This open access book presents papers displayed in the 2nd International Conference on Energy and Sustainable Futures (ICESF 2020), co-organised by the University of Hertfordshire and the University Alliance DTA in Energy. The research included in this book covers a wide range of topics in the areas of energy and sustainability including: * ICT and control of energy;* conventional energy sources;* energy governance;* materials in energy research;* renewable energy; and* energy storage. The book offers a holistic view of topics related to energy and sustainability, making it of interest to experts in the field, from industry and academia.

Multinational Enterprise and Transnational Regions offers an innovative approach to the study of the history of transnational economic regions. The Rhine valley is such a region comprising the cities and areas along the Rhine river and its tributaries. The transition from coal to oil that unfolded between 1945 and 1973 rapidly transformed the region, shattering some of the old river-based connections and creating new ones with the introduction of large-scale cross-border oil pipelines. Multinational enterprises shaped these new regional connections but divergent national government responses gave rise to differentiated development in different parts of the Rhine valley. Multinational Enterprise and Transnational Regions argues that processes of regional change should be understood from transnational interconnections rather than from local or national perspectives. This book uses a transnational business history methodology to tease out the region's transformation and to circumvent the national bias in public sources. It will be of relevance to academics and researchers with an interest in regional and transnational European history, international business, environmental history, and business history, as well as practitioners interested in the oil industry, energy and energy history, business history and international business, and associated disciplines.

The book will highlight major trends and developments in the field of microbial fuels, with contributions from a number of highly experienced researchers. It will serve as a comprehensive reference for industrial stakeholders, scientists, researchers and graduate students interested in microbial fuels. The aims of this work are to present the technologies and perspectives taking into account different socio-economical contexts. A specific chapter will focus on the general perspectives of microbial fuels for low-income and emerging countries.

This book serves as an introductory reference guide for those studying the application of models in energy systems. The book opens with a taxonomy of energy models and treatment of descriptive and analytical models, providing the reader with a foundation of the basic principles underlying the energy models and positioning these principles in the context of energy system studies. In turn, the book provides valuable insights into the varied applications of different energy models to answer complex questions, including those concerning specific aspects of energy policy measures dealing with issues of supply and demand. Case studies are provided in all of the chapters, offering real-world examples of how existing models fit the classification methods outlined here. The book's remaining chapters address a broad range of principles and applications, taking the reader from the basic principles involved, to state-of-the-art energy production and consumption processes, using modeling and validation/illustration in case studies to do so. With its in-depth mathematical foundation, this book serves as a comprehensive collection of work on modeling energy systems and processes, taking inexperienced graduate students from the basics through to a high-level understanding of the modeling processes in question, while also providing professionals and academic researchers in the field of energy planning with an up-to-date reference guide covering the latest works.

Innovation and Disruption at the Grid's Edge examines the viable developments in peer-to-peer transactions enabled by open platforms on the grid's edge. With consumers and prosumers using more electronic platforms to trade surplus electricity from rooftop solar panels, share a storage battery, or use smart gadgets that manage load and self-generation, the grid's edge is becoming crowded. The book examines the growing number of consumers engaging in self-generation and storage, and analyzes the underlying causes and drivers of change, as well as the implications of how the utility sector-particularly the distribution network-should/could be regulated. The book also explores how tariffs are set and revenues are collected to cover both fixed and variable costs in a sustainable way. This reference is useful for anyone interested in the areas of energy generation and regulation, especially stakeholders engaged in the generation, transmission, and distribution of power.

