Reviews the status of technologies in renewable energy. Covering the rate of energy consumption and the consequences of continuing this rate, this book explains how the main conventional forms of energy - including coal, oil, and gas - contribute to economies. It includes chapters such as: Earth's Energy Sources; Recycling; and Biorefineries.

It is difficult to identify a defining moment that turned the tide toward less-polluting energy sources, but most people today have a fresh outlook on the environment and realize the importance of conservation. In recent years, a new community of people who want alternative energies for their cars, public vehicles, and houses has emerged. ""Renewable Energy"" reviews the current status of technologies in renewable energy, a critical subject since the world now increases its energy consumption between 1 to 3 percent each year. Covering the current rate of energy consumption and the consequences of continuing this rate, this new book explains how the main conventional forms of energy - including coal, oil, and gas - contribute to economies. The focus of this full-color book is the remarkable diversity of ideas that are born every day in the field of alternative energy. The chapters include: Earth's Energy Sources; Recycling; Gasoline Alternative Vehicles; Biorefineries; Innovations in Clean Energy; Green Building Design; and, Energy from Solid Biomass.