The Carbon Footprint of our Primary Energy Sources supplies readers with a comprehensive, accessible analysis of the carbon footprints of a range of primary energy sources including crude oil, natural gas, coal, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy and nuclear energy, and biofuels, and their carbon footprints, employing a full lifecycle assessment (LCA) of each primary energy source. It furnishes both the foundation and a tool for estimating carbon footprints for a range of energy systems. The work culminates in a cost-benefit analysis of these primary energy sources.

With the significant uptick of global investment in alternative energies and the global focus on reducing emissions, this text delivers an important foundational overview/understanding of these systems, and an opportunity for teachers and readers to apply learnings to their own energy consumption choices.

• Presents foundational information about various energy systems and quantifies their carbon footprint
• Raises awareness among readers of their energy consumption and the primary sources of carbon emissions
• Equips policy makers and engineers with the tools to calculate the carbon footprint of various energy sources
• Empowers readers to make informed energy decisions that support the reduction of carbon emissions
• Discusses the technologies, options and costs of energy storage for intermittent sources of energy
• Presents the costs of carbon capture, sequestration and utilization and its impact on energy prices for the consumer
• Summarizes valuable “lessons learnt” from our energy policy and choices over the past two decades