ABSTRACT

Energy Economics outlines the fundamental issues and possible solutions to the challenges of energy production and use, presenting a framework for decisions based upon sound economic analysis. This approach considers market forces and policy goals, including economic prosperity, environmental protection, and societal well-being.

The second edition has been thoroughly updated, addressing dramatic shifts in the use of fuel and electricity, accelerated plans for the use of renewable energy, and pathways towards a lower-carbon future. A new chapter on electric vehicles examines its impact on transportation, the electricity market, and carbon emissions. Global examples throughout the book reflect the universal application of energy economics. With this economic foundation, coupled with perspectives from real-world applications, and perspectives from related disciplines, this text sharpens the student’s ability to understand, evaluate, and critique energy policy. A companion website provides reinforcement for students through multiple choice self-test quizzes and homework exercises, as well as additional materials for instructors.

This textbook should be essential reading for students of energy economics, environmental and natural resource economics, energy-related disciplines, and general readers seeking to expand their knowledge of energy economics and policy.

part I|93 pages

Fundamentals of energy economics

chapter Chapter 1|14 pages

Introduction

chapter Chapter 2|18 pages

Energy, markets, and society

chapter Chapter 3|30 pages

Static efficiency

Applying supply and demand to energy markets

chapter Chapter 4|29 pages

Dynamic efficiency

Energy decisions over time

part II|95 pages

Conventional energy sources

chapter Chapter 5|25 pages

Oil

Has it reached its peak?

chapter Chapter 6|24 pages

Natural gas

A bridge to the future?

chapter Chapter 7|21 pages

Coal

No longer king?

chapter Chapter 8|23 pages

Nuclear energy

Too expensive to matter?

part III|71 pages

Alternative energy sources

chapter Chapter 9|22 pages

Renewable energy

Cheap, clean, but complicated

chapter Chapter 10|24 pages

Next-generation alternatives

The road to net-zero?

chapter Chapter 11|23 pages

Energy efficiency

An offer we can't refuse?

part IV|84 pages

Electricity

chapter Chapter 12|29 pages

Traditional electricity regulation

Is monopoly still natural?

chapter Chapter 13|28 pages

Electricity restructuring and deregulation

A better way?

chapter Chapter 14|25 pages

Electric vehicles

Charging ahead?

part V|82 pages

Energy policy

chapter Chapter 15|19 pages

Energy and the environment

Paying the full social cost of our energy choices

chapter Chapter 16|21 pages

Energy and sustainability

What do we owe the future?

chapter Chapter 17|22 pages

Energy security

Old and new dilemmas

chapter Chapter 18|18 pages

A comprehensive energy policy

The big picture