Claverton Book

From Energy-Experts

This is a book being edited Dr Fred Starr, and is intended to be a collection of learned writings on the policy choices facing us.

NOTE: can this be split into chapters, the latest ammendment date added, or just made easier for people to comment on and contribute to?

Polly Higgins book notes

Publication Proposal for Authors and Editors

We are always keen to work with new authors and to discuss publishing projects with you. If you have a book idea or manuscript that you think may be suitable for Earthscan, then please complete the proposal below providing as much detail as possible. This will help our editors, reviewers and marketing and sales people to decide whether we are the right publisher for it and whether it is commercially viable.

A. EDITORIAL

1. Provisional title:

“Preferential Power?”

(Sub-titled)….A Critical Review of Renewables as Alternatives to Fossil and Nuclear Energy

1. Names of authors/editors/contributors.:

Main Authors and Editors- F.Starr/D.Andrews ,

Contributors and Co-Editors are members of the Claverton Group and include D. McGrath, N.Crumpton, B.Quigg

1. Contact details (including tel., fax and email):

F.Starr 51 Pollards Hill North London SW16 4NJ

Tel 0044 (0) 20 8764 7837

1. Qualifications and career(s) to date (attach current CV if available).

F.Starr: PhD,BSc, FIMMM,C.Eng

I worked in R&D Division for British Gas for 30 years. Initially this was in the development of materials for coal and oil gasification processes. I was then asked to work on advanced methods of energy conversion which eventually led to the British Gas Domestic CHP programme using a Stirling Engine as prime mover.

I left British Gas in 1996, an during the last 12 years have concentrated on the reliability and design aspects of large scale power generation systems. This work led me to consider the effect of intermittency of wind and solar sources on the operation and maintenance of fossil and nuclear power plants. As a result I have been asked to give a number of presentations on this subject, including a plenary presentation at the Sixth Parsons Turbine Conference in 2003 and then at an OU Conference on Intermittency in 2005. This latter Conference was published in book form by Earthscan with the title “Renewable Electricity and the Grid”

D. Andrews…. BSC Hons, Member Institute of Energy.

Spent professional life being interested in and working in the field of energy. Founded Association of Independent Energy Producers, now the AEP – the UK power industries voice. In the past Energy Manager at Wessex Water, a major UK water company.

In 1983 wrote the “IRG Solution” a book which in fact described the internet as it was to become, and advanced it as a means of generating a sensible understanding of energy and environment issues, and energy policy by means of numerous dialogues with relevant specialists. Over the years has written numerous energy articles appearing in newspapers and magazines.

I also contributed to the Earthscan book on “Renewable Electricity and the Grid”, and following this revived the Claverton Energy Group. My interests are more geared, than those of Dr Starr towards standby power from IC engines and in the use of biomass and biofuels

I am currently senior energy analyst for Biwater Energy

1. List of previous publications.

F.Starr I have written more than 50 papers and reports mainly dealing with the use of high temperature alloys in power generation and gasification processes. More recently I have written a number of reports and papers for the European Commission dealing with the production of hydrogen from fossil fuels and the role of cogeneration in Eastern Europe.

D.Andrews THE IRG Solution – a book written well before the Internet had been heard of, describing how networks of home computers would enable electronic communications which would enable proper understanding of highly complex issues to emerge, especially energy policy. He is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who In The World as a result.

Numerous articles in various technical magazines.

1. Please describe the contribution made by your book.

The aim of the book is to review and constructively criticise in an engaging and sometimes shocking way, the present woefully inadequate response of UK Government and the contribution that renewable forms of energy and energy conservation can make to the economies of the UK and Europe. Whilst technical in nature, the book will be written with a witty, wry style referring to readily understandable facts and concepts accessibly and interesting to the general reader.

