Another Book: Energy for Future Presidents

Written by the same Richard Muller who wrote Physics for Future Presidents, this 2012 book takes a deeper dive into energy issues: catastrophes (primarily the Fukushima meltdown and the Deepwater Horizon blowout), the bird's-eye view of the energy landscape, alternative energy sources, an optional side-bar chapter on "what the heck is energy anyway?", and a closing summary to bring it all together.

As to be expected in a popular work, Muller uses just enough numbers to tether things to reality.  For example, he spells out why hybrid cars are a pretty good idea, but why full-electrics don't pencil out.  (it mostly has to do with the cost of periodically replacing the batteries)  Particularly interesting was the section on nuclear waste storage.  Also, it was good to have a concise and coherent explanation of how "clean coal" can be made to work seamlessly with CO2 sequestration.  Just hard, practical, facts-based advice, and I love it.

Even though it was published in 2012, it remains remarkably up to date.  Muller recognizes that battery and solar technology will continue to improve, and works this into his back-of-envelope calculations.  Consequently, eight years later things still make sense.  His predictions for petroleum fracking turned out to be on the low side of where production actually zoomed to in early 2020, but were nevertheless substantially correct.

If you've been reading too much from Kunstler, Tverberg or other peak-oil believers lately, this is a good tonic.  According to the numbers Muller gives, yes, oil may peak, and probably fairly soon.  However, there are many, many other energy sources to fill in the gaps.  The net result is that, while there may be some depletions, shortages, and market dislocations, substitutions and solid engineering will ultimately keep things going, and overall we have a reasonably bright energy future.

Finally, a note on the structure of the book, and perhaps the order in which it should be read.  I'll recommend skipping ahead to the summary Chapter V, Advice for Future Presidents first, just to get the framework for the rest of the book in mind.  Then go back to the beginning and read it from the top, finishing by reading back through the summary chapter again.  It'll be easier to keep the key topics in mind this way, a la the old maxim "tell'em what you're gonna tell'em, then tell'em, then tell'em what you just told'em."  Things tend to stick better that way.

Anyway, this is an excellent book giving a constructive overview of energy policy that all voters should read.  Even though it is eight years old, it is still current (enough), and well worth your time.

And as always, consult your nearby cat-friendly bookstore (adjust for your local conditions) before reaching for the online retailers.