Renewable: The World-Changing Power of Alternative Energy

Renewable traces the history and development of alternative energy sources from their early origins through modern applications. The book follows journalist Jeremy Shere's journey across America as he investigates solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal and other renewable technologies. Through visits to research facilities, interviews with scientists, and exploration of key sites, Shere examines both the science behind renewable energy and the people working to advance it. The narrative moves between historical background on each energy type and present-day efforts to make these technologies viable at scale. The book provides context for current energy challenges while demonstrating how innovations in renewable technology have built upon centuries of human experimentation and progress. Beyond the technical details, it reveals the intersection of science, economics, and policy that shapes our energy future.

Readers describe this as an accessible introduction to renewable energy that focuses more on historical context and personal stories than technical details. Many found the narrative style engaging through the author's first-person accounts of visiting energy facilities and interviewing experts. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex concepts for non-experts - Mix of science, history, and real-world examples - Balanced perspective on different energy technologies Common criticisms: - Lacks depth on current technologies and future developments - Too much focus on historical background - Not enough data and technical specifics for readers seeking detailed analysis Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) One reader noted: "Good primer for those new to renewable energy, but veterans of the field won't find much new information." Another mentioned: "Strong on storytelling but light on the engineering and economics that drive energy decisions."

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🌱 Although solar power feels ultra-modern, ancient Greeks and Romans used passive solar design in their architecture, positioning buildings to maximize natural heat and light. ⚡ Author Jeremy Shere spent a year traveling across America to research this book, visiting various renewable energy facilities and interviewing over 100 scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. 🌿 The world's first hydroelectric power plant was built in 1878 in Northumberland, England, to power a single arc lamp in a local art gallery. 🔋 The book explores how Henry Ford and Thomas Edison collaborated on electric vehicles in the early 1900s, decades before Tesla made them mainstream. 💨 Wind energy has been harnessed for over 5,000 years, with the earliest known windmills appearing in Persia around 500-900 CE for grinding grain and pumping water.