Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility

by Christopher A. Simon

Overview

The renewable and alternative energy markets and energy policy have evolved rapidly in recent years. Although a rapidly expanding part of the nation’s energy portfolio, renewable energy will need to grow significantly if a dominant clean energy paradigm is to be achieved. In this fully revised and expanded third edition author Christopher Simon discusses the basic technical aspects of major renewable energy systems and technological developments and considers the impact of politics on energy policy using contemporary theories of public policy, as well as discussing the evolution of the social feasibility of renewable energy.

Simon addresses the underlying rationale for alternative energies and how policymaking and innovation function in this arena. In-depth coverage of solar, wind, and geothermal energy, as well as other modern fuels, set the stage for the current challenges around energy storage, reforming the power grid, and artificial intelligence in energy markets. Fully revised to bring the discussion up to date through President Biden’s administration, this edition considers nuclear power developments and feasibility in the post-Fukushima policy environment and addresses current international commitment to renewable energy.

Features of the Third Edition include:

• New Chapter 8: Energy Storage Technology and the Automotive Industry
• New Chapter 9: Reforming the Power Grid
• New Chapter 10: Artificial Intelligence and Energy
• Extensive figures, boxes, and photos to engage readers
• Fully updated coverage of the legal, regulatory, and legislative context through the Biden administration

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538169964
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	04/05/2024
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	406
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.94(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Christopher A. Simon (Ph.D., 1997, Washington State University) is Professor of Political Science and a former Director of the MPA Program at The University of Utah. He conducts research in alternative energy policy; civic community and volunteerism; education policy; criminal justice policy; Homeland Security policy; land use policy; public administration; immigration policy/sanctuary cities; international development aid policy; and military sociology. He is co-author of Sanctuary Ordinances: The Contemporary Politics of Immigrant Assimilation in America; The Energy Security Dilemma: US Policy and Practice; and State and Local Government: Sustainability in the 21st Century; and, sole author of Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility; Public Policy: Preferences and Outcomes; and To Run a School: Administrative Organization and Learning. He has published articles in numerous academic journals.

In 2008, he was named Technology Educator of the Year by the Nevada Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology for his published work on renewable energy and renewable energy course development at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations

Preface

About the Author

1Why Alternative Energy and Fuels?

Climate Change and Carbon

Energy and Water

Carbon-Based Fuels: Current and Future Availability

Common Fossil Energy Sources: U.S. Supply and Use

Culture Shifts and the Rise of Green Politics

Green Politics and Environmental Public Interest Groups

New Environmental Paradigm and Alternative Energy

Institutional Change and Influence

Global Demands and Conflict

Chapter Summary

References

Executive Order

Court Cases

2Studying Public Policy and Alternative Energy/Fuels

Roles for Public Policy in Alternative Energy/Fuel Development

Policy Process

Agenda Setting

Policy Formation

Policy Implementation

Policy Evaluation

Policy Termination/Change

Policy Types

Bottom-Up Policy Making/Top-Down Policy Making

Collaborative Policy Making

Federalism and Energy Policy

Policy Frameworks/Models

Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD)

Multiple Streams (MS)

Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF)

Punctuated Equilibrium (PE)

Policy Diffusion

Narrative Policy Framework (NPF)

Intergovernmentalism

Native Americans, Tribal Lands, and Renewable Energy

Chapter Summary

References

Statute

Case Law

Regulation

3Alternative Energy/Fuels as a Public Policy Innovation

Defining Alternative Energy and Alternative Fuels

What Are Alternative Fuels?

