Summary

Reflecting its reliance on fossil fuels, the electric power industry produces the majority of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The need for a revolution in the industry becomes further apparent given that 'decarbonization' means an increasing electrification of other sectors of the economy in particular, through a switch from gasoline to electric vehicles. Of the options for producing electric power without significant greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy is most attractive to policymakers, as it promises increased national self-reliance on energy supplies and the creation of new industries and jobs, without the safety and political concerns of nuclear power or the unproven technology of carbon capture and storage.

Drawing on both economic theory and the experiences of the United States and EU member states, Harnessing Renewable Energy addresses the key questions surrounding renewable energy policies. How appropriate is the focus on renewable power as a primary tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions? If renewable energy is given specific support, what form should that support take? What are the implications for power markets if renewable generation is widely adopted? Thorough and well-evidenced, this book will be of interest to a broad range of policymakers, the electric power industry, and economists who study energy and environmental issues.

Choice Review

This work is a treasure trove of information related to the theoretical and practical aspects of renewable energy. The four-part book covers technology, climate change issues, electric power markets and regulation, and the experiences of the US and the EU. Readers may find that the list of figures/tables will provide direct access to their areas of interest since the table of contents contains generic and somewhat redundant information. In the US, although Thomas Edison is credited with creating the first commercial electric generating plant on September 4, 1882, the first commercial hydroelectric generating plant using renewable energy began operation just 26 days later. The US continued to aggressively exploit its considerable hydroelectric potential until other generating technologies became competitive. Although non-hydro renewable (NHR) energy has grown rapidly in Europe, NHRs have never surpassed 4.5 percent of total US consumption even though the federal government has long supported it. The discussion of energy regulation addresses the long-standing vertical integration of energy utilities and the regulation models used in various countries. Overall, an interesting overview of renewable energy issues. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty; two-year technical program students; and policy makers, economists, environmentalists, and electric power company planners. R. M. Ferguson emeritus, Eastern Connecticut State University