In a sense the book follows on from a recent Earthscan book entitled “Coping with Renewables” in which the focus was on wind energy in the UK generating system as it is now built. As with the “Coping Book” the proposed book will be a simply written synthesis of all the various aspects, by leading experts, and which will have, unlike other books of this type have had every contribution rigorously stress tested by means of intense on line discussion and scrutiny by over 220 experts.

In this book we will show how the production and use of energy, which presently comes from fossil and nuclear sources, can evolve into a genuinely renewable system. However, although the book will emphasise that although the main concern in energy, at present, appears to be greenhouse gas warming, we need to examine the implications in the coming shortage of coal and gas which could have dire consequences for the future wellbeing of this country.

This is likely to be one of the most controversial aspects of the book since the book will point out the lack of foresight which has characterized the British establishment’s attitude to energy policy.

We point out the disaster that this country faces in having to import all its energy at ever increasing prices in a world with probably diminishing cheap supplies with the owners of the infrastructure foreign and with no real interest in the long term Energy security of the British Isles.

The main assumption which will be made is that there is no unique solution and the mix of renewables will vary from country to country, and that any renewable system must in the short to medium term utile as much of the existing energy infrastructure as possible

But also that a proper system for determining energy policy, must be put in place as soon as possible, rather than the behind closed door approach where civil servants, who invariably go on to well paid jobs in the private sector, are briefed by the heads of the major energy organisations, with no real scrutiny of the proposals or public discussions.

1. Describe why the book is needed, i.e. what gap it addresses in the literature and market, and how it addresses this need.

There is insufficient appreciation of how the UK has through a series of quite short sighted decisions, over the past fifty years, has got into the present situation in which we are basically a gas and oil based energy economy, heavily reliant on fast declining resources from the North Sea. A witty and entertaining book is needed to show the public and policy makers how we can evolve away from reliance on nuclear and fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transport, towards renewable sources.

The book shows how the UK has lurched from one panic and short-sighted policy to another with no real consideration and discussion of long term implications. Although various sham consultancy exercises have been carried out to give a veneer of democracy and participation, to what were already pre determined outcomes.

Hence the concept of energy evolution is an underlying theme of the book, in which we show how much of the existing energy infrastructure can be adapted. The book carries on from the Earthscan book entitled “Coping with Renewables” in which the focus was on wind energy in the UK generating system as it is now built. This is, perhaps, a shortcoming of that book in which the discussions were based on the UK maintaining much of its existing nuclear and fossil capacity, and in which wind only accounts for a small relatively small fraction of generating capacity There was also very little thought about how renewables can replace natural gas. What is required is a book that is amusing and entertainingly written, but technically based which show how the UK can “cope” with much larger amounts of wind and other “intermittent” renewables and in which the heating and transport needs are properly covered.

It is intended that the book will contain memorable and quotable facts “at one time all British energy was moved around in coal trucks, the railways in fact being mainly for coal transport, and coal peaked in the UK at the astonishingly early period of 1914”

But like the “Coping” book, the core will consist of short chapters written by those who have a high degree of technical knowledge but who can write well. The introductory chapters of the book will adapt a narrative style, showing how the UK has reacted to a series of energy crises, and this will be contrasted with what has happened in other European countries.

The chapters by contributors will include wind, solar, tidal power, energy storage, used of long distance grids and energy conservation etc, in which the contributors will be asked to identify not only the positive aspects of their approaches, but to identify what are key technical challenges. This is something which is rarely done in most books of this type, and makes it too easy for opponents of renewable energy to say that the ideas are badly conceived and immature.

Furthermore other more technically based books tend to argue that there is one specific solution to our energy needs, for example CHP or wind energy are a complete answer. But to balance the chapters on renewables, there will be similar chapters on nuclear and fossil power generation, with and without carbon capture.

Finally a feature of the book will be to examine how interconnection with Continental Europe and North Africa can help with the problem of intermittency and power shortages, but here again key technical and financial aspects will be explored.