Policy Innovation and Alternative Energy

The Waves of Policy Innovation

Oil Shock I/Pre-PURPA 1970s (1973–1978)

Secondary Oil Shock Period (1979–1982)

Resurgence of Cheap(er) Petroleum and Growth of Deregulation (1983–1999)

Bush I: EPAct Reauthorization (1992)

Clinton and Post-EPAct 1992 Reauthorization (1992–2005)

Bush II: EPAct 2005 Reauthorization, ESIA 2007, FERC Order Innovations, and Electricity Markets (2001–2009)

Obama: ARRA 2009, Coal Rules, and Paris Agreement (2009–2017)

Trump: Resurgence of Coal, Reversal of Climate Policy, Energy Act of 2020 (2017–2021)

Biden: Re-Engagement of Climate Policy, COP26, Infrastructure Renewal, Funding of Energy Act of 2020 (2021-present)

Chapter Summary

References

Court Cases

4Solar Energy

What Is Solar Energy? How Does It Work?

Silicon-Based Photovoltaic Cells

Technical Feasibility of Solar Photovoltaics

Technical Feasibility of Solar Thermal

Economics of Solar Power

Current Solar PV Energy Economic Infrastructure and Levelized Cost of Electricity

Economics of Solar Thermal—Concentrating Solar Power

Economic Development Impacts

Case Study—Heritage Plaza Parking Lot Improvements Project: Solar PV Carport Installation, Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Federal Solar Energy Technologies Program

Major Federal Solar Incentives

Commercial Incentives

Personal Tax Incentives for Solar PV and Solar Thermal

State and Local Efforts

California

Honolulu, Hawai’i

Chapter Summary

References

5Wind Energy

What Is Wind Power? How Does It Work?

Technical Feasibility of Wind Power Systems

Economic Feasibility of Wind Power Systems

Political and Social Feasibility of Wind Energy

Chapter Summary

References

6Geothermal Energy

What Is Geothermal Energy? How Does It Work?

Case Study—California Job Growth and Geothermal Development

Safety, Environmental Damage, and Emission-Related Issues: Geothermal Energy

Technical Feasibility of Geothermal Energy

Heat Pumps

Other Forms of Direct Use

Flash Steam Power

Binary Systems

Economics of Geothermal Energy

Federal Geothermal Energy Programming

State and Local Efforts

Chapter Summary

References

7New Century Fuels and Their Uses

Fuel as a Concept

Natural Gas

Other Alternative Fuels

Clean Diesel

Biodiesel

Ethanol

The Hydrogen Initiative

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

Technical Feasibility Issues

Economic Feasibility Issues

Other Types of Fuel Cells Currently in Use and/or Under Development

Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC)

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC)

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC)

Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC)

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)

Applications for Next-Generation Alternative Fuels, Fuel Cells

Transportation

Military Applications

Residential

Commercial

Chapter Summary

References

8 Energy Storage Technology and the Automotive Industry

Introduction

The Automobile

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Political Feasibility

BEVs and Consumer Behavior Issues

Consumer Choice

Chapter Summary

References

9Reforming the Power Grid

Introduction

The Power Grid

RM21-17-000 Building the Future Through Electric Regional Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation and Generator Interconnection

Who Pays for the Power Grid?

Transmission Grid, Public and Native American Lands

Chapter Summary

References

Court Cases

Public Laws

10 Artificial Intelligence and Energy

Artificial Intelligence: Origins and Meaning

AI, Alternative Energy, and the Power Grid

Narrow AI, Strong AI, and the Future

The Economics of AI

Economics and AI

Smart Grid, AI, and Public Policy

Chapter Summary

References

Legal Sources

11Historical Precedents: Alternative Energy/Fuels and Legitimacy Issues

Risk and Culture: Alternative Energy and Hidden Costs

Hydroelectric Dams

Nuclear Energy

The Rebirth of Nuclear Energy?

Chapter Summary

References

12Conceptualizing Alternative Energy Policy and Future Directions

Future Directions

The Movement of Public Opinion

Concluding Remarks

References

Index

Editorial Reviews

Christopher Simon’s Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility, 3rd Edition, is an essential guide for those seeking a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics driving the transition to alternative energy. Simon expertly navigates the intersection of technology, politics, and societal factors, providing a nuanced analysis of renewable energy feasibility. With comprehensive coverage of solar, wind, geothermal energy, and modern fuels, the book addresses key challenges like energy storage, power grid reform, and the role of artificial intelligence in energy markets. Updated to include developments through President Biden’s administration, it critically assesses nuclear power post-Fukushima and evaluates international commitments to renewable energy. Simon’s authoritative and up-to-date analysis makes Alternative Energy an indispensable resource for students, policymakers, researchers, and those interested in understanding the complexities of our global energy transition.

