ENERGY BOOKS

This page features all the best energy books; alternative energy books, including those about solar and wind energy; as well as books about the politics and economics of energy; and energy as it relates to the environment.

Internal Combustion

How Corporations and Governments Addicted the World to Oil and Derailed the Alternatives   (by Edwin Black)

Internal Combustion is the compelling tale of the corruption and manipulation that has subjected the United States and the world to an oil addiction that could have been avoided. It traces a continuum of rapacious energy cartels and special interests throughout history that killed electric vehicles a century ago and the mass transit systems in dozens of cities half a century later. The book further lays out how special interests have subverted synthetic fuels and other alternatives, showcasing overlooked compressed-gas, electric, and hydrogen cars on the market today.

Apollo's Fire   Igniting America's Clean Energy Economy

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy ignited America’s Apollo Project and sparked a revolution in space exploration. Today, the New Apollo Energy Project is poised to revolutionize the production of energy and thereby save our planet—and us. The nation that built the world’s most powerful rockets, its most advanced computers, and its most sophisticated life support systems is ready to create the world’s most powerful solar energy systems, its most advanced wind energy turbines, and its most sophisticated hybrid cars. This book tells the stories of the people who are right now on the front lines of the energy revolution. (by Jay Inslee, Bracken Hendricks)

Freedom From Oil   (by David Sandalow)

How the Next President Can End the United States' Oil Addiction

Freedom from Oil explores what would happen if the next US president made breaking America's addiction to oil a top priority. The book discusses plug-in cars, biofuels, and traffic-flow improvement as part of the solution. Drawing on both his government experience and energy expertise, Sandalow depicts the President's top advisers as they explore options, shape solutions, and create national policy.

The Grid   (by Phillip F. Schewe)

A Journey Through the Heart of Our Electrified World

The electrical grid goes everywhere—it's the largest, most complex machine ever made. Yet the system is built in such a way that the bigger it gets, the more inevitable its collapse. Constructed of intricately interdependent components, the grid operates on a rapidly shrinking margin for error. As we get more and more dependent on electricity to perform even the most mundane daily tasks—from infrared urinals and sinks to automatic doors—the grid's inevitable shortcomings will take a toll on populations around the globe.

Oil on the Brain   Adventures From the Pump to the Pipeline

Americans buy ten thousand gallons of gasoline per second, without giving much thought to where it all comes from. Spurred on by her own curiosity, Lisa Margonelli journeyed from her local gas station to oil fields half a world away; to the oil trading markets in New York; and to many other little-known corners of the planet's "petroleum-production machine." Deftly piecing together the mammoth economy of oil, Margonelli finds a series of stark warning signs for American drivers. (by Lisa Margonelli)

Lives Per Gallon   The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction

Terry Tamminen tracks single drop of oil from ground to gas tank to show the havoc it wreaks along its path—from drilling rigs and belching tankers to refineries and fueling stations and tailpipes. He makes the case that through much stronger conservation measures and greater use of biofuels and hydrogen, we can be on the on the path to energy independence in less than 20 years. (by Terry Tamminen)

Big Coal   The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future

Coal already supplies half of the electricity used in the US. Our desire to find a homegrown alternative to Mideast oil, the rising cost of oil and natural gas, and the fossil-fuel-friendly mood in Washington will soon push our coal consumption through the roof. Jeff Goodell examines the faulty assumptions underlying coal's revival and shatters the myth of cheap coal energy. (by Jeff Goodell)

Electric Universe   How Electricity Switched on the Modern World

In Electric Universe, David Bodanis weaves tales of romance, divine inspiration, and fraud in his lucid account of the invisible force that permeates our universe. The book covers electricity's backstories—not just of giants like Thomas Edison, but also lesser known figures like the visionary Michael Faraday, who struggled against the prejudices of the British class system; Samuel Morse, a painter who, before inventing the telegraph, ran for mayor of New York on a platform of persecuting Catholics; and Alan Turing, whose dream of a marvelous thinking machine—what we know as the computer—was met with indifference, and who ended his life in despair after British authorities forced him to undergo experimental treatments to “cure” his homosexuality. In these pages, the virtuoso scientists who plumbed the secrets of electricity come vividly to life. (by David Bodanis)

