With climate change, carbon emissions, and geopolitical pressures shaping energy policy, this reference provides a balanced, evidence-based framework for understanding the complexities of renewable integration, fossil fuel reduction, and carbon capture technologies. The book responds to the demand for accessible yet rigorous content that empowers policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and educators to make informed decisions in the face of polarized narratives and technological uncertainty.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Facing the Crossroads The Energy Landscape and its Challenges1. Understanding Energy Sources
Part 2: Deep Dive: Non-Renewable Energy Sources
2. Fossil Fuels
3. Nuclear Energy
Part 3: Deep Dive: Renewable Energy Sources
4. Solar Power
5. Wind Power
6. Aqua Energy: Geothermal, Hydropower and Ocean
7. Emerging Electrical Energy Sources
Part 4: On the Path toward Net Carbon Zero
8. Clean Air
9. Clean Water and Soil
Part 5: What Lies Ahead in a Sustainable Energy Future?
10. Increasing Energy Efficiency
11. Financial Enablers
12. Empowering the General Public Postface Appendices
Appendix
A: Glossary
B: Energy Sustainability Fact Sheets
C: Additional Readings
Authors
Reza Fassihi Beyond Carbon, USA.Dr. Reza Fassihi is the Founder and Principal of Beyond Carbon, where he advances low-energy, sustainable reservoir management strategies aligned with the global energy transition. With over 40 years of experience spanning BP, Amoco, Arco, and now BHP Petroleum as Distinguished Advisor, Dr. Fassihi has led innovation in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), unconventional oil, and subsurface assurance across global assets. His technical leadership is reflected in 40+ publications and numerous awards, including the SPE IOR Pioneer and Distinguished Member honors. Dr. Fassihi maintains strong academic ties, notably with the University of Calgary, where he has contributed to collaborative research in thermal recovery and served as a technical peer in honoring the legacy of Dr. R.G. Moore. He co-authored the SPE Monograph Low Energy Processes for Unconventional-Oil Recovery with Stanford's Prof. Kovscek, reinforcing his commitment to scalable, low-carbon solutions. He holds a PhD in Petroleum Engineering from Stanford University.
Hamidreza Samouei Texas A&M University, TX, USA. Dr. Hamidreza Samouei is a chemist with expertise in organic, inorganic, organometallic, and analytical chemistry, specializing in the synthesis and characterization of environmentally sensitive compounds. His current research focuses on energy sciences, including CO2 utilization, carbon mineralization, and water treatment. He also studies acid stimulation, scale dissolution, corrosion inhibition, and kinetic and thermodynamic phenomena using real-time spectroscopy. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. on anticancer agents and a postdoctoral position at ICIQ, Spain, investigating air- and moisture-sensitive compounds. At Texas A&M University, he explored CO2 conversion and now addresses oilfield chemistry and flow assurance challenges. His innovative work on mineral extraction from brines aims to develop sustainable resource recovery methods, including "brine refining" for producing clean water and minerals from produced water sources such as geothermal, desalination, and industrial brines. His research seeks to mitigate mineral shortages, water scarcity, and environmental impacts related to produced water disposal.
