The Future for Renewable Energy 2: Prospects and Directions

The ability of renewable energy sources to supply global energy needs - if not completely then to a significant degree - has been amply demonstrated. What needs to happen now in order to make large-scale implementation possible? Leading researchers and specialists in the various fields of renewable energy have once again been commissioned by EUREC Agency (the European Union Renewable Energy Centres Agency) to completely re-assess the position of renewable energy technologies in the context of global energy supply, and to recommend a development path for each technology branch based on this analysis. The Future for Renewable Energy 2 presents the results of this extensive research, incorporating the findings of specialists from over 40 renewable energy research institutes, which represent in total over 1000 scientists. The Future for Renewable Energy 2 examines each of the major renewable energy technologies. It provides a qualitative evaluation of their achievements to date, proposes for each sector detailed, realistic goals for a strong and coherent research, development and demonstration (RD&D) policy, and maps out a path to a stronger market and more widespread deployment of renewable energy sources. Individual chapters cover biomass, photovoltaics, small hydro, solar buildings, solar thermal power stations, wind energy and solar process heat as well as other renewables including ocean energy and solar chemistry. Further chapters discuss the integration of these various technologies and their uptake by developing countries. Essential reading for energy policy makers and planners, and for all those involved in renewables whether as researchers, manufacturers, utilities or practitioners, The Future for Renewable Energy 2 will be regarded as a critical and authoritative source for strategic planning of renewable energy development worldwide.