Biofuels, solar and wind as renewable energy systems: benefits and risks

With shortages of fossil energy and heavy biomass energy use occurring in both developed and developing countries, a major focus has developed worldwide onrenewable energy systems. Currently, a heavy focus is on biofuels made from crops, crop residues and wood. Though it may seem beneficial to use renewable plant materials for biofuel, their use raises many concerns about major environmental problems, including food shortages and serious destruction of vital soil resources. All renewable energy systems need to be investigated because humankind has limited oil, gas and coal reserves remaining. In addition, coal willbecome increasingly difficult to extract and will greatly increase the globalwarming threat. Serious energy conservation and research on viable renewable energy technologies are needed. This book considers the effectiveness and economics of several renewable energy technologies of current interest, including biofuels, solar and wind. Stimulates the discussion on the use of biomass for biofuels Contributes to the growing interest in alternative energy sources 20 chapters by worldwide experts in the field illuminate the global discussion INDICE: From the contents Renewable and Solar Energy Technologies: Energy and Environmental Issues.- Can the Earth Deliver the Biomass-For-Fuel We Demand?- A Review of the Economic Rewards and Risks of Ethanol Production.- Subsidies to Ethanol in the United States.- Peak Oil, EROI, Investments, and the Economy in an Uncertain Future.- Wind Power: Benefits and Limitations.- Renewable Diesel.- Complex Systems Thinking and Renewable Energy Systems.- Sugarcane andEthanol Production and Carbon Dioxide Balances.- Biomass Fuel Cycle Boundaries and Parameters: Current Practice and Proposed Methodology.- Our Food and Fuel Future.- A Framework For Alternative Energy: Net Energy and Multi-Criteria Analysis.- Bio-Ethanol Production In Brazil.- Ethanol Production: Energy and Economic Issues Related To U.S. and Brazilian Sugarcane.- Ethanol Production Using Corn, Switchgrass and Wood; Biodiesel Production Using Soybean.

• ISBN: 978-1-4020-8653-3
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 575
• Fecha Publicación: 01/09/2008
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés