Powering Planet Earth: Energy Solutions for the Future
Author(s): Nicola Armaroli (Author), Vincenzo Balzani (Author), Nick Serpone (Translator)
Publisher: Wiley-VCH
Publication Date: 16 Jan. 2013
Edition: 1st
Language: English
Print length: 254 pages
ISBN-10: 3527334092
ISBN-13: 9783527334094
Book Description
In their book Nicola Armaroli, Vincenzo Balzani and Nick Serpone uncover the background details associated with a transition to sustainable energy production that are routinely swept under the table in public discussions. They are not only concerned with the (alleged) advantages and disadvantages of any one energy generation technology from a technical viewpoint, but also with the ecological, economic, political and social consequences of an inevitable transition. In a highly readable manner aimed at an international audience, the authors introduce the often misused and sometimes abused term ‘energy’ and give a lucid account of the development of energy production from timber to nuclear energy and renewable energies. They compare various energy generation methods with respect to their efficiency and practicability for large-scale implementation and examine if, and how, these methods live up to the expectations and promises their proponents make. In addition, the authors juxtapose the political and economic prerequisites in different regions of the world that advance, or hinder, an energy turnaround. They round off their book by debunking the seventeen most popular myths often cited in discussions on energy issues. As a result, the authors provide ammunition for debate, underpin (and unsettle) opinions using facts, and challenge comfortable and popular chains of reasoning.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The book can be read by generalists who want to expand their knowledge of energy and by those concerned with energy policy and energy advocates who want to deal with a leading challenge to the continued existence of the world as it exists today.” (Energy Technology, 14 February 2014)
“As a result, the authors provide ammunition for debate, underpin (and unsettle) opinions using facts, and challenge comfortable and popular chains of reasoning.” (ETDE Energy Database, 1 December 2013)
“A valuable resource for both serious students of the field and general readers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All students, researchers/faculty, professionals/practitioners, and general audiences. (Choice, 1 November 2013)
From the Inside Flap
In their book Nicola Armaroli, Vincenzo Balzani and Nick Serpone uncover the background details associated with a transition to sustainable energy production that are routinely swept under the table in public discussions. They are not only concerned with the (alleged) advantages and disadvantages of any one energy generation technology from a technical viewpoint, but also with the ecological, economic, political and social consequences of an inevitable transition. In a highly readable manner aimed at an international audience, the authors introduce the often misused and sometimes abused term ‘energy’ and give a lucid account of the development of energy production from timber to nuclear energy and renewable energies. They compare various energy generation methods with respect to their efficiency and practicability for large-scale implementation and examine if, and how, these methods live up to the expectations and promises their proponents make. In addition, the authors juxtapose the political and economic prerequisites in different regions of the world that advance, or hinder, an energy turnaround. They round off their book by debunking the seventeen most popular myths often cited in discussions on energy issues. As a result, the authors provide ammunition for debate, underpin (and unsettle) opinions using facts, and challenge comfortable and popular chains of reasoning.
From the Back Cover
In their book Nicola Armaroli, Vincenzo Balzani and Nick Serpone uncover the background details associated with a transition to sustainable energy production that are routinely swept under the table in public discussions. They are not only concerned with the (alleged) advantages and disadvantages of any one energy generation technology from a technical viewpoint, but also with the ecological, economic, political and social consequences of an inevitable transition. In a highly readable manner aimed at an international audience, the authors introduce the often misused and sometimes abused term ‘energy’ and give a lucid account of the development of energy production from timber to nuclear energy and renewable energies. They compare various energy generation methods with respect to their efficiency and practicability for large-scale implementation and examine if, and how, these methods live up to the expectations and promises their proponents make. In addition, the authors juxtapose the political and economic prerequisites in different regions of the world that advance, or hinder, an energy turnaround. They round off their book by debunking the seventeen most popular myths often cited in discussions on energy issues. As a result, the authors provide ammunition for debate, underpin (and unsettle) opinions using facts, and challenge comfortable and popular chains of reasoning.
About the Author
Nicola Armaroli is Research Director in the Italian National Research Council (CNR) at the University of Bologna, Italy. He obtained in PhD in chemical sciences in 1994 and was post-doc at the Center for Photochemical Sciences at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA. His current research is concerned with the photochemistry and photophysics of coordination compounds, carbon nanostructures and supramolecular materials, with focus on luminescence and photoinduced energy- and electron-transfer. This work is of interest both in fundamental science and technological applications, such as solar energy conversion and lighting devices.
Vincenzo Balzani is Professor Emeritus at the University of Bologna where has been doing research and teaching in chemistry since 1973. He was visiting Professor in Canada, Israel, France and Belgium, headed various scientific committees and institutes and has held over 300 lectures worldwide. Alongside his membership of several editorial boards, Vincenzo Balzani has six books and more than 500 papers to his name. His research interests include photochemistry, photophysics, supramolecular chemistry, electron transfer reactions, molecular-level devices and machines, molecular nanotechnology, and photochemical solar energy conversion.
Nick Serpone is Professor Emeritus and Visiting Professor at the University of Pavia, Italy. As a senior academic and research scientist in organic and photochemistry, program manager and industry consultant with extensive North American and international experience, he has an intimate knowledge of the working relationships between academia, industry and government agencies in various countries. Nick Serpone is a prolific editor and contributor to numerous books and journals, with over 360 papers published in a variety of prestigious journals. Nick Serpone is a frequent Keynote Address Speaker and Invited Plenary Lecturer.
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