The prospect of producing clean, sustainable power in substantial quantities from renewable energy sources is now arousing interest world-wide, stimulated by recent technological developments that have improved the cost-effectiveness of many of the 'renewables' and by increasing concern over the environmental impact and sustainability of conventional fossil and nuclear fuel use. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principal renewable energy sources including: * Solar thermal * Photovoltaics * Bioenergy * Hydro * Tidal * Wind * Wave * Geothermal With the aid of over 350 detailed illustrations, more than 50 tables of data and a wide range of case studies it explains, for each source, the underlying physical and technological principles, and examines its environmental impact and future prospects. The overall approach is interdisciplinary, covering the economic, social, environmental and policy issues raised by renewable energy as well as the physical and engineering aspects. The book will therefore appeal strongly to non-specialist readers who wish to improve their understanding of this complex, fascinating and increasingly important subject. New to this Edition - Full colour design - Updated to reflect developments in technology. policy and attitudes - Complemented by a new book on traditional sources of energy, Energy Systems and Sustainability edited by Godfrey Boyle, Bob Everett and Janet Ramage of the Open University.

Table of Contents

1. Introducing Renewable Energy; 2. Solar Thermal Energy; 3. Solar Photovoltaics; 4. Bioenergy; 5. Hydroelectricity; 6. Tidal Power; 7. Wind Energy; 8. Wave Energy; 9. Geothermal Energy; 10. Integration

Reviews

'This is an excellent introductory text which deserves the widest readership'. Book Review 2004. 'This is an outstanding undergraduate textbook which deserves to become the standard text. I can only urge all those who are teaching courses in the field and all students, formal or otherwise, to read and treasure this book'. Professor Robert Hill, Times Higher Education Supplement, review of the first edition of Renewable Energy.