Children of the Sun   (by Alfred W. Crosby)

A History of Humanity's Unappeasable Appetite for Energy

Alfred W. Crosby explores how humanity's successes have hinged on effective uses of solar energy—from cooking to exploitation of fossil fuels. But dwindling natural resources, global warming, and environmental pollution all testify to the limits of our fossil-fuel civilization. Although we haven't yet adopted a feasible alternative—just look at the embarrassment of "cold fusion" or the 2003 blackout that humbled North America—our ingenuity and adaptability as a species give us hope.

Energy: Use Less - Save More   (by Jon Clift and Amanda Cuthbert)

Did you know that lowering the temperature of your thermostat by a mere 2 degrees Fahrenheit could reduce your energy bill by 10 percent? Or that energy-efficient light bulbs last about 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs and consume one-fifth the energy? This is just the beginning of what you'll learn in this handy book, containing more than one hundred ideas for saving energy. These tips will save you money, and help you take your first steps in the fight against global warming and other air pollution.

Basics of Energy Efficient Living   (by Lonnie Wibberding)

A Beginner's Guide to Alternative Energy and Home Energy Savings

This book explains the principles behind energy-efficient living, answering questions such as: What is R-value? How much energy could I get from my creek? Can I use alternative energy in the city? How much heat will it take to keep my house warm? How much heat will I lose if I put in a bigger window? Learn what it takes to save energy, then take the next step and collect your own by finding out how much energy you can get from water, sun, wind, and wood. Then apply energy principles to make an energy budget and design your energy projects or house step-by-step.

Insulate and Weatherize   (by Bruce Harley)

Expert Advice from Start to Finish

Part of Taunton's "Build Like a Pro" series; provides information that will allow homeowners to improve their home's energy efficiency, saving money, lowering resource usage, and reducing pollution; also explains the underlying principles of why each fix works.

136 Best Ways to Save on Your Home Energy   (by Sunset Books)

Among the topics covered are energy-saving tips; money-saving projects you can do yourself; saving money on lighting; caulking and weatherstripping; programmable thermostats; insulation essentials; and improvements that lower hot water costs.

Easy Ways To Save Gas & Save Money   (by Mel Leiding)

How To Fight High Gas Prices

There are many ways to get more driving miles out of that pricey petroleum product we pump into our tanks every week, and this book has them all. The author claims that by following his suggestions, you'll be able to get at least 30% better gas mileage than an average driver. (by Mel Leiding)

You Can Prevent Global Warming (and Save Money!)

51 Easy Ways   (by Jeffrey Langholz, Kelly Turner)

Learn the benefits of compact fluorescent bulbs, energy-efficient refrigerators, cheaper heating and cooling techniques, smarter shopping, and more—all designed to save you money and reduce global warming and other environmental problems.

Cape Wind   Money, Celebrity, Class, Politics, and the Battle for Our Energy Future on Nantucket Sound   (by Wendy Williams and Robert Whitcomb)

When Jim Gordon set out to build a wind farm off the coast of Cape Cod, he knew some people might object. But there was merit in creating a privately funded, clean energy source for energy-starved New England, and he felt sure most people would recognize that eventually. Instead, all hell broke loose. This acidly funny account of the battle is a fascinating window on the business and politics of energy and a scathing portrait of the ruling class.

