Energy

"Joe Dukert's Energy fills the critical gap between highly technical but difficult texts and popular but inaccurate non-fiction books on the critical issue of the role of energy into the future. Timely, informative and concise Energy should be required reading for both the energy policymaker and the informed citizen. Dukert really understands energy and explains clearly how it affects business, the economy and the average citizen." -- Branko Terzic, Former Commissioner, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Wisconsin Public Service Commission "Joe Dukert is a veteran of Washington's energy policy scene. He was involved in editing or writing most of the major energy policy reports released by the U.S. Department of Energy by the four administrations during the 1980-1994 period. He quickly saw that energy policy-making requires many tradeoffs among objectives, and that the American public generally did not understand the need for, or the nature of, balancing among these objectives. Dukert decided to write his book as a primer for the public. Dukert's book has a unique focus--he tries to lead the ordinary citizen through the morass that accompanies the making of energy policy. I recommend his book to any citizen who wants to become more active in the setting of our future energy policies." -- Michael L. Telson, Former Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Energy "Joe Dukert has managed to demystify energy-telling a sophisticated story in language that is both understandable and entertaining. Energy explains why simple questions can end up having such complex answers and highlights the role of economics in getting to the right solutions." -- Adam E. Sieminski Chief Energy Economist, Deutsche Bank / Global Markets "Joe Dukert is one of the outstanding energy economists of our era. In this precise, easy to read volume, Dr. Dukert grounds the reader in understanding the energy situation, letting the reader draw their own conclusions. Read it and come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of energy security, environment, geo-political challenges and economic sustainability." -- William F. Martin Former US Deputy Secretary of Energy and President of the United Nations University for Peace "This is a sophisticated analysis by a veteran energy consultant, full of interesting insights. Dr. Dukert's book will be particularly valuable as a supplemental reading in an energy-environment course or as a reference/refresher for the general reader with some energy background." -- Prof. Wilfrid Kohl Johns Hopkins Nitze School of Advanced International Studies

In an easy, understandable style, energy expert Joseph Dukert explains how each fits into the overall global energy mix that powers everything from automobiles and appliances to assembly lines and space stations.

As Dukert details, all energy sources have pluses and minuses.

Energy: We want it affordable, we want it available in ample quantities and from reliable sources, and we want it to be produced and used in ways that are safe and environmentally benign. In other words, we want plenty of energy too cheap to meter and with no impact on the environment. Ha! With a refreshing lack of bias, this book dissects all major sources of energy, from oil and coal to renewables like solar and wind power. In an easy, understandable style, energy expert Joseph Dukert explains how each fits into the overall global energy mix that powers everything from automobiles and appliances to assembly lines and space stations.

As Dukert details, all energy sources have pluses and minuses. Those who champion any single energy source (or even energy efficiency by itself) as the sole answer to our energy problems are off track, he argues, as are the cynics who condemn one source or another or pooh-pooh the threat of global warming. In short, we need every significant source of energy we have today, while also making greater efforts to improve the efficiency of energy production and energy consumption.

Dukert also explores the choices made by individuals, businesses, and society as each group juggles conflicting, interconnected factors: affordability, reliability, adequacy of supply, environmental concerns, and time. In explaining why there's no magic bullet solution to the energy crisis, the author blends simple technical descriptions, economics, and real-world politics. Besides providing a cogent overview of a huge—and hugely important—industry, this short, comprehensive volume helps readers decide for themselves which choices are in their best interest. As Dukert suggests, energy independence is probably not a realistic goal for any country, but the search for a dynamic, practical energy balance can nonetheless result in a wiser national energy policy.