Energy explained

This two volume set presents the basics of energy, while shedding light on the past, present, and future of world energy. The authors lay out of the basics of energy science, alongside the politics, economics, and social issues that impact its harnessing, distribution, and use. Anyone interested in how energy truly works will find answers in these pages that shed light on the past, present, and future of world energy.

Volume 1: Conventional energy. pt. 1: The world of energy. Why is this topic so important now? -- A brief history of energy -- pt. 2: Oil, oil everywhere: the world of oil. Black gold: a brief history of oil -- The science and technology of oil -- Refining and distribution -- How do gasoline prices work? -- Peak oil: how much do we have left? -- OPEC and the role of the oil cartel -- Oil and the environment -- The future of oil -- pt. 3: Fuel from fossils. King coal -- Natural gas -- Global warming -- pt. 4: Power up! The incredible world of electricity. What is electricity? -- Power generation -- Transmission and distribution -- Our electric system -- pt. 5: Energy policy. Energy policy at home and abroad -- Energy market regulation -- Deregulation.

Volume 2: Alternative energy. pt. 1: Renewable energy. Wind energy -- Solar energy -- Tidal energy -- Biomass energy -- Geothermal energy -- Bottle that electron! (energy storage) -- pt. 2: Energy and transportation. Land, sea, and air-energy in transportation -- Fuels from fossils (revisited) -- Biodiesel -- Ethanol -- Hybrids, plug-ins, and electric vehicles -- Fuel cells and hydrogen -- The road ahead -- pt. 3: Energy security. Se…