This book provides a rigorous, concise guide to the current status and future prospects of the global energy system. As we move away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy solutions, the complexity of the global energy system has increased. Tagliapietra cuts through this complexity with a multidisciplinary perspective of the system, which encompasses economics, geopolitics, and basic technology. He goes on to explore the main components of the global energy system - oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, bioenergy, hydropower, geothermal energy, wind energy, solar energy, marine energy - as well as energy consumption and energy efficiency. It then provides an in-depth analysis of the pivotal issues of climate change and of energy access in Africa.

‘A timely description of diverse sources of energy supply around the world, with supplementary material on energy demand, climate change, and energy-access issues in Africa.'

Robert N. Stavins - A. J. Meyer Professor of Energy and Economic Development, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts

‘A comprehensive, rigorous, fact-based portrayal of the fundamentals of energy discourse. A multidisciplinary approach makes this highly valuable to both experts and broader audiences seeking to understand debates on energy security, climate change and development policy.'

Ottmar Edenhofer - Director and Chief Economist of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

‘This book is a real instrument for the daily work. A window and an introduction to understanding the greatest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to energy in developing countries.'

Francesco La Camera - Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency

‘Energy is a global issue, affecting world affairs, human welfare, pollution and climate. This book provides a guide to the fundamentals of this important subject: resources, technologies, economy and policy. Remarkable, refreshing, and so useful.'

Jean-Michel Glachant - Loyola de Palacio Professor in Energy Policy and Director, Florence School of Regulation

‘This book offers a concise, up-to-date, authoritative account of key features of the global energy system. Tagliapietra, a highly respected energy expert and academic researcher, places energy alternatives in the context of changing technologies, markets, geopolitics, and the challenges of climate change and energy access. This overview will help general readers and energy specialists gain new insights on the pathways to sustainable energy for all.'

Jeffrey D. Sachs - University Professor, Columbia University and Director, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

'… a very readable introduction to the energy sector … This book will be very useful in introductory energy policy courses; chapters provide "key takeaways" that can serve as discussion topics and study guides. Journalists, policy staff, advocates, and anyone needing to come up to speed on energy policy can use this as a good, quick backgrounder. Highly recommended.'

T. Brennan Source: Choice

‘Tagliapietra’s book provides an invitation to further exploration and learning, and as such would be useful as a text in a wide variety of economics, politics, public policy, law, engineering, and management courses. It will also be a valuable resource to policymakers and their staff …’

L. Lynne Kiesling Source: Econonomics of Energy and Environmental Policy