1. Please provide at least 3 unique selling points for your book:

• An narrative style will be used to how the UK energy system has evolved, lurching from one crisis to another with no real strategic over view, and could evolve using as much of the existing infrastructure as possible

• The book be a synthesis of the views of a number of individual experts and in this respect is unique. It will also be based on the notion of “Interlock Research” which was advanced as the only way of getting realistic solutions to complex issues by the author who accurately foresaw and predicted the Internet.

• The chapters by contributors will contain a critique of the possible solutions to the UK and EU energy needs, whether the concepts are based on energy conservation, renewables, nuclear or clean fossil .It will come to be recognised as the benchmark source for relevant energy facts, statistics, what technology can do what at what price and in what time frame unlike other vague pontifications from technically illiterate though well meaning authors, or biased in narrow approaches form single authors.

1. Please write a 250-word synopsis of your book, thinking of this as a draft book blurb.

How has Britain got into the mess in which in less than forty years it has begun to exhaust its oil and gas reserves. Are UK politicians deluding themselves and the electorate into thinking that we could reopen our coal mines, rely for evermore on imports of gas, oil and coal, or switch to nuclear? And if none of these are feasible, how quickly can the UK turn itself over to an energy economy that is genuinely sustainable?

How is it that other European countries are far ahead of the UK in reducing the need for expensive and scarce imports, and in generating their energy from renewable sources

There many pathways to a renewable energy economy, but no shortcuts. Solutions must make the best use of our existing infrastructure. Hence this book raises its sights from a preoccupation with the present energy mess, in which there has been undue focus on electricity, to how to use renewables to supplant natural gas for heating, and oil for transport.

The introductory chapters show a series energy of crises have got us into the present situation. Our experience is contrasted with other European countries. But the main body of the book consists of chapters by experts who critically examine how well renewables could be used in the evolution energy scenario that is sustainable. For true security the UK will need its partners in the EU and vice-versa. Energy storage as well as energy conservation will be critical. In short the book provides a basis for realistic policy making in a world which has reached peak oil and it about to reach peak gas, coal and nuclear.

1. Please submit a draft table of contents.

The book will consist of four main sections, which are highlighted in blue, as indicated below. These sections will contain short chapters, by the various expert contributors, the subjects of which are indicated in yellow.

Introduction, Energy Background and Aims of the Book

· Development of the Gas and Electricity Industries in the UK, Denmark, France and Germany…….. F.Starr, PF Bach, J.Guillet and Others · The Periodic Crises which have affected Government Policies…….F.Starr · Peak Oil and Other Oil Peaks… R. Button, F.Starr, D.Toke · Some Likely Future Scenarios when the fossil fuel becomes short…….F.Starr and N.Crumpton · A Crash Programme for Renewables……D.Andrews -

Technical Options and Challenges in Switching to Renewables

• Wind Energy and its Issues ….C.Palmer,PF.Bach and J Guillet

• Micro-Generation including PV…..J.Harrison

• Renewable Transport – how will we run cars and buses when oil is too expensive?….M.Quick

• Fuel cells and electric cars – the reality – Frank Escombe

• Wave Energy…. C.Palmer

• Rural Power Generation…..G.Wallis

• Solar Power from the Sahara….Dr Gerhard Kneis and H. Roberts

• Tidal and Lagoon Barrage….N.Crumpton, P Ullman D.Elliott Open University

• Methane and Biofuel Production Options

Energy Conservation, Transmission and Use

· Energy Conservation in Appliances B.Everett?? and David Olivier

· Energy conservation in Buildings Lowe, Leeds University / David Olivier

· Design and Operation of the Grid and Distribution System in a Renewable Scenario….B.Quigg S. Argent

· Piped Heat and District Heating….N.Crumpton

· Heat Pumps D. Oliver

· Scope for Biomass UK and Worldwide – P Harris and J Jones

· Energy Storage for power grids??? H. Sharman

· Hydrogen Economy and Fuel Cells…..D.McGrath

· Stand by Power for Intermittent Renewables…..D. Andrews

· Future of the Gas Network and the Hydrogen Economy…..F.Starr

· Grid Connection to Europe with HVDC lines – G. Bathurst

· The necessity of increased usage of load shedding and fast start reserves – Dr Alistair Martin

