Energy is considered to be a main contributor in the accumulation of wealth and also a key component in economic growth. This makes energy resources extremely significant for every country in the world. In bringing energy needs and energy availability into balance, there are two main elements: energy demand and energy supply. In this regard, every country aims to attain such a balance and hence develop policies and strategies. A number of factors are considered to be important in determining world energy consumption and production, including population growth, economic performance, consumer tastes, technological developments, government policies concerning the energy sector, and developments on world energy markets. Energy lies at the heart of modern society, and it is critical that we make informed choices regarding the methods by which we convert and manage energy. The energy sector is closely linked to the economic activity of the country. The past and current patterns of energy generation and consumption are bound to determine the economic future and wellbeing of the worldwide. This book covers the social, economic and political dimension of such issues at both national and international level. It is aims at natural scientists, technologists and the international social science and policy communities. It contains original contributions that deal with direct and indirect environment impacts of energy acquisition, transport, production and use. Chapters covering energy related aspects of wider environmental questions such as the use of fuel wood and continuing impacts of de-forestation are considered. Energy and environment are closely related issues in the present along the whole world.
The in discriminated use of fossil fuels have promoted adverse effects on environment (i.e. excessive production of greenhouse gases, pollution of underground and superficial waters, soil contamination). It has been observed that the international reserves of crude oil are declining, and some pessimist references talk about an important detriment in the annual oil availability for 2050. Because of these facts, the necessity of developing novel sources of energy, and specially fuels from sustainable sources is mandatory. Such alternative sources of energy (i.e. wind, solar, biomass, hydraulic) are potential renewable sources capable to change the standard of productive activities all around the world. I many of the cases, the energy production processes include resources commonly available or even the use of materials considered as wastes (i.e. wastewaters, agriculture residues, urban solid wastes). Despite all the desirable characteristics involved, processes included in the generation of renewable energy may not only positively impact the environment but also may cause harm on the surrounding. However, to our knowledge, relatively few works have been published carrying out this type of environmental cost-benefit analysis. The aim of this book is to provide the information to carry out such type of analysis: development of renewable energies, their main environmental advantages and disadvantages and the emerging procedures for site remediation to be applied if necessary, with special emphasis in those processes combining contamination removal actions and energy production. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying this field.
Valencia Tidwell holds Ph.D. in Energy and Power Engineering from Public Research University, Angers. She is a Senior Research Specialist at Science and Technology Institute, Brussels. She has published numerous articles and research papers on electric power systems and electrical to mechanical energy conversion, alternative energy systems, including wind and solar energy, geothermal and small-scale hydroelectric generation. Her research interests lie in energy conservation, renewable energy engineering and sustainable development.
