Smil V. Energy Transitions. History,Requirements,Prospects 2010 torrent

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Energy transitions are fundamental processes behind the evolution of human societies: they both drive and are driven by technical, economic, and social changes. In a bold and provocative argument, Energy Transitions: History, Requirements, Prospects describes the history of modern society's dependence on fossil fuels and the prospects for the transition to a nonfossil world. Vaclav Smil, who has published more on various aspects of energy than any working scientist, makes it clear that this transition will not be accomplished easily, and that it cannot be accomplished within the timetables established by the Obama administration. The book begins with a survey of the basic properties of modern energy systems. It then offers detailed explanations of universal patterns of energy transitions, the peculiarities of changing energy use in the world's leading economies, and the coming shifts from fossil fuels to renewable conversions. Specific cases of these transitions are analyzed for eight of the world's leading energy consumers. The author closes with perspectives on the nature and pace of the coming energy transition to renewable conversions.
Energy Systems: Their Basic Properties
Resources and Prime Movers
Conversions and Uses
Infrastructures and Impacts
Energy Transitions
Global Transitions: Universal Patterns
Grand Fuel Sequence: From Biomass to Coal and Hydrocarbons
A New Quality: Generation of Electricity
History of Prime Movers: From Muscles to Machines
Quantifying the Transitions: Uncertainties and Trends
National Transitions: Commonalities and Particularities
European Experience: Britain, France, and the Netherlands
U.S. Transitions: The Consuming Superpower
Japan and China: The Asian Leaders
New Energy Superpowers: Russia and Saudi Arabia
Coming Transitions: Expectations and Realities
Renewable Energies: Resources, Conversions, and Constraints
Pace of Transitions: Innovation, Infrastructures, and Inertia
National Aspirations: Goals and Realities
Cautious Anticipations: Trends and Possibilities
Appendix
References
Index