Brent S. Steel

This book includes comprehensive and timely information on renewable (solar, wind, and geothermal) and nuclear energy. The third edition significantly expands on the previous editions and adds discussions on energy storage, the power grid, and applications of AI. Readers will significantly enrich their knowledge of the technical, historical, political, and societal aspects of these subjects. My students have used both the first and second editions as the main text in our “Alternative Energy Fundamentals” course. I am eagerly anticipating the implementation of this third edition in the next class.

Mariana Eneva

Simon’s Alternative Energy provides a comprehensive discussion of renewable energy developments in the United States clearly describing the pathway through historical background to current practices. General policy perspectives and specific policy developments are brought together. The spectrum of renewable energy technology developments are discussed and well-illustrated with case studies. I have found the text to be highly accessible to a broad audience including engineering, natural resources management, environmental and sustainability studies, and business students. Simon has made a unique and important contribution.

Charles R. Standridge

A bit over a decade ago I wrote about the 1st edition the following: “The economics, basic science, and cultural and political dynamics associated with public policy reformulation in the area of alternative energy sources are indeed complex…Simon should be commended for his artful framing of this issue, and for his fair and even-handed assessment of the public policy options…” The decade since the publication of the first edition has NOT witnessed the advent of a consensus on any one (or even a few) of these options as a basis for a minimal fossil fuel use future. Quite to the contrary, while the global consensus on anthropomorphic sources of global warming has been bolstered by convincing evidence of a pending disaster, little agreement is to found on U.S. alternative energy policy. New “next generation” developments in the areas of solar thermal energy, enhanced geothermal, ocean thermal energy conversion, pumped hydro, and simultaneous major advancements in the conceptualization of energy storage systems and battery designs have added further to the need for fair and even-handed discussion of the economics, basic science, engineering and socio-political dynamics associated with alternative energy sources. This 2nd edition of the Simon book is even better than the first; while equally balanced in its treatment of public policy options, it is even better in its discussion of the basic science, engineering, and socio-political dynamics at play in formulating an appropriate energy policy for the U.S. Simon’s maturity of thought, clear dedication to mastery over the feasibility of the policy options at play, and genuine desire to provide a sound and reliable foundation for public policy debate are clearly in evidence in this 2nd edition. I can recommend this book in the full confidence that students and policy makers alike will find it informative and insightful, and that it will contribute importantly to the U.S. energy policy literature.

Nicholas P. Lovrich

The world is undeniably undergoing a transition, if not a transformation, to a low-carbon economy.  How society harnesses alternative forms of energy such as solar, wind, and geothermal is a central component of both understanding and possibly steering that transformation. This second edition of Alternative Energy is pivotal in equipping readers with the understanding they need of history, legitimacy, policy and even politics for engaging with this highly important topic.

Benjamin K. Sovacool

This second edition is now the definitive overview of the realities of adopting alternative energy technologies. Focusing mostly on the US situation but acknowledging that energy availability and technology choices cannot be understood apart from the international context, Simon makes an unassailable case that the world’s energy needs cannot be met without alternative energy. He points out that adoption decisions are not made in a technocratic vacuum but are instead made according to various political, economic, and social feasibilities. Explaining how the current mix of energy technologies was reached and the possibilities going forward, Simon provides a sophisticated understanding of the policy process. His analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and fair to all technologies—from the more established such as nuclear, solar, and wind to the less common, e.g., biodiesel, geothermal, and hydrogen fuel cells. Neither an advocacy book nor a book for those who want simple answers to solving the US’s (and the world’s) energy problems, this well-written resource is an impressive accomplishment. Summing Up: Essential. All readers.