Finance for a Renewable Energy System

· Novel Approaches to the Financing of Renewables….C.Cooke

· Funding Offshore Wind……J.Guillet

· Funding Micro Hydro…… A. Battersby Chair of Mendip Power Group, and operator of a small hydro plant

The Challenge from Nuclear and Fossil

· Power Generation, Gasification and CO2 Storage….FStarr and C.Hodrien Expert gas engineer

· Nuclear Options and Timescales – Brendan McNamara, ex British Energy

Overview of Book

· Putting it all together - detailed modelling of UK energy - Dr Mark Barrett - Senco.

· Chapter in Conclusion by an Editorial Broad from the Claverton Energy Group

11. Please submit chapter summaries separate from the table of contents. For an edited, multiauthor work, please provide the names and places of work of contributors against each chapter, and indicate whether they have been approached or not and, if so, agreed to contribute.

Authors List

· F.Starr: ex British Gas and European Commission Institute for Energy · D. Andrews: ex Wessex Water and Caterpillar Engines Inc) Claverton Energy Group · N. Crumpton: FOE · PF Bach: Ex Director Danish National Grid · DR D. Toke: Birmingham University · R.Button: Infrastructure Buro Happold Chartered Civil Engineer · C.Palmer: Wind Prospect?? Chartered Civil Engineer, Director of Wind Prospect. · J.Guillet: EDF Financier and builder of large off shore wind plants · J.Harrison: E.ON Engineering · Professor D.Elliott: Open University, Lecturer in Renewable Energy · G.Wallis · Dr G.Wolffe: TRC-UK · Dr Gerhard Kneiss · Martin Alder - wind developer. · Steve Argent – ex OFGEM, now Arup. · H. Roberts: TREC · M. Quick: Scientists for Social Responsibility · C.Cooke · A.Battersby: Mendip Power – expert in micro hydro power · B.McNamara :Leabrook Computing (ex British Energy) · B.Quigg Senior Electrical Engineer

1. Please submit sample chapters (if available) and/or the introduction (the more material you can send, the better).

Fred – suggest you include your chapter and mine on diesels…

13. Has any or all of the work been published before, such as in a journal, report or conference proceeding? If so, please give details.

No

14. Would you classify the book primarily as a textbook, monograph, edited collection, reference work (ie a dictionary or directory), report, handbook, manual or field guide or other? (please choose one)

Edited Collection

If primarily a textbook, for what courses (if any) will the book be (a) a main textbook, (b) a supplementary textbook, or (c) a library reference?

This book will be both b and c.

15. List competing titles already available and how they relate to your book, and explain how your book will be different in theoretical approach, method, structure and content.

There are no books of this type. What is published lack objectivity and technical accuracy and attempt to show that there is some nirvana solution. Many books such as eg George Monbiots “Heat” whilst noble, and a good general read, lack engineering integrity and authority. 16. Does the book have a specific geographic focus?

Mainly Europe but also where relevant surveying international scene.

17.How quickly is this field advancing and for how long do you envisage the content being valid?

The main issue where views are changing rapidly are that of the prospects for carbon sequestration and the hydrogen economy, and whether nuclear is a way out of our present troubles. The book will take a measured view to each of these issues and endeavour to present the technical and economic issues objectively. In this way the views expressed are unlikely to become out of date.

18. Have any professional colleagues seen this work, and can you share their comments with us?

There have been two weekend sessions of the Claverton Energy Group at which an outline of the book have been described, in which some presentations relating to the content have already been made. There was strong support for the book as outlined, and as indicated, an initial list of contributors has been drawn up. 19. Please supply the names, positions and contact details for three people with the expertise to read and comment on your proposal.

