Product Description

Renewable energy is the key to the future of humankind. Wind power, solar (photovoltaic) energy, geothermal power, and other forms of renewables can help solve our most pressing environmental problems, including global climate change. But how do we move these promising technologies out of the laboratory and into widespread use? Renewable Energy Policy shows what public policy can—and cannot—do to help tap renewables' promise.

Renewable Energy Policy takes a pragmatic, nuts-and-bolts look at the myriad government efforts to promote renewables, and reports back on what works, what doesn't, and why. In clear, jargon-free language, Renewable Energy Policy shows how and why some policies have achieved impressive results, and others have failed. Skillfully interweaving technology, economics, and politics, Paul Komor reveals how the best of policy ideas often end up with unintended results.

If you want to know how much wind power really costs (Chapter 2), why Germany's renewables laws are "crude but effective" (Chapter 8), or the three reasons why the UK's green energy market is a flop (Chapter 4), then you need to read Renewable Energy Policy.

"Mr. Komor's writing style is both clear and engaging. This book works well as a primer for any energy analyst not already deeply involved in renewable energy policy matters or as a textbook for college courses on energy policy or renewable energy economics."
Blair G. Swezey, Principal Policy Advisor, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #95131 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 194 pages

About the Author
Paul Komor is a member of the graduate faculty at the University of Colorado-Boulder (U.S.), with appointments in both the Department of Civil Engineering and the Department of Environmental Studies. Prior to joining the University of Colorado faculty, he was a Project Director at the U.S. Congress’ Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), where he worked with House and Senate Congressional Committees in preparing and evaluating energy legislation. Paul holds a B.S. from Cornell University, and a M.S. and Ph.D. from Stanford University. He can be contacted at Paul.Komor@colorado.edu

Customer Reviews

Not the usual shrill advocacy
Much of the literature on renewable energy is based on exaggerated claims, simplistic analyses, and naked advocacy. Not this book, however - the author provides a refreshingly balanced and objective look at renewable technologies and policies. If you want information you can trust and believe, rather than the usual polemics, then buy this book.

Clear, balanced writing
A clear, unbiased look at the world of Renewable Energy Policy. Required reading for anyone who wants to know how things actually work, instead of simple advocacy for renewables.

Very instructive and helpful
This book reviews the different ways the US, Germany and other countries have use to promote the use of renewables. From PVs to wind, and from Renewable Portfolio Standards to Green pricing... Also, this book has a very objective standpoint which makes it even more valuable.