Generating Electricity in a Carbon-Constrained World

The electric power sector is what keeps modern economies going, and historically, fossil fuels provided the bulk of the energy need to generate electricity, with coal a dominant player in many parts of the world. Now with growing concerns about global climate change, this historical dependence on fossil-fuels, especially those rich in carbon, are being questioned. Examining the implications of the industry's future in a carbon-constrained world, a distinct reality, is the subject of this book.

Containing contributions from renowned scholars and academics from around the world, this book explores the various energy production options available to power companies in a carbon-constrained world. The three part treatment starts with a clear and rigorous exposition of the short term options including Clean Coal and Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technology, Coal, and Emission trading. Renewable energy options such as Nuclear Energy, Wind power, Solar power, Hydro-electric, and Geothermal energy are clearly explained along with their trade-offs and uncertainties inherent in evaluating and choosing different energy options and provides a framework for assessing policy solutions.

This is followed by self-contained chapters of case-studies from all over the world. Other topics discussed in the book are Creating markets for tradable permits in the emerging carbon era, Global Action on Climate Change, The Impossibility of Staunching World CO2 Emissions and Energy efficiency.


Clearly explains short term and long term options
Contributions from renowned scholars and academics from around the world
Case-studies from all over the world


Foreword
Preface
Introduction: The problem in context
Part One:Short Term Options
Chapter 1:Carbon & climate change
Chapter 2:Coal
Chapter 3:Clean Coal and Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technology
Chapter 4: Emission trading
Chapter 5:Creating markets for tradable permits in the emerging carbon era
Chapter 6:Global Action on Climate Change
Chapter 7:The Impossibility of Staunching World CO2 Emissions
Part Two: Renewable Energy Solutions
Chapter 8 & 9:Energy efficiency
Chapter 10:Nuclear Energy
Chapter 11:Wind power
Chapter 12: Solar power
Chapter 13:Hydro-electric
Chapter 14:Geothermal energy
Chapter 15:Biofuels
Chapter 16: Per capita carbon allowances
Part Three: Case studies
Chapter 16: The economics, politics and mechanics of meeting California's carbon mandate
Chapter 17:ISOs, regional electricity markets, and greenhouse gas policy
Chapter 18:Life after coal?
Chapter 19:British electricity industry's carbon challenge
Chapter 20 & 21: China
Chapter 22:Beyond Fossil Fuels