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Sustainable Energy - without the hot air 1st Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 511 ratings

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The enlightening, best-selling book on understanding sustainable energy and how we can make energy plans that add up.

If you've ever wondered how much energy we use, and where it comes from – and where it could come from – but are fed up with all the hot air and 'greenwash', this is the book for you. Renewable resources
are 'huge', but our energy consumption is also 'huge'. To compare 'huge' things with each other, we need numbers, not adjectives.

Sustainable Energy – without the hot air addresses the energy crisis objectively, cutting through all the contradictory statements from the media, government, and lobbies of all sides. It gives you the numbers and the facts you need, in bite-sized chunks, so you can understand the issues yourself and organises a plan for change on both a personal level and an international scale – for Europe, the United States, and the world. In case study format, this informative book also answers questions surrounding nuclear energy, the potential of sustainable fossil fuels, and the possibilities of sharing renewable power with foreign countries.

Written by David MacKay, who was an esteemed Professor of Engineering at the University of Cambridge and Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Department of Climate Change, this is an uplifting, jargon-free and informative read for all. In it, David debunks misinformation and clearly explains the calculations of expenditure per person to encourage people to make individual changes that will benefit the world at large.

If you've thrown your hands up in despair thinking no solution is possible, then read this book - it's an honest, realistic, and humorous discussion of all our energy options.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“For anyone with influence on energy policy, whether in government, business or a campaign group, this book should be compulsory reading.” ―Tony Juniper (Former Executive Director, Friends of the Earth)

“At last a book that comprehensively reveals the true facts about sustainable energy in a form that is both highly readable and entertaining.” ―Robert Sansom (EDF Energy)

“MacKay brings a welcome dose of common sense into the discussion of energy sources and use. Fresh air replacing hot air.” ―Prof Mike Ashby Royal Society Research Professor at Cambridge University

“This year's must-read book about tackling our future energy needs.” ―
The Guardian

“... may be the best technical book about the environment that I've ever read. This is to energy and climate what Freakonomics is to economics.” ―Cory Doctorow,
Boing Boing

“The book is a tour de force ... As a work of popular science it is exemplary ... For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the real problems involved [it] is the place to start.” ―
The Economist

“The first factual meme on renewable energy? A book about climate change that gets rave reviews from folk at oil companies, environmental groups and the Number One Blog of All Time has to be worth a peek.” ―energysource blog,
The Financial Times

About the Author

David MacKay was a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge, a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and Regius Professor of Engineering at Cambridge University. He is internationally known for his research in machine learning, information theory, and communication systems, including the invention of Dasher, a software interface that enables efficient communication in any language with any muscle. David was previously a member of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Climate Change and Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, and in the 2016 New Year's Honours List was awarded a knighthood for services to Scientific Advice in Government and Science Outreach. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 48.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0954452933
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ UIT Cambridge Ltd.; 1st edition (January 1, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780954452933
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0954452933
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 511 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
511 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and full of important information about energy. They describe it as a pleasant, brilliant read that is worth the price. The book is described as concise and easy to understand, explaining complex ideas in simple terms. Readers appreciate the engaging story and clear graphics. They also mention that the book realistically looks at technologies and shows their strengths and weaknesses.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

42 customers mention "Energy content"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's energy content insightful and meaningful. They say it's full of important information, with a plain English version plus additional scientific information for those who are more knowledgeable. The book provides a comprehensive study of energy, showing its strengths and weaknesses with mathematics. It addresses the fundamental question of "What do I believe?" and explains large-scale implications. Readers appreciate the author's intellectual toolkit on how to measure different renewable energies.

"...better equipped to read the plethora of ideas, plans, suggestions, trivia, wishful thinking and occasional good sense that circulate around energy..." Read more

"...He does a wonderful and very comprehensive job of looking at the different proposals for generating energy such as tidal, wave, wind, geothermal, etc..." Read more

"...It is absolutely the most factual and understandable book about sustainable energy that I have come across in 10 years of reading in this area...." Read more

"...In particular, wind, solar, and biofuels diffuse sources of energy, so MacKay explains the cost of a particular technology in a variety of units,..." Read more

24 customers mention "Readability"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's a must-read for anyone concerned about climate change. The production quality is excellent, with splendid color images. Readers appreciate the author's talent and the thorough yet readable survey of the essential science.

"...is pushed off to supplementary appendices, but those are also well worth reading...." Read more

"...He does a wonderful and very comprehensive job of looking at the different proposals for generating energy such as tidal, wave, wind, geothermal, etc..." Read more

"Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air is a brilliant and entertaining introduction to the Energy Dilemma: We are using so..." Read more

"Great work, from a very talented author!..." Read more

21 customers mention "Ease of understanding"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book concise and easy to understand. They appreciate the author's ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms. The book is described as an easy read with lots of information about energy.

