Biofuels, Solar And Wind As Renewable Energy Systems: Benefits And Risks
by D. Pimentel /
2008 / English / PDF
10.6 MB Download
With shortages of fossil energy and heavy biomass energy use
occurring in both developed and developing countries, a major focus
has developed worldwide on renewable 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 will become increasingly
difficult to extract and will greatly increase the global warming
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.
With shortages of fossil energy and heavy biomass energy use
occurring in both developed and developing countries, a major focus
has developed worldwide on renewable 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 will become increasingly
difficult to extract and will greatly increase the global warming
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.
