Energy Economics

Energy Economics outlines the fundamental issues and possible solutions to the challenges of energy production and use, presenting a framework for decisions based upon sound economic analysis. This approach considers market forces and policy goals, including economic prosperity, environmental protection, and societal well-being.
The second edition has been thoroughly updated, addressing dramatic shifts in the use of fuel and electricity, accelerated plans for the use of renewable energy, and pathways towards a lower-carbon future. A new chapter on electric vehicles examines its impact on transportation, the electricity market, and carbon emissions. Global examples throughout the book reflect the universal application of energy economics. With this economic foundation, coupled with perspectives from real-world applications, and perspectives from related disciplines, this text sharpens the student's ability to understand, evaluate, and critique energy policy. A companion website provides reinforcement for students through multiple choice self-test quizzes and homework exercises, as well as additional materials for instructors.
This textbook should be essential reading for students of energy economics, environmental and natural resource economics, energy-related disciplines, and general readers seeking to expand their knowledge of energy economics and policy.

Peter M. Schwarz is Professor of Economics and Associate, Energy Production and Infrastructure (EPIC) at UNC Charlotte. He has published numerous articles on energy, environment, and electricity pricing that have appeared in such journals as the American Economic Review, the RAND Journal of Economics, and the Energy Journal. He has traveled internationally to present his work in these areas, including Israel, Turkey, Greece, Germany, and China (six times).

Part I: Fundamental of energy economics 1. Introduction 2. Energy, markets, and society 3. Static efficiency: applying supply and demand to energy markets 4. Dynamic efficiency: energy decisions over time Part II: Conventional energy sources 5. Oil: has it reached its peak? 6. Natural gas: a bridge to the future? 7. Coal: no longer king? 8. Nuclear energy: too expensive to matter? Part III: Alternative energy sources 9. Renewable energy: cheap, clean, but complicated 10. Next-generation alternatives: the road to net-zero? 11. Energy efficiency: an offer we can't refuse? Part IV: Electricity 12. Traditional electricity regulation: is monopoly still natural? 13. Electricity restructuring and deregulation: a better way? 14. Electric vehicles: charging ahead? Part V: Energy policy 15. Energy and the environment: paying the full social cost of our energy choices 16. Energy and sustainability: what do we owe the future? 17. Energy security: old and new dilemmas 18. A comprehensive energy policy: the big picture