Review: The idea that renewable energy could provide a significant amount of our current and future energy requirements is hardly new but it does beg the question as to why there has been so little change in the last 30 years. In fact the average person would be forgiven for thinking that the whole scene has collapsed in disarray. The reality is that there have been huge strides forward but that the fundamental problem – political and public acceptance has yet to be overcome. In essence, this is what Scheer is discussing – that the scene is ripe for an alternative power revolution but that the entrenched forces ranged behind “big oil” (or any other conventional energy source) are too great. Scheer is presenting us with a mild polemic I that it is not a discussion of the relative merits but a call for more renewable power and some of the reasons that this is not currently happening.

The book starts with a review of the current situation. The opening pages describe a conference in Germany (Renewables 2004). The reader is encouraged to see this as a high point. However, from this, the author gradually introduces the reader to the realities of the situation: that the conference, however ‘successful’ is ranged against a powerful set of forces. We get to learn of more successful small-scale programmes but also to see that these have yet to achieve a public-acceptance breakthrough. There’s also a very useful argument looking at some of the false premises levelled against renewable energy. Part one starts the examination in more detail. The reader is presented with two options – solar or nuclear and the aim is then to see how and why solar is a more viable option and what is actually happening. It is very clear that the debate is far more wide-ranging than just creating steam for generators. The statistical bases of calculations can be challenged and the comparisons are often based on flawed systems. Another example is the way in which scenarios are produced. Often, in going forwards, the assumption is made that the existing energy forms will be used but as we can see this need not be the case. If part one was a discursive look at a disparate range of energy matters then part two is a more focussed on the thinking and politics surrounding energy futures. There’s no doubt that the forces against renewables are large and very well organised for it is the key transnationals that are set to lose out under any policy change. Part three is an examination of how we can go forward sooner rather than later, to provide a suitable energy mix for the future. It’s clear that there will need to be a way to break away from conventional thinking in both location and supply of power. The end of the way this really is a when rather than an if because the need to change is obvious.

This is one of the most readable accounts of the alternative energy generation field that has been produced recently. It is clear in its analysis and certain in its direction. If at times it overstates its case then there is the comfort in knowing that he is going where conventional energy has been before. Lack of illustrations and a rather dense and involved series of arguments limits this to the educator or undergraduate but within these fields it should be seen as one of the most significant statements made this year. It deserves the widest readership.