Energy, Innovation and Environment

A central theme of industrialization is the high energy consumption levels, initially entirely on fossil fuel and now transitioning to a more varied energy mix. This book examines past and current energy statistics, its impact on climate, and plausible options in future energy innovation and renewable energy 50 years down the road. Complex issues are unfolded from technical fundamentals to answer important questions such as if climate change is real, the energy availability, affordability, and needed science and technology innovation to address these issues. It is an essential resource to policymakers, government program managers, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, scientists, engineers, researchers, professors, college students, and anyone who would like to have a general understanding of the subject or is considering getting into the field. In short, the book’s foundation is technical; however, interesting narratives on backgrounds, scientific basis, case studies, and realistic roadmap are provided in several key areas with overview and references. Big picture of the energy portfolio, state of technology, and understanding of environmental impact; Unique insights from the author’s own research and ideas to obtain a proper assessment of the feasibility of renewable energy or chemical technology innovation; Balance overview for general readers and technical content with examples of innovative out-of-the-box thinking related to energy, science, technology, and the environment.

Xin Xiao (肖昕) is a researcher and manager at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Aiken, SC, under the US Department of Energy (DOE). He previously worked in the petrochemical industry (SINOPEC, Energy International, Total Petrochemicals), served as a research faculty and adjoint professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and has been a principal investigator (PI) on various research topics in SRNL. His research experience includes coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear, biomass, solar, wind, energy storage, etc. He has a list of 75 patents/patent applications, of which over 40% have been commercialized. He has research interests in technology development in energy efficiency, alternative energy, and environmental study for risk assessments of energy usage.