"A great introductory text for teaching, and an excellent reference for your bookshelf." - Ian Mason, University of Canterbury, NZ"This textbook continues the high standards of previous editions in terms of the clarity with which it explains the technologies while offering high quality graphics." - Peter Connor, University of ExeterDescriptionThe only renewable energy text to strike the perfect balance between depth and breadth of knowledge, making it ideal for students seeking an introduction to the subject, whatever their programme of study.This book provides both perspective and detail on the relative merits and state of progress of technologies for utilizing the various 'renewables'. The analysis considers emissions, sustainability, cost implications and energy security, as political and economic pressures move society towards a low-carbon future.\n• Interdisciplinary approach brings together economic, social, environmental, and policy issues in a single, unified narrative\n• The limited prior knowledge expected of the reader makes this the ideal text for all students, regardless of subject background\n• Beautiful illustrations augment the text and enrich the learning experienceNew to this edition\n• New editor Stephen Peake, Fellow of the Judge Business School and Senior Lecturer at The Open University, brings a fresh perspective to the current state of renewable energy\n• A new chapter on 'Thermodynamics' explores the physical basis of energy\n• A new chapter on 'Renewable energy futures' looks ahead to potential developments in the field\n• An updated chapter on the status, challenges and opportunities for the integration of renewable energy technologies in rapidly evolving electric grid systems\n• Enhanced pedagogy includes the addition of end-of-chapter exercises; boxes with annotated calculations; and clearer, more concise, chapter summaries\nTable of Contents\n1. Introducing Renewable Energy\n2. Thermodynamics and Heat Pumps\n3. Solar Thermal Energy\n4. Solar Photovoltaics\n5. Bioenergy\n6. Hydroelectricity\n7. Tidal Power\n8. Wind Energy\n9. Wave Energy\n10. Geothermal Energy\n11. Integrating Renewable Energy