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Energy Science

The book arose out of undergraduates lectures given in Oxford and Bristol on how we might meet the sharply increasing global demand for energy in a sustainable way. Global warming, and the growing realisation that significant production of energy with low associated carbon emissions is essential if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change, has made the study of energy science very important and topical. The evidence that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the use of fossil fuels is the cause of global warming is now compelling.

Our approach of trying to quantify the different technologies for obtaining energy to illustrate the magnitude of the problems that we face has proved popular with students. It allows them to challenge common misconceptions and to evaluate different solutions for themselves. They can form a balanced judgement of the whole scene before advocating particular technologies. While we wanted to be quantitative, we also wanted this book to be accessible to a wider audience with a general interest in global warming and the technical options available. To this end we set apart the more mathematical aspects.

We wanted to include in our book both the use of "clean" fossil fuels and nuclear power, together with renewable sources, as we feel that all methods of reducing our carbon emissions need to be considered. It has been very stimulating trying to explain all the main technologies and how different academic disciplines are involved in evaluating possible solutions.

Economics, policy and planning considerations are often just as significant as the details and efficiency of conversion. Issues such as risk and the effect on the environment are also very important factors and we have highlighted the key issues for general discussion. We have also tried to include lively and thought provoking exercises. Energy Science is an area where students can use their knowledge and understanding of science to try and help solve perhaps the most challenging environmental problem that mankind has faced.

John Andrews and Nick Jelley
April 2007