This comprehensive reference contains contributions by over 50 experts from around the world. Topics cover aspects of power generation from all known sources of energy around the globe, including solar, wind, hydro, tidal and wave power, bio energy (including bio-mass and bio-fuels), waste-material, geothermal, fossil, petroleum, gas and nuclear. Nanotechnology and the role of NASA in photovoltaic and wind energy are also covered. A unique aspect of this publication is its foundation in scholarly discussions and expert opinions, enabling the reader to make decisions regarding which energy source(s) may be used in a given situation. The handbook, with nearly 700 pages, includes about 1,250 references and over 750 figures, tables and pictures as well as an extensive index. A brief biographical sketch is also included for each contributing author.