Energy Autonomy: The Economic, Social and Technological Case for Renewable Energy

This is an exciting read. Full of facts about current problems, but also with suggested solutions to these problems. Those solutions are then carefully outlined. Mr. Scheers ideas are genereally not very investor friendly, therfore they do not get their deserved attention. A very important book in my opinion.

Written by German parliament member, Hermann Scheer, Energy Autonomy makes a strong case for the decentralization of energy production. Scheer was an instrumental part of passing legislation in Germany which has created the solar and wind boom in that country. Clearly writing with a very solid grasp on the politics of renewable energy, Scheer's argument is powerful and cogently presented. This book is not just for policy wonks, renewable energy advocates, green investors and environmentalists. But the book is also very approachable for those with less background in the science, technology and politics of renewable energy. If you have never heard the term, 'distributed generation' you should read this book because you will find it fascinating. If you already find distributed generation fascinating, YOU MUST read this book because YOU WILL LOVE IT.

Energy Autonomy is a refreshing and thorough look at how the traditional fossil energy industry (oil, natural gas, nuclear), with its finite energy availability and its polluting characteristics, uses Mafia tactics to perpetuate its existence, allthewhile trying to keep renewable energy in a cozy, non-threatening corner. I attended a presentation last month by Dr. Scheer in Toronto, and was impressed by his cogent, well-researched argument in favor of promoting renewable energy. As Dr. Scheer said, the price of fossil energy will only go up, going forward, and renewable energy costs will only go down. Anyone who relies on traditional fossil energy does so at their own peril. Thanks to this book, I am much more optimistic about the energy future for humanity, although there are huge political barriers to overcome, as the lobbyists working for the oil and nuclear industries will never give up their belittling the potential role of renewable energy, and gun-shy governments are fearful of the consequences of cutting off the huge subsidies to the fossil energy industry.

First, why I was compelled to read this book: Spending several months last year in Southern Germany after a 20 year absence, I observed a remarkable shift: unlike the acid-rain torn, brown, industrially wasted place I remembered, the region was greener than I had remembered, decked everywhere with fields of yellow blossoms that I learned were grown for biodiesel. What were mostly concepts of the progressive fringe back home were mainstream realities here, considered normal and desirable even among socio-economic conservative old world businessmen I met--like biodiesel at all the gas stations, solar panels and windmills everywhere. How did all this happen? How did the place get so sensible? Hermann Scheer is essentially the architect of the shift in Germany--and because of his success, the role model of the planned shift of EU-- toward renewable energy. His latest book is well-written, dense, and compelling. He sums up the major crises arising from dependency on fossil fuels without pulling any punches. He also offers a solution--not one that is simply a theory, an abstract, but one based on policy he has fought for decades to implement and that has begun to be implemented in recent years with great, if hard-won success. He argues that the shift to a 100% renewable energy society is necessary now and possible now. He lays out in detail the historical, present, and probable future obstacles to that happening and calls for a summoning of political and societal courage. He has earned the right--as he has walked the talk.