Renewable energy resources third edition

Abstract

For this third edition of Renewable Energy Resources, we have made Â�significant changes in recognition of the outstanding progress of renewÂ� ables worldwide. The basic principles remain the same, but feedback from earlier editions enables us to explain and analyze these more beneficially. Important aspects of new technology have been introduced and, most importantly, we have enlarged the analysis of the institutional factors enabling most countries to establish and increase renewables capacity. When we wrote the first edition in the 1980s, modern applications of renewable energy were new and largely ignored by central planners. Renewables (apart from hydropower) were seen mainly as part of ‘appropriate and intermediate technology’, often for small-scale applications and rural development. In retrospect this concept was correct, but of limited vision. Yes, domestic and village application is a necessity; renewables continue to cater for such needs, now with assured experience and proven technology. However, since those early days, renewables have moved from the periphery of development towards mainstream infrastructure while incorporating significant improvements in technology. ‘Small’ is no longer suspect; for instance, ‘microgeneration’ is accepted technology throughout the developed and developing world, especially as the sum total of many installations reaches national significance. We ourselves have transformed our own homes and improved our lifestyles by incorporating renewables technology that is widely available; we are grateful for these successes. Such development is no longer unusual, with the totality of renewable energy substantial. Commercial-scale applications are common, not only for long-established hydropower but also for ‘new renewables’, especially the ‘big three’ of biomass, solar and wind. Major utilities incorporate renewables divisions, with larger and much replicated plant that can no longer be described as ‘small’ or ‘irreleÂ� vant’. Such success implies utilizing varied and dispersed resources in an environmentally acceptable and cost-effective manner.