There are many misconceptions about the future of global energy often presented as fact by the media, politicians, business leaders, activists, and even scientists-wasting time and money and hampering the development of progressive energy policies. Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate debunks the most common fallacies to make way for a constructive, scientific approach to the global energy challenge. When will the world run out of oil? Should nuclear energy be adopted on a larger scale? Are ethanol and wind power viable sources of energy for the future? Vaclav Smil advises the public to be wary of exaggerated claims and impossible promises. The global energy transition will be prolonged and expensive-and hinges on the development of an extensive new infrastructure. Established technologies and traditional energy sources are persistent and adaptable enough to see the world through that transition. Energy Myths and Realities brings a scientific perspective to an issue often dominated by groundless assertions, unfounded claims, and uncritical thinking. Before we can create sound energy policies for the future, we must renounce the popular myths that cloud our judgment and impede true progress.

List of FiguresKey to Units of MeasureIntroduction>Part I: Lessons from the PastChapter 1: The Future Belongs to Electric CarsChapter 2: Nuclear Electricity Will Be Too Cheap to MeterChapter 3: Soft Energy Illusions>Part II: Myths in the HeadlinesChapter 4: Running Out: Peak Oil and Its MeaningChapter 5: Sequestration of Carbon DioxideChapter 6: Liquid Fuels from PlantsChapter 7: Electricity from WindChapter 8: The Pace of Engery Transitions>Conclusion: Lessons and Policy ImplicationsNotesReferencesIndex>