Renewable Energy Resources (2nd ed)

The first edition of this standard text has been reprinted five times, each with updating amendments.

The second edition maintains the same fundamental basis, whilst including experience gained from the rapid growth of renewable energy technologies as vital national resources.

In addition to the extensive science and engineering, the environmental benefits and impacts of each technology (solar, photovoltaic, wind, hydro, bio-fuels, wave, tidal, ocean, geothermal, etc) are now considered separately.

There is an additional chapter on institutional factors, including economics.

Extra worked problems and case studies are included. "Renewable Energy Resources" is a numerate and quantitative text covering subjects of proven technical and economic importance worldwide.

Energy supply from renewables is an essential component of every nation's strategy, especially when there is responsibility for the environment and for sustainability.

In the relatively few years between the first and this second edition, renewable energy has come of age; it makes good sense, good government and good business. This book considers the timeless principles of renewable energy technologies, yet seeks to demonstrate modern application and case studies.

In this second edition, we have improved the presentation of the fundamentals throughout and have added a chapter on economics and institutional factors.

Likewise, we have added sections on environmental impact to each technology chapter.

The book maintains the same general format, but many small improvements and updates have been made. "Renewable Energy Resources" supports multi-disciplinary masters degrees in science and engineering, and also specialist modules in science and engineering first degrees.

Moreover, since many practicing scientists and engineers will not have had a general training in renewable energy, the book has wider use beyond colleges and universities.

Each chapter begins with fundamental theory from a physical science perspective, then considers applied examples and developments, and finally concludes with a set of problems and solutions.

The whole book is structured to share common material and to relate aspects together.

After each chapter, reading and web-based material is indicated for further study. Therefore the book is intended both for basic study and for application.

Throughout the book and in the appendices, we include essential and useful reference material.