Interest in renewable energy has never been greater, but much uncertainty remains as to the role the various technologies will play in the transition to a low-carbon future. This book sets out the facts – how the technologies work, where and to what extent they are currently employed, and where the greatest potential lies. Covering all the major fields – solar electricity, solar thermal, solar architecture, bioenergy, wind, geothermal, hydropower, as well as new energy technologies – it also includes sections on how best to promote the uptake of renewables and answers to common questions and opposition.
The authors provide a number of German-sourced yet internationally relevant examples and strategies which have become increasingly significant in the promotion of renewable energy in recent years. The convenient layout mixes detailed explanation with clear, take-away facts and messages on each double-page spread. This straight-talking, information filled guide is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to better understand and promote renewable energy, whether in industry, study, policy or campaigns.
Biography
Dieter Seifried is director of quadrat, an independent consulting firm (www.oe2.de). He is the author of numerous studies and publications on energy policy and the energy sector and is currently a lecturer at the University of Freiburg for the 'Renewable Energy Management' Masters programme. Walter Witzel is Chairman of Baden-Wrttemberg's Wind Energy Association.
'A great summary of the debate and technologies ... fully up-to-date.' Prof. Ernst von Weizsäcker, Co-Chair, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Resource Panel 'This is a great effort to present the facts on renewable energy to a broad audience - easily understandable, precise and visualized. Everybody who wants to get a quick overview of renewable technologies and good practices should read this highly informative book.' Prof. Dr. Peter Hennicke, Former President of the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy 'This is a great summary of the debate and technologies of renewable energies, and fully up-to-date.' Prof. Ernst von Weizsäcker, Co-Chair, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Resource Panel 'has much to offer readers who want to build up a sense of what is possible in renewable energy, what is already happening, and how the potential can be assisted to realisation.' Bryan Walker, hot-topic.co.nz 'Explains the basics of all kinds of renewable energies...Easily understandable...it contains quite indepth information on the various technologies.' Sun & Wind Energy