"...But he is also very careful to explain his numbers and to build his scenarios from the ground up. I found his analyses convincing and stimulating...." Read more

"Easy read with lots of information about energy...." Read more

"...Furthermore, his straightforward and entertaining writing style makes it a fun read...." Read more

"...Simple, elegant, powerful. His approach also tells us where OUR own greatest energy use, as individuals, is likely coming from...." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money. They mention it's a valuable resource on fossil fuels that is well-written and contains excellent color images.

"...place that we like the life that we live with ample and reasonably priced electricity...." Read more

"...one from home to a final destination in far less time and for lower total cost...." Read more

"...energy without dependence on burning fossil fuels is unique and valuable in that it is general, covering all non-fossil sources of energy, but doing..." Read more

"...the book is exceptional, splendid color images; they spared no expense in creating this book...." Read more

6 customers mention "Enjoyment"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging and meaningful analysis. They find the story clear and understandable, with insightful and meaningful analyses.

"...MacKay writes in a very readable and entertaining style...." Read more

"...his straightforward and entertaining writing style makes it a fun read. One note: The book is written in England from that perspective...." Read more

"...This author is FAR easier to read and FAR more enjoyable to study than Vaclav Smil. So if you can stand reading Vaclav, you will love this book." Read more

"...Easy to follow and understand. His analyses are insightful and meaningful...." Read more

5 customers mention "Graphics quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's graphics. They find the color images, charts, graphs, tables, and pictures useful and clear. The graphics are described as simple, elegant, and powerful.

"...Simple, elegant, powerful. His approach also tells us where OUR own greatest energy use, as individuals, is likely coming from...." Read more

"...The charts, graphs, tables, and pictures are extensive and clear. If you have a particularly loved energy source [wind?]..." Read more

"...He has lots of graphics, some very useful...." Read more

"The production of the book is exceptional, splendid color images; they spared no expense in creating this book...." Read more

4 customers mention "Technology limitations"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for understanding technology limitations. They appreciate the ways it explains power and physical limitations of various technologies, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The author realistically looks at the technologies and shows their strengths and weaknesses. Overall, readers find the book useful for understanding energy options for the future.

"...an excellent job of explaining power and the fundamental physical limitations of various technologies...." Read more

"...as providing simple ways to calculate and to understand the limits of the various technologies...." Read more

"...He realistically looks at the technologies and shows their strengths and weaknesses with MATHMATICS!..." Read more

"Wonderful and thoughtful book about energy and options for the future..." Read more

3 customers mention "Accuracy"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's accuracy. They find the numbers and units used for calculations referenced, and it deals with real numbers and the world as it is.

"...It is so nice to look at a book that deals with real numbers and the world as it is, and that people like living in this world...." Read more

"...Each number used is referenced for accuracy, and simple calculations show what will be necessary for the future." Read more

"This book is chock full of the numbers and units needed for bounding calculations on energy use...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2009
    Prof MacKay's starting point is that there is a great deal of vague flummery talked about energy production and consumption. It is easy to make vague claims of "huge" potential green sources or to obsess over what turn out to be very minor energy savings. His goal in this book is to have a hard-nosed discussion of real numbers, so that there can be a more sensible discussion of options. He avoids making explicit recommendations, but his one continual plea is that we create a plan that "adds up" rather than merely reflecting wishful thinking. The world currently consumes enormous quantities of fossil fuel, so any viable alternative plan also has to deal with very large numbers, either as savings or as alternate sources.

    MacKay writes in a very readable and entertaining style. But he is also very careful to explain his numbers and to build his scenarios from the ground up. I found his analyses convincing and stimulating. Sometimes more detailed or more mathematical analysis is pushed off to supplementary appendices, but those are also well worth reading.

    I learned many things. One key factor I hadn't appreciated was the enormous land areas required for renewable sources, such as wind, solar, biofuel, or geothermal to make a substantial difference. For example, MacKay calculates that it would probably require 10% of the UK's surface to be dedicated to wind farms in order to make a significant contribution to the UK's current energy needs. Even larger areas are required to generate meaningful quantities of biofuel. If an area the size of Africa were dedicated to growing biofuel, that might only replace a third of current world oil needs. But MacKay also points out there may be places where building vast energy farms makes sense. For example, a 20,000 square km solar power farm in the Sahara could be one way to meet the UK's energy needs.

    MacKay explains how technologies such as electric cars or heat pumps reduce energy needs, independent of how the electricity is generated. He shows us that because electric motors are extremely efficient, burning oil in a central power plant and using the electricity to run an electric car actually requires much less energy than traditional cars. Similarly, he shows how using a central electric power station to power home heat pumps is a significantly more efficient way to heat houses than burning gas or oil at the house. (I had definitely not understood this before!) MacKay would prefer we use green technology to create the electric power, but it is interesting that even using fossil fuel power stations, electric cars and heat pumps still reduce overall fossil fuel consumption.

