About the Book
The renewable and alternative energy markets and energy policy have evolved rapidly in recent years. Although a rapidly expanding part of the nation's energy portfolio, renewable energy will need to grow significantly if a dominant clean energy paradigm is to be achieved. In this fully revised and expanded third edition author Christopher Simon discusses the basic technical aspects of major renewable energy systems and technological developments and considers the impact of politics on energy policy using contemporary theories of public policy, as well as discussing the evolution of the social feasibility of renewable energy.
Simon addresses the underlying rationale for alternative energies and how policymaking and innovation function in this arena. In-depth coverage of solar, wind, and geothermal energy, as well as other modern fuels, set the stage for the current challenges around energy storage, reforming the power grid, and artificial intelligence in energy markets. Fully revised to bring the discussion up to date through President Biden's administration, this edition considers nuclear power developments and feasibility in the post-Fukushima policy environment and addresses current international commitment to renewable energy.
Features of the Third Edition include:
New Chapter 8: Energy Storage Technology and the Automotive Industry
New Chapter 9: Reforming the Power Grid
New Chapter 10: Artificial Intelligence and Energy
Extensive figures, boxes, and photos to engage readers
Fully updated coverage of the legal, regulatory, and legislative context through the Biden administration
About the Author :
Christopher A. Simon (Ph.D., 1997, Washington State University) is Professor of Political Science and a former Director of the MPA Program at The University of Utah. He conducts research in alternative energy policy; civic community and volunteerism; education policy; criminal justice policy; Homeland Security policy; land use policy; public administration; immigration policy/sanctuary cities; international development aid policy; and military sociology. He is co-author of Sanctuary Ordinances: The Contemporary Politics of Immigrant Assimilation in America; The Energy Security Dilemma: US Policy and Practice; and State and Local Government: Sustainability in the 21st Century; and, sole author of Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility; Public Policy: Preferences and Outcomes; and To Run a School: Administrative Organization and Learning. He has published articles in numerous academic journals.
In 2008, he was named Technology Educator of the Year by the Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology for his published work on renewable energy and renewable energy course development at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Review :
This book includes comprehensive and timely information on renewable (solar, wind, and geothermal) and nuclear energy. The third edition significantly expands on the previous editions and adds discussions on energy storage, the power grid, and applications of AI. Readers will significantly enrich their knowledge of the technical, historical, political, and societal aspects of these subjects. My students have used both the first and second editions as the main text in our "Alternative Energy Fundamentals" course. I am eagerly anticipating the implementation of this third edition in the next class.
--Mariana Eneva, Nevada Institute of Sustainability, University of Nevada, Reno
Christopher Simon's Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility, 3rd Edition, is an essential guide for those seeking a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics driving the transition to alternative energy. Simon expertly navigates the intersection of technology, politics, and societal factors, providing a nuanced analysis of renewable energy feasibility. With comprehensive coverage of solar, wind, geothermal energy, and modern fuels, the book addresses key challenges like energy storage, power grid reform, and the role of artificial intelligence in energy markets. Updated to include developments through President Biden's administration, it critically assesses nuclear power post-Fukushima and evaluates international commitments to renewable energy. Simon's authoritative and up-to-date analysis makes Alternative Energy an indispensable resource for students, policymakers, researchers, and those interested in understanding the complexities of our global energy transition.
--Brent S. Steel, University of Victoria
Simon's Alternative Energy provides a comprehensive discussion of renewable energy developments in the United States clearly describing the pathway through historical background to current practices. General policy perspectives and specific policy developments are brought together. The spectrum of renewable energy technology developments are discussed and well-illustrated with case studies. I have found the text to be highly accessible to a broad audience including engineering, natural resources management, environmental and sustainability studies, and business students. Simon has made a unique and important contribution.
--Charles R. Standridge, Professor Emeritus of Engineering, Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering, Grand Valley State University
The world is undeniably undergoing a transition, if not a transformation, to a low-carbon economy. How society harnesses alternative forms of energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal is a central component of both understanding and possibly steering that transformation. This third edition of Alternative Energy is pivotal in equipping readers with the understanding they need of history, legitimacy, policy and even politics for engaging with this highly important topic.
--Benjamin K. Sovacool, professor of energy policy at the University of Sussex, and author of Global Energy Justice