Energy Switch   Proven Solutions for a Renewable Future

Declining oil supplies and the environmental impact of coal dictate a switch to renewable energy sources. What mix of renewables is feasible as a major source of energy? At what cost and with what drawbacks? In what time period? The book examines the shortcomings and benefits of various energy sources; "ecological tax reform," efficiency improvement, and demand management strategies; and how the US can once again become a renewable energy leader. (by Craig Morris)

The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy   Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower

As the price of energy continues to rise, homeowners will scramble to cut their energy bills and insulate themselves against interruptions in modern society's centralized energy production and distribution system. That means (a) making dramatic improvements in home energy efficiency, and (b) using clean, affordable, renewable energy resources to heat and cool homes, to provide hot water and electricity, and even to cook. The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy tells you how. (by Dan Chiras )

Wind Power (Revised Edition)   (by Paul Gipe)

Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business

This book explains how to use wind technology wisely and offers sound advice on how to avoid common mistakes. With chapters on output and economics, Wind Power discloses how much you can expect from each method of wind technology, both in terms of energy and financial savings. The book’s updated models, graphics, and appendices make it an invaluable reference for everyone interested in the emerging trend of wind power and renewable energy.

The Hydrogen Economy   The Creation of the Worldwide Energy Web and the Redistribution of Power on Earth   (by Jeremy Rifkin)

"Weaning the world off oil and turning it toward hydrogen is a promissory note for a safer world," writes Jeremy Rifkin. The Hydrogen Economy presents a clear, comprehensive case for moving ourselves away from the destructive and waning years of the oil era toward a new kind of energy regime. Hydrogen—one of the most abundant substances in the universe—may hold the key.

The Hype About Hydrogen   (by Joseph J. Romm)

Fact and Fiction in the Race to Save the Climate

A decade from now, will we be pulling into the local filling station to tank up with hydrogen fuel? Will we all be breathing super-clean air because our cars' exhaust will be just water? Not so fast, says Joseph Romm. Hydrogen technology has at least two decades of development time in front of it. Find out how we should be addressing our energy and pollution problems in the meantime.

Biodiesel: Growing A New Energy Economy   (by Greg Pahl)

A crop-derived liquid fuel, biodiesel can be made from a wide range of renewable, locally grown plant sources—even from recycled cooking oils or animal fats. The technology is simple and available today. Greg Pahl explores the history and technology of biodiesel, its current use around the world, and its exciting potential in the United States and beyond.

Power With Nature: Solar and Wind Energy Demystified

At some point this century, nearly ALL energy will be coming from renewable sources. Solar and wind energy are likely to be the leaders among the various flavors of ala little something about ternative energy. The author serves up a primer on wind and solar so we'll know how the lights will be kept on a few decades or so from now. (by Rex A. Ewing)

Microhydro   Clean Power from Water

Microhydro—small-scale power generation using water from streams and natural elevation differences—is a simple, reliable, inexpensive way to generate power off-grid. Highly illustrated and practical, Microhydro covers general principles; AC and DC systems and equipment options; design and site considerations; and legal, environmental, and economic factors.
(by Scott Davis)

The Collapsing Bubble   Growth And Fossil Energy

Contending that the energy debate should not be framed as "What energy sources will be available to replace fossil fuels?" but rather as "What population can be supported at a decent standard by the energy sources that will be available after the transition from fossil fuels?" Grant argues thats we can create a more harmonious balance with the rest of the biosphere—but at much lower population levels with less consumptive habits. (Lindsey Grant)

Petrodollar Warfare: Oil, Iraq and the Future of the Dollar

Petrodollar Warfare argues that the 2003 Iraq war was not a response to terrorism or weapons of mass destruction, but rather was precipitated by the imminent peak in global oil production and the ascendance of the euro currency. Iraq had switched to doing oil transactions in euros—rather than US dollars—and the Bush administration wanted to prevent further OPEC momentum towards the euro. The author warns that without changing course, the American experiment will end the way all empires end—with military overextension and subsequent economic decline. (by William R. Clark)

The Oil Factor   (by Stephen and Donna Leeb)

How Oil Controls the Economy and Your Financial Future

We need to worry about our energy future, but we also need to worry about our financial futures. This book combines the two notions, offering general investment advice based on the authors' analysis that an oil crisis is coming and that it will mean trouble for many stocks.