* Build more roads and congestion goes up, not down; improve engine efficiency and people drive more, increasing (as opposed to decreasing)emissions - these are examples of Jevons' Paradox, and clearly illustrate its importance in modern debates around resource use* From an international team of researchers, this is the first book to tackle the issues head-on - with special focus on the case of oil usage* Will be an essential addition to any economics, energy or resource management departmental bookshelf 'Jevons' Paradox', which was first expressed in 1865 by William Stanley Jevons in relation to use of coal, states that an increase in efficiency in using a resource leads to increased use of that resource rather than to a reduction. This has subsequently been proved to apply not just to fossil fuels, but other resource use scenarios. For example, doubling the efficiency of food production per hectare over the last 50 years (due to the Green Revolution) did not solve the problem of hunger. The increase in efficiency increased production and worsened hunger because of the resulting increase in population. The implications of this in today's world are substantial. Many scientists and policy makers argue that future technological innovations will reduce consumption of resources; Jevons' Paradox explains why this may be a false hope.This is the first book to provide a historical overview of Jevons' Paradox, provide evidence for its existence and apply it to complex systems. Written and edited by world experts in the fields of economics, technology and the environment, it explains the myth of efficiency and explores its implications for resource usage (particularly oil). It is a must read forpolicy makers, natural resource managers, academics and students concerned with the effects of efficiency on resource use.

Sustainability is a phenomenon that must be pursued in a complex system of interrelated elements of business, society, and ecology. It is important to gain an understanding of these elements, the interplay between them, and the behavior of the system. This book explores the business-societal-and-ecological system in which sustainable innovation has to be envisioned, conceptualized, realized, and improved. Author Bart Bossink offers insight into the systematic coherence of drivers of eco-innovation and sustainability utilizing a three-part approach: (1) eco- and sustainable innovation in business is based on ideas and people who cooperatively develop these ideas; (2) groups of people, organized in commercial firms, must realize these ideas cooperatively and create the innovations that can conquer the market; and (3) that people from governmental, non-governmental, not-for-profit, research, and commercial organizations can build institutional arrangements that stimulate these sustainable innovations, changing both industry and society. Adopting a managerial perspective and discussing concepts and methods to manage eco-innovation in business, this book highlights the interrelated roles of the individual, the firm, partnerships, and business environments. Researchers and practitioners who want to combine a commercial and economical approach with an ethical and social ambition to create an ecologically sustainable firm stand to learn much from these pages.

Hydrogen in an International Context: Vulnerabilities of Hydrogen Energy in Emerging Markets describes strategies and developments for hydrogen civilization efforts realised by various stakeholders such as authorities, institutes, research, industry, and individuals, in different countries and at different stages of the development cycle. Through their contributions, the chapter authors in this book propose a new approach to actual and relevant topics of interest, generically called the hydrogen economy and civilization. Hydrogen vulnerabilities is a topic that includes new challenges that face the hydrogen energy market. Weaknesses for the hydrogen stakeholder are becoming more refined, and it is necessary to be an active and sensitive player to understand these. A prosperous development of hydrogen will require the assimilation of numerous, diverse and unfamiliar contexts. Challenges for hydrogen will not only be in scientific, technical, economical or public acceptance, but challenges also lie in the genesis of this topic and the neglect of some aspects, however marginal, which negatively influence the desired hydrogen developed. This book informs the reader about the status of hydrogen energy in the international market, and it includes a series of examples and case studies about hydrogen activities in various countries. Thus, due to the synergy of this library of contexts, the reader should be able to reach a level of intuition enabling them to see the strengths and weaknesses of hydrogen.

This open access book analyzes the transition toward a low-carbon energy system in Europe under the aspects of flexibility and technological progress. By covering the main energy sectors - including the industry, residential, tertiary and transport sector as well as the heating and electricity sector - the analysis assesses flexibility requirements in a cross-sectoral energy system with high shares of renewable energies. The contributing authors - all European energy experts - apply models and tools from various research fields, including techno-economic learning, fundamental energy system modeling, and environmental and social life cycle as well as health impact assessment, to develop an innovative and comprehensive energy models system (EMS). Moreover, the contributions examine renewable penetrations and their contributions to climate change mitigation, and the impacts of available technologies on the energy system. Given its scope, the book appeals to researchers studying energy systems and markets, professionals and policymakers of the energy industry and readers interested in the transformation to a low-carbon energy system in Europe.

This textbook is a development of Financial Reporting by Alexander and Britton, and is designed to meet the emerging demand for coverage of international accounting standards (IASs) and the globalization of accounting in advanced courses. It is predicated on an IAS framework but the European directives, especially as regards detailed formats having no direct equivalent in IASs, are discussed in detail. The European context and, in the case of important markets, the national context is recognised and contrasted with the international approach. Important non-European influences, especially those from the US, are also included in order to provide a genuinely wide-ranging appreciation of the implications of accounting internationalism. Part 1 contains coverage of the theoretical underpinnings of financial reporting in an international context. It also describes the international, European and domestic regulatory framework of accounting. Part 2 starts by analysing the legal background of the concept of capital and profit.

Energy in the 21st Century is a valuable source of information for students, decision makers, opinion leaders, and the general public. Oil and natural gas price volatility continue to affect both the supply and demand for energy. Advances in other technologies, such as nuclear, wind, solar, and tidal technology, are altering the comparative economics of competing energy sources. New government policies are changing the landscape of the global energy marketplace.From our reliance on fossil fuels to the quest for new sources of energy, Energy in the 21st Century provides a fact-based analysis of the most prominent energy issues of our time. The fourth edition updates data and includes more discussion of recent advances. Some of the highlights of the fourth edition are expanded discussion of climate change and anthropogenic climate change; the 2015 COP21 Paris Agreement on Climate Change; nuclear fusion reactor prototypes (tokomak ITER and stellarator W7-X); advances in solar thermal and solar photovoltaic power plants, space based solar power, transparent photovoltaic cells, and hybrid solar wind technology; tidal and wave energy converters; oil from algae; the EU Supergrid; the Goldilocks Policy for energy transition and the Grand Energy Bargain.Energy in the 21st Century has been used as the text for the general college student population, as well as energy overview for MBA students. Pedagogical material includes learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, end of chapter activities, a comprehensive index, a glossary, and an Appendix to help with converting units. Points to Ponder are provided throughout the text and are designed to encourage the reader to consider material from different perspectives.

The remarkable performance of the Chinese economy in the last three decades has placed China at the centre of the world stage. In 1993, China became a net importer of energy, although it was not until the early 2000s that the world began to pay more attention to China's energy needs and its potential impact on the world. With China's energy search occurring within a hegemonic global structure dominated by the United States, the US watches with interest as China enhances its ties with energy-rich states. The book examines this triangular relationship and questions whether the US and China are in competition regarding access to the energy of a third state, within the context of a potential power transition. It includes case studies on China's energy relationship with countries such as Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Iran, Sudan and Venezuela and aims to understand the way a rising power interacts with the existing leading power and the possible outcome of this competition. The analytical framework employed helps the reader to understand not only the nature and pattern of triangles among US, China and the Resource Rich States under 'resource diplomacy', but also the salient features of US-China competition around the world. Making an impressive contribution to the literature in fields such as US-China relations, international relations, Chinese foreign policy and global energy geopolitics, this book will appeal to students and scholars of these subjects.

First published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Energy Markets in Emerging Economies addresses current key issues, new opportunities, and various growth strategies relating to the energy markets in key emerging economies. The book addresses key aspects, including key oil and gas energy markets, and their strategic ties to global petrochemical and chemicals, shale gas, and renewable energy growths. It also provides insights on business strategies and market expansion strategies employed by MNCs and state-owned companies in maintaining and defending their positions in the global market, and in developing new markets and opportunities globally, particularly in China, India and the Middle East. The strategic implications of the global oil and gas prices fluctuations on the industries are also discussed. The practical and theoretical perspectives within the commercial context addressed in this book provide a clearer understanding of the energy markets and their leading players, relevant not only to industry players, but also interdependent markets.

