Jelley's concise and easy to understand 'very short introduction'.

[Hattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the 31st of January, for whatever reason, I felt inspired to read this book. I have now finished reading this book and I am pleasantly surprised that I even made it through. Some of it was very interesting and I actually learnt a lot. Still not sure why I read it though.

[Josh Merrien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps a bit advanced for me. Full of scientific information and diagrams which paint the picture of the past, present, and future of renewable energy generation of all types across the world. As it says on the tin - a very short introduction to renewable energy.

[Jb · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual in this collection, a great overview that also provides some deep dives. We humans have a lot of tech ology and knowledge. But do we have the will?

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Caroline Lieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very organized and to the point with the main ideas. I feel like I have a good grasp of each concept.

[Georgie Melrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful, informative, to the point! This gave exactly what it promised, and while honest, reminded me that people all over the world care and are working on solutions. We need to do more

[Alice Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really good, fairly thorough, explanation of the various types of renewable energy sources that didn't get too technical for this soft sciences scientist to understand!