The global energy scenario is undergoing an unprecedented transition. In the wake of enormous challenges-such as increased population, higher energy demands, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, depleting fossil fuel reserves, volatile energy prices, geopolitical concerns, and energy insecurity issues-the energy sector is experiencing a transition in terms of energy resources and their utilization. This modern transition is historically more dynamic and multidimensional compared to the past considering the vast technological advancements, socioeconomic implications and political responses, and ever-evolving global policies and regulations. Energy insecurity in terms of its critical dimensions-access, affordability, and reliability-remains a major problem hindering the socioeconomic progress in developing countries.

The Handbook of Energy Transitions presents a holistic account of the 21st-century energy transition away from fossil fuels. It provides an overview of the unfolding transition in terms of overall dimensions, drivers, trends, barriers, policies, and geopolitics, and then discusses transition in terms of particular resources or technologies, such as renewable energy systems, solar energy, hydropower, hydrogen and fuel cells, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, batteries, digitalization, smart grids, blockchain, and machine learning. It also discusses the present energy transition in terms of broader policy and developmental perspectives. Further, it examines sustainable development, the economics of energy and green growth, and the role of various technologies and initiatives like renewables, nuclear power, and electrification in promoting energy security and energy transition worldwide.

Key Features

• Includes technical, economic, social, and policy perspectives of energy transitions
• Features practical case studies and comparative assessments
• Examines the latest renewable energy and low-carbon technologies
• Explains the connection between energy transition and global climate change

Dr Muhammad Asif is Associate Professor at the Glasgow Caledonian University. His research interests include renewable energy, energy management, energy policy, sustainable buildings, life cycle analysis, and sustainable development. He is the author and/or editor of three books and over 100 peer-reviewed research papers, book chapters and reports, and has presented his research at more than 50 international conferences and symposia.

Part 1: Introduction to 21st Century Energy Transition

1. Dynamics of a Sustainable Energy Transition

2. Energy Transitions: Trend, Drivers, Barriers, and Policies

3. Geopolitics of the Energy Transition

Part 2: Energy Transition: Resources and Technologies

4. Renewable Energy Systems

5. Hydropower generation, potentials and externalities

6. Multigenerational Solar Energy-Driven Systems

7. Towards Building Sector Energy Transition

8. Electric Vehicles and future of Transport Sector

9. Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

10. Energy Storage Systems

11. Lithium based battery systems: technological and environmental challenges and opportunities

12. Demand side management and smart grids

13. Digitalization in the Energy sector

14. Blockchain in Future Energy Systems

15. Machine Learning applications in the Petroleum Industry

Part 3: Energy Transition: Policies and Prospects

16. Energy and Sustainable Development

17. Economics of Energy and Green Growth: Decoupling Debate

18. Investigation into the Effects of Energy Transition in Terms of Economic Growth

19. Energy Security: Role of Renewable and Low Carbon Technologies

20. Promotion of decarbonization by private sector's approaches

21. Electrification and Targets in Developing Countries

22. Regional energy policies, trade and energy security in South Asia: A quest for diplomacy

23. Electricity sector reforms, private sector participation and electricity sector performance in Sub-Saharan Africa

24. Electrification and energy transition in sub-Saharan Africa: Status, issues and effects, from a source-to-household perspective

25. The Role of Nuclear Power under the Energy Transition: An unsustainable approach of nuclear-free homeland 2025 in Taiwan?