Energy Markets in Emerging Economies addresses current key issues, new opportunities, and various growth strategies relating to the energy markets in key emerging economies. The book addresses key aspects, including key oil and gas energy markets, and their strategic ties to global petrochemical and chemicals, shale gas, and renewable energy growths. It also provides insights on business strategies and market expansion strategies employed by MNCs and state-owned companies in maintaining and defending their positions in the global market, and in developing new markets and opportunities globally, particularly in China, India and the Middle East. The strategic implications of the global oil and gas prices fluctuations on the industries are also discussed. The practical and theoretical perspectives within the commercial context addressed in this book provide a clearer understanding of the energy markets and their leading players, relevant not only to industry players, but also interdependent markets.

A pioneering study on energy sector reform and liberalization in developing countries.

Given the design component it involves, financial engineering should be considered equal to conventional engineering. By adopting this complementary approach, financial models can be used to identify how and why timing is critical in optimizing return on investment and to demonstrate how financial engineering can enhance returns to investors. Metals and Energy Finance capitalizes on this approach, and identifies and examines the investment opportunities offered across the extractive industry's cycle, from exploration through evaluation, pre-production development, development and production. The textbook also addresses the similarities of a range of natural resource projects, whether minerals or petroleum, while at the same time identifying their key differences.This innovative textbook is clear and concise in its approach, and is illustrated throughout with case studies and exercises used at professional training sessions. As the sum of 45 years' international experience in industry and teaching mining geology, mineral exploration and mineral project appraisal, Metals and Energy Finance will be invaluable to both professionals and graduate students working in the field of mineral and petroleum business management.

Given the design component it involves, financial engineering should be considered equal to conventional engineering. By adopting this complementary approach, financial models can be used to identify how and why timing is critical in optimizing return on investment and to demonstrate how financial engineering can enhance returns to investors. Metals and Energy Finance capitalizes on this approach, and identifies and examines the investment opportunities offered across the extractive industry's cycle, from exploration through evaluation, pre-production development, development and production. The textbook also addresses the similarities of a range of natural resource projects, whether minerals or petroleum, while at the same time identifying their key differences.This innovative textbook is clear and concise in its approach, and is illustrated throughout with case studies and exercises used at professional training sessions. As the sum of 45 years' international experience in industry and teaching mining geology, mineral exploration and mineral project appraisal, Metals and Energy Finance will be invaluable to both professionals and graduate students working in the field of mineral and petroleum business management.

This book brings together research into key aspects of the interconnections between Islam, crime and the criminal justice system in Britain, a particularly timely collection in the light of both the recent disturbances in several northern English cities as well as the impact of the events of 11 September 2001 and their aftermath. Chapters in the book focus on young Muslim men and criminal activity, Muslim women and their experiences of victimisation, the experiences of Muslim police officers, of Muslims in prison, issues of human rights in relation to Muslims in Britain, and the criminal justice policy implications of religious diversity. Main aims pursued through the book include issues of victimisation as perceived by Muslim communities, Muslim perspectives on crime and criminal justice, and ways of addressing issues of marginalisation and exclusion within Muslim communities. Overall the book provides an important contribution to debates over the role of Muslims in British society generally, as well as their experiences of and involvement in the criminal justice system and the policy implications that arise from this.

Peacemaking and the Extractive Industries addresses a significant gap in research on the political and diplomatic role of multinational corporations in peace processes in intrastate conflict: Corporate Peacemaking. The author focuses on corporations in the oil and mining sectors, supporting or participating in peace negotiations and mediation. The chapters explore national-level peace processes, as well as those at community and global levels. While the focus is on extractive companies, the findings are valuable to companies from all industries looking at peace-related processes. This ground-breaking book gives a comprehensive picture of how Corporate Peacemaking currently works, how it can be developed and implemented, and how it is likely to impact global governance and corporate culture in the future. The book demonstrates that Corporate Peacemaking has the potential to be a powerful element in international governance and peace efforts; and Ralph shows through the business case that companies, as well as communities, will benefit. Ralph presents a new framework for Corporate Peace that will assist companies from all sectors in countries experiencing violent conflict, in addition to instability, human rights abuses and poor governance. Based on rigorous academic research with practical case studies, it is essential reading for practitioners, academics, policy-makers and NGOs.