Crossing the Rubicon   (by Michael C. Ruppert)

The Decline of the American Empire at the End of the Age of Oil

REVIEW: Michael Ruppert makes a compelling case that peak oil is the beginning of the end for our industrial civilization and is driving the elites of American power to implement unthinkably draconian measures of repression, warfare, and population control. Though the fuse to Ruppert's argument is peak oil, the dynamite is the assertion (and wealth of evidence) that the war in Iraq—and even the attacks of 9/11—have been orchestrated by the neocon power players in the US to maintain access to the one thing that ensures their continued political control and wealth—oil. Though overly detailed at times, this is a powerful book, and it will forever change your view of "how things really work."

Greenwar   (by Steven Gould, Laura J. Mixon, FICTION)

Emma Tooke has devoted her life to Gulfstream, a company dedicated to harvesting clean energy from the sea, battling corporate treachery and hurricanes along the way. Emma now faces a band of extremist vigilantes who consider Gulfstream evil for suggesting that an American energy corporation can be a force for environmental reform. The group tries to use an old flame of Emma's to get past her defenses—and the project's.

High Noon for Natural Gas   The New Energy Crisis

Blackouts, rising gas prices, changes to the Clean Air Act, proposals to open wilderness to gas drilling—all are tied to our increasing dependence on natural gas for electricity generation. High Noon For Natural Gas discusses why this dependence has the potential to cause serious environmental, political, and economic consequences in the near future. (by Julian Darley)

Crude: The Story of Oil   (by Sonia Shah)

Crude is the unexpurgated story of oil, from the circumstances of its birth millions of years ago to the spectacle of its rise as the indispensable ingredient of modern life. It fuels our SUVs, paves our roads, and makes plastics possible. The modern world is drenched in oil. Crude explores how it came to be, as well as the great human drama of it—innovation, risk, riches, and greed.

The New Great Game   Blood and Oil in Central Asia

Desperate to wean itself from dependence on the powerful OPEC cartel, the United States is pitted in a struggle against Russia and China, competing for dominance in the oil- and gas-rich Caspian region and access to its resources and pipeline routes. Based on extensive research and travel in the regions, The New Great Game is a savvy analysis of the power struggle for the world's remaining energy resources. (by Lutz Kleveman)

Energy at the Crossroads: Global Perspectives and Uncertainties

How do we reconcile the world's unceasing demand for energy with the absolute necessity to preserve the integrity of the biosphere? Smil discusses energy production; the pros and cons of fossil fuels and alternative fuels; energy prices and the real cost of energy; and "energy linkages"—the effect energy issues have on the economy, on quality of life, on the environment, and in wartime. (by Vaclav Smil)

Power to the People   (by Vijay Vaitheeswaran)

How the Coming Energy Revolution Will Transform an Industry, Change Our Lives, and Maybe Even Save the Planet

We're not running out of energy, but the environment is suffering from the TYPE of energy we're using. The author thinks fuel cells and market forces will be key to our energy future.

Coal: A Human History   (by Barbara Freese)

Coal gets whipped on a lot by green advocates, but coal's part in the evolution of the industrialized world is central and undeniable. And even today, if coal were to abruptly be pulled from the energy equation, the resulting energy-production gap would be sizeable and problematic. Freese recognizes and explores coal's role in how we arrived in this industrialized world as well as coal's serious environmental problems. (by Barbara Freese)

Power Failure   The Inside Story of the Collapse of Enron

Enron's aggressive growth "techniques" and its mega-ton collapse will remain in memory for a long time. Sherron Watkins, the primary whistleblower in the case, will no doubt be thankful for relative obscurity in the future, but here her story and Enron's escapades are chronicled. Read the book and you'll know why Enron is so reviled. (by Mimi Swartz and Sherron Watkins)

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