The need for renewable energy stems from various environmental, economic, and social concerns. The renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power offer sustainable alternatives to finite fossil fuels. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change, enhance energy security by diversifying the energy mix, and diminish dependence on imported fuels, thus decreasing geopolitical risks. Transitioning to clean energy production technologies also reduces air and water pollution, which is crucial for a sustainable future, ensuring environmental protection, economic prosperity, and social equity for present and future generations. Some of the key topics covered are solar energy utilization; efficiency and life cycle analysis of solar panels; nature-based energy generation; sustainability through biomass and biogas; nuclear energy; geothermal energy, among others.
This book is an engaging read for students, academics, researchers, policymakers, and climate enthusiasts, offering valuable information to assist us in making informed decisions for a cleaner, greener future.
Akhilesh Kumar Yadav Ph.D., earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in Meerut, India. He then obtained a Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Environmental Engineering from Madan Mohan Malaviya Engineering College in Gorakhpur, India (affiliated with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow). His doctoral degree, with a research focus on air pollution, was awarded by the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, India.
Dr. Yadav has served at various institutions, including Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India; Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India (as a research collaborator); and Chaoyang University of Technology in Taichung, Taiwan. He has authored/co-authored several research and review articles, book chapters, and edited/authored books, and holds a patent.
Dr. Yadav received the Young Engineer Award from the Institution of Engineers (India) and the Young Scientist Award from VDGOOD Technology Factory, Kolkata. His research interests include air, water, and soil pollution; climate change; vulnerability; human health risk assessments; and GIS applications in environmental pollution and management. He is an active member of several reputed international professional bodies, including the IEI (Kolkata), ECI (New Delhi), AEACI (Mumbai), MSI (New Delhi), and IASTA (Mumbai).