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The myths and facts about alternative fuels-and how they impact our lives
As the price of energy continues to soar, so too has the demand for alternative energy. But there's no clear "winner" in the race to replace fossil fuels. Alternative Energy For Dummies explores the current fossil fuel conundrum and society's growing need for more and more energy. Cutting through the competing claims, this book offers a multifaceted examination of alternative energy, including solar, wind, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, biofuel, and other sources. Each alternative scenario is compared to current fossil-fuel intensive practices in the scientific, environmental, social, political, and economic realms. Readers also gain insight into the future of energy production.
Introduction. Part I: The Basic Facts of Energy Life. Chapter 1: What a Mess! Chapter 2: What Energy Is and How It's Used (Politically and Practically). Chapter 3: Putting Together Each Piece of the Energy Puzzle. Part II: Digging Deeper into the Current State of Affairs. Chapter 4: Developing a Snapshot of Fossil Fuel Use and Availability. Chapter 5: Burning Up with Conventional Energy Sources. Chapter 6: The First Alternative--Energy Sources: Effi ciency and Conservation. Chapter 7: Understanding the Demand For Alternatives. Part III: Alternatives -- Buildings. Chapter 8: Going Nuclear. Chapter 9: Harnessing the Sun with Solar Power. Chapter 10: Treading Water with Hydropower. Chapter 11: Blowing Away with Wind Power. Chapter 12: Digging into Geothermal. Chapter 13: Exploring Biomass. Chapter 14: Burning Wood. Chapter 15: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies. Part IV: Alternatives -- Transportation. Chapter 16: Alternative Transport Technologies. Chapter 17: Alternative--Fuel Vehicles. Chapter 18: Plugging In: Electric Vehicles. Chapter 19: Hybrid--Electric Vehicles. Chapter 20: Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles. Chapter 21: Exotic Propulsion Systems. Part V: The Part of Tens. Chapter 22: Ten or So Myths about Energy. Chapter 23: Ten--Plus Ways to Invest in an Alternative--Energy Future. Index.
Rik DeGunther (Rescue, CA) holds a bachelor's degree in engineering physics and a dual master's degree in applied physics and engineering economic systems. He is a design engineer and the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy auditing and consulting firm. DeGunther is also the author of Solar Power Your Home For Dummies and Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies.
...this book really does offer a comprehensive picture of the possible future of energy...well priced. (UK--Energy--Saving.com, August 6th 2009)
