Description

This timely and important book gives an assessment of world reserves of fossil, nuclear and renewable sources of energy. It presents the current levels of use and the methods of energy extraction with their environmental implications. The book will also look at the future of energy: what do we do when the oil runs out?The fossil fuels -- coal, oil and natural gas -- receive detailed up-to-date treatment, with particular emphasis on rates of use and reserves remaining. Geothermal energy aspects include sources, reserves problems of extraction and environmental issues. Various forms of coastal energy, including tidal and wave schemes, are considered.Separate chapters deal with wind energy, solar thermal applications and solar photovoltaics. Biological applications include biomass, photosynthesis and waste disposal.Nuclear fission, including breeder reactors, is considered together with the prospects for nuclear fusion.The coverage is international, with particular reference to UK and USA.Many diagrams, photographs and tables are included plus 50 worked numerical examples. Problems and survey questions (with answers) are given. A future energy strategy is proposed.