Since the book will be a follow-on from “Renewable Electricity and the Grid” edited by Godfrey Boyle, we nominate him as the person you should contact about this.

20. Have you submitted the book to any other publishers? If so, please list.

No

B. PRODUCTION

1. Please provide an approximate total word count (including all notes, references, annexes etc.)

60-90 thousand words

2. Describe the number and types of illustrations (e.g. photographs, line drawings/figures, maps/floor plans, tables, graphs, flow charts) and mathematical formulae.

Similar to Renewable Electricity and the Grid

3. Is it essential for any illustrations to be presented in colour? If so, please explain why.

Not essential but would be nice for some graphs

4. Provide a time schedule for completion and submission of the final manuscript and details of any deadlines we should be aware of, e.g. an impending conference, meeting or book launch.

A Conference will be held in September at which the key presenters will produce a more detailed outline of each of their contributions. They will then produce a draft outline by Dec 2008 and these will be pulled into the final form by April 2009.

5. Does your book have any special design/printing specifications (size, binding, inclusion of a CD-ROM etc)? If so, please describe.

No

6. In what form will you be able to supply the final manuscript?

CD Rom for publication as hard copy in book form

C. READERS AND MARKETING

As the author/editor, you have valuable insight into the readership and markets for your book. Please provide as much qualitative and quantitative detail as possible about the prospective primary markets for your book.

1. Professional Describe, in order of priority, the professional/commercial sectors the book will appeal to, e.g. park/natural resource management, law, mining, engineering, town planning, architecture, forestry etc.

· Policy makers · Civil Service (Energy and Environment) · Engineering (Energy Conversion and Electrical) · Building Construction and CHP Sector · Energy supply sector – power supply people along with oil and gas · People working in the renewable industries · Local authorities · Environmental activities · Supporters of organisations like FOE and Green peace · Environmental courses · All people who are interested in this increasingly topical subject.

2. Academic In what discipline(s) and at what level (undergraduate, post-graduate, scholarly) would the book be compulsory or recommended/supplementary reading?

Renewable Energy (Under and post graduate) Conventional and Nuclear Energy Conversion (Undergraduate) Civil Engineering ( Energy Supply and Energy Conversion at post graduate level) Electrical Engineers Environmental studies

3. Other List any other potential readers for the book.

General public who are dissatisfied with the technical level of book s on the energy crisis and are looking for something which is deeper and more objective. All those who would loosely support FOE or Greenpeace. All those professional people who are increasingly concerned about the energy and environmental future – ie global warming.

4. How you can help promote and market the book?

Via Conferences and articles in the technical press and in newspapers. WE have a comprehensive media mailing list, Through the internet via the Claverton Group Website. We have 230 plus members and the website gets over 100 visits per day.

D. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

1. Who is the copyright holder of the material?

The contributors

2. Has the writing/work been supported by any outside or institutional body? If so, please describe the body and its role in the project.

The book has come out of the deliberations of the Claverton Group which is a loose network of experts who support renewable energy and communicates via sixth monthly meetings and the internet

3. Is there any institutional support, or other prospects, available for discounted bulk purchases of the book?

No

E. OTHER Please include any further relevant information.

WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW AT THIS STAGE WHETHER EARTHSCAN IS LIKELY TO GIVE SUPPORT TO THIS PUBLICATION OR CONSIDERS THAT IT IS NOT ONE FOR THEM….THIS IS IMPORTANT SINCE WE DO NOT WANT TO WASTE THE TIME OF THE CONTRIBUTORS.

Alternatively you may have suggestions on how the book needs to be refocused. If so please do not hesitate to let us know.

Submission Address Attn: Commissioning Editor’s name Earthscan Dunstan House 14A St Cross Street London, EC1N 8XA, UK Commissioningeditor@earthscan.co.uk / proposals@earthscan.co.uk www.earthscan.co.uk