Provides startling facts and figures that reveal the hidden costs behind maintaining a consumptive fuel society in America and compares the U.S. to foreign countries that are already providing strong support for renewable energy sources. 10,000 first printing.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Oil crises and long gas lines seem as much relics of the 1970s as do leisure suits. Also quaintly reminiscent of that decade are the then widely touted alternative remedies to our energy problems--solutions such as solar, geothermal, and wind energy. Berger makes clear, however, that we continue to ignore these renewable energy sources at our own risk and at great expense. Berger specializes in environmental and energy policy and is an independent consultant. Here he draws attention to new ways entrepreneurs and small companies have been harnessing power and developing new products. These efforts have usually gone without fanfare, attracted little government interest, and been opposed by what Berger refers to as "fossil fuel lobbyists." Berger explains why it is so important to develop alternative energy sources, and stirs the imagination with exciting examples of the progress being made in the fields of solar, wind, bioenergy, and geothermal technology and with electric vehicles and hypercars. David Rouse
From Kirkus Reviews
A broad survey of renewable-energy technologies, and a reasoned call for their increased use. Berger (Restoring the Earth, 1985), who describes himself as a ``technological optimist,'' sounds an already well-aired alarm: that America's dependence on fossil fuels, many imported, is a recipe for financial and ecological disaster. Holding that free markets in the $505 billion domestic energy economy are a myth and that ``government involvement in energy is profound and unavoidable,'' he calls for an active program of federal investment in renewable energy so that the country can be energy-independent in a generation or two. Among the alternative technologies he examines at length, solar power emerges as the leading contender to replace much current oil use; although, as he says, many critics consider solar power to be an ``heirloom of the 1970s, a pet technology for environmentalists,'' it has also matured considerably, so that solar panels that cost $1,000 a watt three decades ago are now down to $4, holding the promise of cheap and abundant energy. Berger looks into a host of other technologies, among them wind, biomass, and geothermal energy, and a number of intriguing alternative-fuel sources, especially ethanol made from kenaf, a bamboolike grass. Technologically adept readers will appreciate Berger's precise attention to detail, as when he considers recent advances in miniaturizing solar cells, but those without some background in engineering may find parts of the narrative tough going. Even so, all readers should appreciate Berger's call to raise our awareness of energy needs and uses--even if they shudder at his suggestion that federal gasoline taxes be raised to spur the development of alternative energy. Berger's no-stone-unturned approach makes his book a valuable reference for soft-path advocates. (8 pages b&w photos, not seen) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Say Goodbye to Fossil Fuels,
By "mike_rademaker" (Columbia, MO USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Charging Ahead: The Business of Renewable Energy and What It Means for America (Paperback)
The writing style was clear and captivating, and the ideas were well supported by a wealth of research. Be sure you understand however that the book is focused on the business of renewable energy and less on the technology and policy aspects. Most of the book is comprised of case stories which follow businesses through their struggle to make renewable energy profitable and competitive with fossil fuels. You will get an intimate portrait of the ups and downs of businesses in the industry and the personalities behind them. Unfortunately, the minutia of each step along a business's road to success or failure can become less than interesting. The book was largely a history of business dealings in the industry and I was looking for something which gave more attention to the prospect of renewables in the future and how renewables can overcome the tiresome use of fossil fuels.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A informative look into renewable energies technology.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Charging Ahead: The Business of Renewable Energy and What It Means for America (Paperback)
A very interesting book.If you are interested in solar,wind,biomass and other clean energy sources then this is the book for you.This book takes you from past to present with insights on the people who are making this field happen.It also tells you about their business strategies and practices.It also gives detailed information about where this particular technology is headed with respects to the dropping manufacturing costs and a host of other things.If you choose only one book on this subject,MAKE SURE IT IS THIS ONE!enjoy.
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