Table of Contents

Preface to the New Edition Introduction: The Book's Raison d'Être Chapter 1 Energy Systems: Their Basic Properties Resources and Prime Movers Conversions and Uses Infrastructures and Impacts Chapter 2 Energy Transitions: Universal Patterns Processes and Paces: Complexities of Energy Transitions Grand Fuel Sequence: From Biomass to Coal and Hydrocarbons A New Quality: Generation of Electricity History of Prime Movers: From Muscles to Machines Quantifying the Transitions: Uncertainties and Trends Chapter 3 National Transitions: Commonalities and Particularities United Kingdom and France: Great European Powers Netherlands and Sweden: Very Different Experiences United States and Russia: Energy Superpowers Japan and China: Asia's Leaders Changing Patterns: Commonalities and Exceptions Chapter 4 Decarbonization: Progress So Far Slow Gains: Relative Global Decarbonization Inadequate Shifts: Hydrocarbons and Primary Electricity New Renewables: Solar Energy and Wind Electricity Modern Biofuels: Electricity and Liquids National Trajectories: Aspirations and Accomplishments Chapter 5 Looking Ahead: Possibilities and Constraints Long-term Forecasts: Past Failures and New Visions Climate Change Challenge: How Much More CO2 Can We Emit? Indispensable Fossil Fuels: Steel, Cement, Ammonia, and Plastics Pace of Transitions: Innovations, Inertia, and Surprises Realistic Anticipations: More Than a Great Transition Chapter 6 Recapitulations Appendices References Index

Promotional Information

This book provides a detailed, global examination of energy transitions, supplying a long-term historical perspective, an up-to-date assessment of recent and near-term advances in energy production technology and implementation, and an explanation of why efforts to limit global warming and to shift away from fossil fuels have been gradual.

About the Author

Vaclav Smil is Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Manitoba.

Reviews

This new edition of the book thoroughly provides readers with the latest published data on the discussed subjects and numerous useful references. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.
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