Alternative Energy For Dummies

The myths and facts about alternative fuels–and how they impact our lives

As the price of energy continues to soar, so too has the demand for alternative energy. But there's no clear "winner" in the race to replace fossil fuels. Alternative Energy For Dummies explores the current fossil fuel conundrum and society's growing need for more and more energy. Cutting through the competing claims, this book offers a multifaceted examination of alternative energy, including solar, wind, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, biofuel, and other sources. Each alternative scenario is compared to current fossil-fuel intensive practices in the scientific, environmental, social, political, and economic realms. Readers also gain insight into the future of energy production.

Introduction 1

Part I: The Basic Facts of Energy Life 9

Chapter 1: What a Mess! 11

Chapter 2: What Energy Is and How It’s Used (Politically and Practically) 25

Chapter 3: Putting Together Each Piece of the Energy Puzzle 37

Part II: Digging Deeper into the Current State of Affairs 57

Chapter 4: Developing a Snapshot of Fossil Fuel Use and Availability 59

Chapter 5: Burning Up with Conventional Energy Sources 73

Chapter 6: The First Alternative-Energy Sources: Efficiency and Conservation 95

Chapter 7: Understanding the Demand For Alternatives 113

Part III: Alternatives — Buildings 127

Chapter 8: Going Nuclear 129

Chapter 9: Harnessing the Sun with Solar Power 151

Chapter 10: Treading Water with Hydropower 177

Chapter 11: Blowing Away with Wind Power 191

Chapter 12: Digging into Geothermal 207

Chapter 13: Exploring Biomass 221

Chapter 14: Burning Wood 235

Chapter 15: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies 249

Part IV: Alternatives — Transportation 261

Chapter 16: Alternative Transport Technologies 263

Chapter 17: Alternative-Fuel Vehicles 271

Chapter 18: Plugging In: Electric Vehicles 283

Chapter 19: Hybrid-Electric Vehicles 297

Chapter 20: Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles 307

Chapter 21: Exotic Propulsion Systems 315

Part V: The Part of Tens 325

Chapter 22: Ten or So Myths about Energy 327

Chapter 23: Ten-Plus Ways to Invest in an Alternative-Energy Future 335

Index 343

"... this book really does offer a comprehensive picture of the possible future of energy... well priced." (UK-Energy-Saving.com, August 6th 2009)

Rik DeGunther Author, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies and Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies

Learn to:

• Evaluate the various forms of alternative energy
• Understand the science behind future energy options
• Sort through the political hype
• Grasp your options for alternative-fuel cars

Get the truth about alternative energy and make it part of your life

Want to utilize cleaner, greener types of energy? This plain-English guide clearly explains the popular forms of alternative energy that you can use in your home, your car, and more. Separating myth from fact, this resource explores the current fossil fuel conundrum, the benefits of alternatives, and the energy of the future, such as hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

• The ABCs of alternative energy —
• what it is, how it works, and what the real costs are
• Where we are now —
• learn where our current energy comes from and how much longer it will last
• Take the first step —
• see how energy efficiency and conservation can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels
• Grasp the alternatives —
• from nuclear power to geothermal energy to wood burning, understand the benefits that alternative energy can have on the nation
• Apply alternative fuels to transportation —
• from biofuels to exotic propulsion to electricity, see how they are best used and how hybrid, all-electric, and fuel cell–powered vehicles work
• Get a peek into the future —
• see what the outlook holds for each form of alternative energy discussed

Open the book and find:

• The pros and cons of alternative energy
• A review of the current world energy economy
• The problems with fossil fuels, from smog to global warming
• Advantages of alternative energy
• Practical results of alternatives you can use in daily life
• Guidelines for investing in alternative energy vehicles
• Ten ways you can bring about change right now
• Insight into the future of energy production — and how you can invest in it