Green energy economies : the search for clean and renewable energy /

Two poles dominate energy policy discussions. At one end are "climate deniers" who reject any environmental harm from energy use; at the other end is the "free lunch" camp, which dismisses any costs of limiting energy use. The truth lies painfully in between. Addressing climate change is not free--economies do not benefit when their inputs become more expensive--but the costs would be worth bearing to avoid climate catastrophe. Editors Byrne and Wang (both, Univ. of Delaware) have assembled cutting-edge contributors who argue that a green energy economy offers great promise, but its realization will require making hard choices, and soon. The first half of the book fits squarely in the free lunch camp. However, to assess our policy options, we need to understand the technology. The second half of this book speaks to this need superbly and authoritatively; it contains exquisite chapters on green cities, building efficiency, transportation, solar cells, electricity storage, fuel cells, nuclear power, and the smart grid. These chapters could be on the reading lists for courses and programs in environmental policy. The entire book would be suitable if leavened with material on balancing benefits and costs of energy policy decisions. --Tim Brennan, University of Maryland, Baltimore County