Biofuels, Solar and Wind as Renewable Energy Systems: Benefits and Risks [Hardcover]

D. Pimentel (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1402086539 | ISBN-13: 978-1402086533 | Publication Date: September 11, 2008 | Edition: 1

With shortages of fossil energy and heavy biomass energy use occurring in both developed and developing countries, a major focus has developed worldwide on renewable energy systems. Currently, a heavy focus is on biofuels made from crops, crop residues and wood. Though it may seem beneficial to use renewable plant materials for biofuel, their use raises many concerns about major environmental problems, including food shortages and serious destruction of vital soil resources. All renewable energy systems need to be investigated because humankind has limited oil, gas and coal reserves remaining. In addition, coal will become increasingly difficult to extract and will greatly increase the global warming threat. Serious energy conservation and research on viable renewable energy technologies are needed. This book considers the effectiveness and economics of several renewable energy technologies of current interest, including biofuels, solar and wind.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "The book dedicates most of its 20 chapters to biofuels … . The test is well referenced … . The collection amasses evidence for one side of the increasingly polarized debate about biofuels. It is an important addition to libraries that include works on biofuels … . Summing Up: Recommended. Professional and academic audiences, upper-division undergraduates and up." (M. K. Bomford, Choice, Vol. 46 (7), March, 2009)

From the Back Cover

With shortages of fossil energy, especially oil and natural gas, and heavy biomass energy use occurring in both developed and developing countries, a major focus has developed worldwide on renewable energy systems. Renewable energy systems include wind power, biomass, photovoltaics, hydropower, solar thermal, thermal ponds, and biogas. Currently, a heavy focus is on biofuels made from crops, such as corn, sugarcane, and soybeans, for use as renewable energy sources. Wood and crop residues also are being used as fuel. Though it may seem beneficial to use renewable plant materials for biofuel, the use of crop residues and other biomass for biofuels raises many concerns about major environmental problems, including food shortages and serious destruction of vital soil resources. All renewable energy systems need to be investigated because humankind has only about 40 years of oil and gas reserves remaining. There is a 50 to 100 year supply of coal resources in the ground, but coal will become increasingly difficult to extract and will greatly increase the global warming threat. Serious energy conservation and research on viable renewable energy technologies are needed. This book considers the effectiveness and economics of several renewable energy technologies of current interest, including biofuels, solar and wind.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (September 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402086539
• ISBN-13: 978-1402086533
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #767,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)