Chapter 6 Energy and the Environment

Abstract

Abstract This chapter summarizes the fundamentals of the main technologies implemented for power production worldwide, by also analyzing their overall environmental impact. A holistic approach on presenting the basics, benefits, and drawbacks of each technology has been attempted, aiming to the current trends on policies for emissions mitigation and R&D advances in clean energy systems. The reader is also introduced to research tools for process engineering and Life Cycle Analysis, basically referring to solid fuel systems design and optimization. Overall, fossil fuel, renewable, hydrogen, and nuclear energy systems are presented through the lenses of their quantified societal, economic, and environmental implications, as well as the future prospects for their implementation.