Renewable

Starred review from September 2, 2013
In this rigorous, impassioned, and nonpartisan study, science writer Shere blends first-person reportage and anecdotal history, bringing the state of renewable energy vibrantly alive. A quick glimpse of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison riding together in a Model T through the Florida Everglades in search of land to grow ethanol-producing crops gives way to Shere, standing in the pouring rain, looking over a field of swaying Chinese silver grass—the best choice to replace corn as the basis for ethanol. A description of elegantly attired British colonialists sipping champagne and marveling excitedly at a solar-powered irrigation system in early 20th-century Egypt transitions to an account of researchers at Purdue University and MIT who are making unprecedented advances in solar energy efficiency using nanotechnology. Unfailingly positive, never speculating about entrenched interests, profit margins, or global greed, the stories nevertheless generate provocative contrasts. The fascination, awe, and excitement with which our forbearers viewed advances in alternative energy contrasts markedly with the skepticism, cynicism, and outright hostility that colors the conversation today. While the debate over renewable energy remains mired in politics, Shere’s approach provides a refreshingly optimistic outlook, grounded, but not suffocating, in technical detail, and confirming that, while the relatively low price of oil keeps advances on the margins, the work necessary to wean ourselves off fossil fuels is ongoing. Agent: Irene Goodman, Irene Goodman Agency.

November 1, 2013
A bright, accessible account of renewable energy and its role in our lives. In this jargon-free blend of history and reporting, science writer Shere explores the current states and possible futures of biofuel, solar cells, wind power, hydrothermal technology and other alternative energy sources. The future of renewables is "uncertain but full of promise," writes the author, speculating that by 2075, our homes may include biofuel machines and hydrogen fuel systems. For now, scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs continue to struggle to overcome technical and logistical issues to produce quality alternative fuels as cheaply as possible. They do so in the face of many political obstacles. In considering each renewable, Shere tells the stories of early pioneers: Henry Ford and his dream of making auto fuel from plants; French inventor Augustin Mouchot and his solar engines of the mid-1800s; and Cleveland tinkerer Charles Brush, who, in 1888, built an 80,000-pound windmill to generate electricity. Modern interest in renewables was spurred by the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, only to dwindle when oil prices fell in the mid-1980s. In contrast, writes Shere, current interest may last: Production of conventional oil is nearing its peak, while the main impediment to the rise of renewable energy--cost--is receding as economies of scale reduce the price of solar panels, wind turbines and other technologies. After interviews with experts and visits to a solar farm, a geothermal power plant and an exposition of wind power companies, among others, Shere concludes that "no one technology or idea or grand vision is a sure bet." Each faces daunting challenges. Solar energy now accounts for less than 1 percent of annual U.S. power consumption; wind produces 2 percent of global electricity products. However, wind, solar and biofuels are gradually becoming "legitimate energy players." One day, alternative sources will provide most of our energy. A solid overview of an important, often misunderstood topic.

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October 15, 2013

Science writer Shere presents a refreshing yet serious look at alternative energy sources. Most books on the topic are written with an agenda of proving (or disproving) the merits of one or another source. Rather than aiming to convert readers to one point of view, Shere simply seeks to inform them of the realities of his subject. He invites readers to tag along on his journey of discovery as he visits particular locales, interviews today's experts, and tours renewable energy facilities. Five types of renewable energy are explored in the book: ethanol, solar, wind, geothermal, and water. For each of these, Shere discusses the history of our use of it as an energy source and charts the current landscape of the technology. He notes barriers to each source's acceptance, its relative growth as it has developed the necessary technology for use, and whether it shows promise as a viable economic alternative to the use of fossil fuels. Shere does all this without getting bogged down in scientific details and jargon. VERDICT Shere's use of abundant current and historical anecdotes provides general readers with a clearer picture of renewable energy technologies than a more scholarly treatise would. Recommended for all readers interested in a deeper understanding of this subject.--William Baer, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib., Atlanta

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2013
With the emerging worldwide consensus that humanity needs to reduce greenhouse gases and prepare for the depletion of oil reserves, more and more books are appearing on alternative-energy schemes. Most of them present how-to or where-and-when approaches. In a change of focus, this lively and informative overview by prolific radio science reporter Shere looks at green energy from another angle, highlighting its surprising history, dynamic contemporary development, and looming probable future. Readers may be astonished to learn, for instance, that solar power devices have been around for almost a century and that the earth's abundant hot rocks, if properly tapped, could easily supply all the world's energy needs. Beyond interesting facts, however, Shere also gives an in-depth report on each major renewable energy source, including green gas, solar, wind, water, and geothermal, demonstrating how engineers are overcoming the limitations of each. In contrast to many of alternative energy's status quosupporting critics, Shere provides many sound reasons for optimism about a future in which power generation causes minimal damage to the environment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)