Choice Reviews

This second edition is now the definitive overview of the realities of adopting alternative energy technologies. Focusing mostly on the US situation but acknowledging that energy availability and technology choices cannot be understood apart from the international context, Simon makes an unassailable case that the world’s energy needs cannot be met without alternative energy. He points out that adoption decisions are not made in a technocratic vacuum but are instead made according to various political, economic, and social feasibilities. Explaining how the current mix of energy technologies was reached and the possibilities going forward, Simon provides a sophisticated understanding of the policy process. His analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and fair to all technologies—from the more established such as nuclear, solar, and wind to the less common, e.g., biodiesel, geothermal, and hydrogen fuel cells. Neither an advocacy book nor a book for those who want simple answers to solving the US’s (and the world’s) energy problems, this well-written resource is an impressive accomplishment. Summing Up: Essential. All readers.

Choice

This book takes a persuasive, broad view of the coming paradigmatic shift towards a sustainable energy future. Dr. Simon views this transition as the outcome of interactions among market forces of stakeholder dynamics, values evolution and institutional redesign.--T. R. Lakshmanan, director, Center for Transportation Studies; Professor, Department of Geography and Environment; Executive Director, Center for

A comprehensive introduction to alternative energy sources and their political, economic, and social feasibility. The topic is important, and there is much of value in Simon's evenhanded presentation of the vulnerabilities and advantages of each source (e.g., geothermal, solar, wind). Simon has produced an accessible, accurate description of how alternative energy sources work and the obstacles to their broader adoption. His book is a significant contribution to the literature. Highly recommended. General readers; students, lower-division undergraduate and up; researchers and practitioners.--CHOICE

This book is packed with information on most of the major alternative energy sources. Especially useful will be the end-of-chapter summaries and the references. Controversial subjects are treated with an even hand.--John Reynolds, University of Oregon

From the Publisher

This second edition is now the definitive overview of the realities of adopting alternative energy technologies. Focusing mostly on the US situation but acknowledging that energy availability and technology choices cannot be understood apart from the international context, Simon makes an unassailable case that the world’s energy needs cannot be met without alternative energy. He points out that adoption decisions are not made in a technocratic vacuum but are instead made according to various political, economic, and social feasibilities. Explaining how the current mix of energy technologies was reached and the possibilities going forward, Simon provides a sophisticated understanding of the policy process. His analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and fair to all technologies—from the more established such as nuclear, solar, and wind to the less common, e.g., biodiesel, geothermal, and hydrogen fuel cells. Neither an advocacy book nor a book for those who want simple answers to solving the US’s (and the world’s) energy problems, this well-written resource is an impressive accomplishment. Summing Up: Essential. All readers.

CHOICE

This book is packed with information on most of the major alternative energy sources. Especially useful will be the end-of-chapter summaries and the references. Controversial subjects are treated with an even hand.

John Reynolds

This book takes a persuasive, broad view of the coming paradigmatic shift towards a sustainable energy future. Dr. Simon views this transition as the outcome of interactions among market forces of stakeholder dynamics, values evolution and institutional redesign.

T. R. Lakshmanan

Americans face a major challenge in the coming decades of reformulating their public policies to reflect a world in which fossil fuels are no longer plentiful, easily accessible and relatively inexpensive to prepare for market and ultimate consumption. The economics, the basic science, and the cultural and political dynamics associated with public policy reformulation in the area of alternative energy sources are indeed complex—and the challenge is appropriately framed as a 'wicked problem' by Christopher Simon in this excellent monograph. Simon should be commended for his artful framing of this issue, and for his fair and even-handed assessment of the public policy options facing citizens and policymakers alike as we struggle to assure future generations of a quality of life at least as good as that we have enjoyed during our period of stewardship over the planet's resources. I can recommend this well-informed overview of the alternative energy challenges which lie ahead for our country without reservation, and in confidence that the readers of this volume will find it at once informative and insightful.

Nicholas P. Lovrich Jr.