Peacemaking and the Extractive Industries addresses a significant gap in research on the political and diplomatic role of multinational corporations in peace processes in intrastate conflict: Corporate Peacemaking. The author focuses on corporations in the oil and mining sectors, supporting or participating in peace negotiations and mediation. The chapters explore national-level peace processes, as well as those at community and global levels. While the focus is on extractive companies, the findings are valuable to companies from all industries looking at peace-related processes. This ground-breaking book gives a comprehensive picture of how Corporate Peacemaking currently works, how it can be developed and implemented, and how it is likely to impact global governance and corporate culture in the future. The book demonstrates that Corporate Peacemaking has the potential to be a powerful element in international governance and peace efforts; and Ralph shows through the business case that companies, as well as communities, will benefit. Ralph presents a new framework for Corporate Peace that will assist companies from all sectors in countries experiencing violent conflict, in addition to instability, human rights abuses and poor governance. Based on rigorous academic research with practical case studies, it is essential reading for practitioners, academics, policy-makers and NGOs.

East Asia is a key region in the global economy, including both the second and third largest global economies already and, led by China, continuing to expand at a rapid rate. This economic growth has led to unprecedented gains in prosperity in the region but it has also led to increasing environmental pressures and energy issues. This book assesses ways in which East Asia can continue or even increase existing rates of economic growth while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental degradation. Using advanced modelling approaches, future scenarios for four East Asian countries are assessed in detail, including analysis of particular challenges in each country (e.g. coal power in China, nuclear power in Japan). Prospects for each country's energy system are assessed in detail and the potential effects of various types of Environmental Tax Reform in the four countries are also considered carefully. The final section of the book explores the interaction between trade liberalization, a key driver of growth, and emission levels in the East Asia region.

The remarkable performance of the Chinese economy in the last three decades has placed China at the centre of the world stage. In 1993, China became a net importer of energy, although it was not until the early 2000s that the world began to pay more attention to China's energy needs and its potential impact on the world. With China's energy search occurring within a hegemonic global structure dominated by the United States, the US watches with interest as China enhances its ties with energy-rich states. The book examines this triangular relationship and questions whether the US and China are in competition regarding access to the energy of a third state, within the context of a potential power transition. It includes case studies on China's energy relationship with countries such as Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Iran, Sudan and Venezuela and aims to understand the way a rising power interacts with the existing leading power and the possible outcome of this competition. The analytical framework employed helps the reader to understand not only the nature and pattern of triangles among US, China and the Resource Rich States under 'resource diplomacy', but also the salient features of US-China competition around the world. Making an impressive contribution to the literature in fields such as US-China relations, international relations, Chinese foreign policy and global energy geopolitics, this book will appeal to students and scholars of these subjects.

What we call the nation's energy policy attempts to give direction to the production, use, transportation, and distribution of energy to help achieve an array of societal goals in the most compatible ways. In this title, originally published in 1993, noted analysts provide insight into complex policy issues of significant importance. Among the topics addressed are difficulties encountered in trying to fashion energy policy in the U.S. congress, the nature of energy policies and environmental polices, the challenges arising from regional conflict over energy policies, and the viability of deregulating electric power production. This collection of lectures is a valuable resource for students interested in environmental studies and public policy.

Lead-Acid Battery Technologies: Fundamentals, Materials, and Applications offers a systematic and state-of-the-art overview of the materials, system design, and related issues for the development of lead-acid rechargeable battery technologies. Featuring contributions from leading scientists and engineers in industry and academia, this book: Describes the underlying science involved in the operation of lead-acid batteries Highlights advances in materials science and engineering for materials fabrication Delivers a detailed discussion of the mathematical modeling of lead-acid batteries Analyzes the integration of lead-acid batteries with other primary power systems Explores emerging applications such as electric bicycles and microhybrid vehicles Lead-Acid Battery Technologies: Fundamentals, Materials, and Applications provides researchers, students, industrial professionals, and manufacturers with valuable insight into the latest theories, experimental methodologies, and research achievements in lead-acid battery technologies.