Energy Technology and Policy Innovation

This book examines the challenge of achieving a clean, secure, and prosperous energy transition effectively and equitably and explains how society’s reliance on fossil fuels contributes to climate change. To tackle this challenge, the authors address tough questions and explore solutions for transitioning to cleaner energy sources, using energy more efficiently, and implementing nature-based solutions. This classroom-tested text provides students with a solid understanding of current energy markets and how they could evolve with the adoption of alternative technologies and policies. It covers the mechanisms that promote change, focusing on a polycentric governance approach and the roles of public policy, science, and innovation, as well as social, cultural, and business-based movements. Major topics include the science of climate change, the role of energy in the economy, environmental externalities, cost-benefit analysis, policy instrument choices, systems and frameworks, justice and equity, technology learning curves, and policy diffusion. An introduction to key frameworks, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and modeling enable students to engage in the debate around energy policy, technology issues, and data analytics. Energy Technology and Policy Innovation is essential reading for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, energy industry professionals, policymakers, scientists, and concerned citizens interested in environmental and energy engineering, sustainability, or climate science who want an introduction to energy technologies, environmental science, public policies, and markets for sustainable products and services. Provides readers with an introduction to key concepts along with numerous figures, graphics, and case studies;Offers an illustration of cost-benefit analysis and descriptions of core scientific principles;Includes calculations and quizzes, essay questions, and qualitative assignments, along with an instructor’s manual. “In Energy Technology and Policy Innovation, the reader will receive an expert, practical, and immediately applicable set of tools to analyze the decisions – technical, economic, political, and social – that arise every time an energy technology or energy system decision needs to be made.”—Daniel M. Kammen, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Energy, Johns Hopkins University