The Renaissance of Renewable Energy

'This soberand thorough introduction to energy use and sustainable options should be accessible to a wide selection of readers from high-school kids and non-science college students to political decision-makers. It is clearly divided into one part discussing the status of each energy solution and another describing environmental and social concerns, reflecting opinions from a select range of literature quotes.' Bent Srensen, Roskilde University, Denmark

'This is a beautifully written and illustrated, even-handed overview of renewable energy, looking at the problems as well as the potential, in a very accessible way. Ideal as an introduction, but also with sufficient detail and references to aid more advanced study.The coverage is exemplary, and is not limited to just the technical issues: they are put in a wider social, environmental and economic context, providing an excellent guide to the choices ahead.' David Elliot, The Open University, Milton Keynes

'This primer on renewable energy, aimed at a non-technical audience, clearly illustrates the opportunities and challenges inherent in replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. The book should appeal to a wide range of readers who want to know more about how they may be able to influence the difficult transition to a low-carbon energy future.' Robert L. Evans, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Gian Andrea Pagnoni is a lecturer at the University of Ferrara. He has published 11 books on travel and science in his native Italy, as well as numerous scientific papers on environmental issues. His most recent publication, Energie da Biomasse (Energy from Biomass), was published in 2011. In 2001, he co-founded the Istituto Delta di Ecologia Applicata Srl (the Delta Institute of Applied Ecology), an independent consultancy for environmental assessments and environmental project management. In recent years, he has focused mainly on the fields of renewable energy and environmental conservation. Stephen Roche heads the publication department of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning in Hamburg, Germany, and edits a scholarly journal, the International Review of Education. From 2005 to 2012, he set up and ran a translation agency, Network Translators, supervising the translation or editing of more than 100 books, reports and research papers in the fields of architecture, economics, education, environmental science, history and international development. From 2009 to 2012, he also worked at the University of Hamburg, developing and teaching courses in academic writing and English literature.

1. What is energy?; 2. Where does energy come from?; 3. How much energy is enough?; 4. How energy is produced; 5. Challenging times: the politics and economics of energy; 6. The price of energy consumption; 7. Energy from my backyard.