Power generation and the environment

This book provides a comprehensive review of the many factors associated with power generation and related environmental issues. It summarizes the most important environmental effects of the large-scale generation of electricity. The historical reasons for the present pattern of generation, generation from fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and some potential renewable technologies are dealt with. A considerable amount of technical evidence is given to enable readers to reach their own conclusions on the weight that should be given to environmental considerations, as against questions of capital cost and security of supply, when deciding on new plant. (author)