Interest in renewable energy has never been greater, but much uncertainty remains as to the role the various technologies will play in the transition to a low-carbon future. This book sets out the facts - how the technologies work, where and to what extent they are currently employed, and where the greatest potential lies. Covering all the major fields - solar electricity, solar thermal, solar architecture, bioenergy, wind, geothermal, hydropower, as well as new energy technologies - it also includes sections on how best to promote the uptake of renewables and answers to common questions and opposition. The authors provide a number of German-sourced yet internationally relevant examples and strategies which have become increasingly significant in the promotion of renewable energy in recent years. The convenient layout mixes detailed explanation with clear, take-away facts and messages on each double-page spread. This straight-talking, information filled guide is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to better understand and promote renewable energy, whether in industry, study, policy or campaigns.

Dieter Seifried is director of quadrat, an independent consulting firm (www.oe2.de). He is the author of numerous studies and publications on energy policy and the energy sector and is currently a lecturer at the University of Freiburg for the 'Renewable Energy Management' Masters programme. Walter Witzel is Chairman of Baden-Wrttemberg's Wind Energy Association.

Foreword by Rainer Griesshammer

Preface

1. Introduction

2. Solar Thermal

3. Solar Electric: Photovoltaics

4. Solar Architecture

5. Biomass

6. Wind Power

7. Waterpower, Geothermal, and other Perspectives

8. New Energy Technologies

9. Current Use and Potential

10. FAQs

11. Promoting Renewable Energy

12. Good Marketing -- Successful Projects