Power Engineering: Advances and Challenges, Part A: Thermal, Hydro and Nuclear Power

The depletion of traditional energy resources and the shift towards renewable energy solutions have caused changes in the power production sector. This edited volume aims to review these changes and present solutions for future power generation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Faced with the daunting challenge of climate change, humanity has been compelled to adapt to a multitude of changes, encompassing not only our mindset towards environmental protection but also the depletion of traditional energy resources. These developments have had far-reaching consequences in the realm of power generation, which was already grappling with widespread public skepticism towards nuclear energy and a relatively favorable perception of renewable energy sources. The primary objective of this edited volume is to comprehensively review these transformative developments and offer innovative solutions for the future of power generation.

The impact of climate change on the energy sector has been profound, leading to a shift in focus towards renewable energy sources. This transition has been driven by a range of factors, including concerns about the environmental impact of traditional fossil fuels, the rising costs of energy production, and the need for sustainable and reliable sources of power.

One of the key challenges facing the power generation industry is the need to increase the share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix. While renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power have been growing in popularity, they still account for a relatively small portion of global energy production. To achieve the ambitious targets set by international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, it is essential to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies and promote their widespread adoption.

Another challenge facing the power generation industry is the need to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing power plants. While advances in technology have led to improvements in energy production, there is still room for further development to reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall sustainability of the energy sector. This can involve the use of advanced renewable energy technologies, such as energy storage systems and smart grid technologies, as well as the implementation of energy management practices to optimize energy consumption and reduce waste.

In addition to these challenges, the power generation industry is also facing the challenge of adapting to the changing landscape of energy demand. As populations continue to grow and urbanization rates increase, there is a growing demand for electricity to power homes, businesses, and transportation. This demand is putting pressure on the existing power infrastructure and is leading to the need for new power plants and transmission lines.

To address these challenges, the power generation industry is investing in research and development to develop new and innovative technologies. This includes the development of renewable energy technologies such as solar cells, wind turbines, and geothermal power plants, as well as the development of energy storage systems and smart grid technologies. In addition, the industry is also working to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing power plants through the use of advanced technologies such as carbon capture and storage, and the implementation of energy management practices.

Despite these efforts, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in the power generation industry. One of the key challenges is the need to balance the demand for electricity with the need to protect the environment. This requires a shift towards a more sustainable and circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are reused and recycled. Another challenge is the need to address the issue of climate change, which requires a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources.

In conclusion, the power generation industry is facing a range of challenges, including the need to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, improve the efficiency and reliability of existing power plants, adapt to the changing landscape of energy demand, and address the issue of climate change. However, by investing in research and development and implementing innovative technologies, the industry is well-positioned to meet these challenges and create a more sustainable and reliable power supply for the future.

Weight: 848g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367781125