Chapter 1

Energy and Civilization

In Chapter 1, the sources and utilization of energy are put in perspective with emphasis on several events in history that either have shaped our current energy infrastructure or reveal what is possible. The Standard oil monopoly provides a good example of how powerful energy industries can become. World War II provides an example of what can be achieved in the way of advances in technology when such advances become a national priority. More recently, Tesla Motors marketing and oil fracking technology are providing stability and options in the energy sector in ways that were not predictable 10 years earlier.

Keywords

oil; fracking; nuclear; batteries; technology

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