    In his concluding chapters, MacKay outlines several possible plans that "add up". All of them have significant negatives, either through reliance on nuclear power, or enormous environmental impact, or enormous expense. He doesn't pick a winner from among these options, but he emphasizes that we need to chose a plan rather than simply saying "no" to every possible option.

    Regardless of whether you agree with Prof Mackay's goal of shifting to alternative energy supplies, this book is definitely worth reading. MacKay succeeds admirably in explaining the raw numbers, so we can see what realistic energy choices are available.

    Having read this book (and having it available as a reference) I now feel much better equipped to read the plethora of ideas, plans, suggestions, trivia, wishful thinking and occasional good sense that circulate around energy policy. MacKay is right that numbers matter, and plans need to add up!
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2014
    Easy read with lots of information about energy. A wonderful book full of facts about generation of electricity and options for how it can be done in the future. This is a great book with hard numbers, and not just a bunch of arming waving, and armchair theorizing. I cannot recommend this book too highly for anyone who wishes to understand the energy issues facing the industrial world.

    Mr. MacKay did a wonderful job of getting a large amount of hard data together about the UK and to a lesser extent the world, an power, in particular, electrical energy use and generation, now and in the future. It was originally free on line at a web site "withoutthehotair", however as of the date of this write up, unfortunately it is no longer available on line.

    MacKay is a British, so this book is written about the United KIngdom, and not the US. However, all of the basic principals and arguments that he presents can be easily applied to the USA. He starts from the place that we like the life that we live with ample and reasonably priced electricity. He does address the CO2 emission issue, for the global warming crew, so there is hard information to consider. He is not going down the hair shirt route that we all need to cut our energy use by x percent or the world will cook tomorrow. It is so nice to look at a book that deals with real numbers and the world as it is, and that people like living in this world. He looks briefly at the world and history of CO2 emission over the years essentially since before the industrial revolution.

    He does a wonderful and very comprehensive job of looking at the different proposals for generating energy such as tidal, wave, wind, geothermal, etc. The specifics are tied to the UK, but they can be applied to the USA or any other country as applicable. Tidal could apply to the Bay of Fundy for example in North America. He has a breakout for where all of the energy including the electrical energy goes which is interesting. He breakouts out total energy consumption including air travel. He looks at the energy that is used for housing and different approaches. All of this is preparation for the last section of the book, where you can play king for a day, and devise your own approach to providing the required electrical power fro the UK by selecting the option that you prefer. He includes nuclear as an option.

    My favorite section is 27, "Five Energy Plans for Britain", where he presents five different options to illustrate the choices that one must make in deciding what options to select among wind, tide, solar, geothermal. nuclear, solar in the desert, hydro, waste etc.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Markus H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein „Eyeopener“,
    Reviewed in Germany on December 1, 2024
    Zwar inzwischen schon ein wenig veraltet und von technischen Fortschritten tlw. Schon überholt, aber trotzdem noch eine starke Basisliteratur
  • RR Waller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly but written to be understood by a wider readership
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2024
    For those who are looking for brief, summarised research into climate change and all related matters, this is not the book for you. It is a medium format book with 12pt text and very detailed. It is a scholarly text which will satisfy the most demanding readers.

    There are very few areas into which it does not look closely relating to the on-going climate change debate and, as the sub-title suggests, it a serious, scientific document. I am sure every reader will learn from it.

    Highly recommended.

    PS Out of curiosity I put the title in ChatGTP, a facility Professor MacKay, did not have at time of writing. I could not have put it better myself. 😳

    “A phrase often associated with the book written by David MacKay. It is a comprehensive guide that explores realistic solutions for achieving sustainable energy without relying on misleading or emotionally charged rhetoric. The book emphasises the importance of data-driven discussions in addressing energy challenges.”

    PS I forgot to mention that (as a Scot interested in sustainability) I bought a used copy 😇😂 from an online bookshop listed in Amazon*. My text is covered in what look like a student’s or a passionate readers highlighting and annotations. Next to the current consumption per person 125kWh/d is MacKay’s prediction of our best 18kWh/d per person. In the margin next to a large asterisk is “Merde!” [my translation).
    * While Amazon is great, we also need to support bookshops.
  • Harsha Lakshminarayana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very important read
    Reviewed in India on October 9, 2023
    It's best book ever to give you an idea of how to effectively use available resources specifically energy.
  • Davide Giusti
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un libro importante
    Reviewed in Italy on May 8, 2022
    Uno dei pochi libri su quest’argomento che val la pena di leggere.
  • ああ
    5.0 out of 5 stars 丁寧に包装されていました。
    Reviewed in Japan on November 25, 2023
    綺麗な本でした!