Saving the Earth

Article: Renewable Energy

Biofuels, Geothermal and Hydrogen

Books in this section offer information and perspectives on three important alternative energy sources deemed viable for the near future.

Despite our collective eagerness to embrace clean, non-polluting fuels and energy sources for use in transportation and electricity generation, it must be recognized that there is an enormous investment in the current coal and petroleum-based infrastructure, as well as powerful vested interests that profit from this economic and technological infrastructure. It is not an exaggeration to say that a major part of the world's economy is built around the extraction, transportation, sale and use of petroleum.

Hydrogen as an alternative energy source for use in automotive fuel cells is not yet commercially viable, for it would require construction of different vehicles and an alternate distribution system. It is a very attractive candidate for replacing fossil fuels, however, because it is clean and produces no harmful byproducts.

Geothermal power for generating electricity taps the vast heat source at the center of the planet and holds out the promise of clean, virtually inexhaustible power. There are many technical advances needed before it is commercially viable, save in regions that have a great deal of geothermal activity near the Earth's surface.

The books selected for this section offer comprehensive, authoritative and accessible information on these three promising renewable energy alternatives.

David Yarian, Ph.D.

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