Alternative energy : political, economic, and social feasibility

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Title:

Alternative energy : political, economic, and social feasibility

Author:

Simon, Christopher A., 1968- author.

ISBN:

9781538116364

9781538116371

Personal Author:

Simon, Christopher A., 1968- author.

Edition:

Second edition.

Physical Description:

xv, 273 pages : illustrations (black and white) ; 23 cm

Abstract:

"Discusses the basic technical aspects of major renewable energy systems and technological developments and the impact of politics on energy policy using contemporary theories of public policy, as well as discussing the evolution of the social feasibility of renewable energy"-- Provided by publisher.

Subject Term:

Renewable energy sources -- Government policy -- United States.

Energy policy -- United States.

Renewable energy sources.

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
Searching... Aurora Downtown	Book	HD9502 .U52 S544 2020	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable
Searching... Sugar Grove - Todd Library	Book	HD9502 .U52 S544 2020	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

The second edition of Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility builds on the first edition, but with significant updates on dramatic changes within the renewable energy sector over the last decade. Christopher Simon discusses the basic technical aspects of major renewable energy systems and technological developments and considers the impact of politics on energy policy using contemporary theories of public policy--such as, Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), Punctuated Equilibrium (PE), Narrative Policy Framework, and Policy Diffusion--as well as discussing the evolution of the social feasibility of renewable energy. The author expands his discussion of alternative energy solutions to consider nuclear power developments and feasibility in the post-Fukushima policy environment. International commitment to renewable energy is also addressed.

Reviews (1)

Choice Review

The first edition of Alternative Energy appeared in 2007 (CH, Jun'07, 44-5768). This second edition is now the definitive overview of the realities of adopting alternative energy technologies. Focusing mostly on the US situation but acknowledging that energy availability and technology choices cannot be understood apart from the international context, Simon (Univ. of Utah) makes an unassailable case that the world's energy needs cannot be met without alternative energy. He points out that adoption decisions are not made in a technocratic vacuum but are instead made according to various political, economic, and social feasibilities. Explaining how the current mix of energy technologies was reached and the possibilities going forward, Simon provides a sophisticated understanding of the policy process. His analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and fair to all technologies--from the more established such as nuclear, solar, and wind to the less common, e.g., biodiesel, geothermal, and hydrogen fuel cells. Neither an advocacy book nor a book for those who want simple answers to solving the US's (and the world's) energy problems, this well-written resource is an impressive accomplishment. Summing Up: Essential. All readers. --Robert E. O'Connor, National Science Foundation