Dallas, K.M., Water Power – Past and Future, (Colbart, 1970)
The book gives a very detailed history and development of the traditional water power source. It gives an explanation of the industries which are connected to these practices such as the woollen industry and mining. Additionally, a review of the history and therefore development of water power in a few European countries and the US. In the chapter ‘Pumped Storage and Electricity,’ the economic potential that pumped storage has is examined, the author citing that the economic weakness of the UK is the amount of hydro-electricity available. There is a bigger presence of the past of water power in this novel as opposed to information and opinion on the future.
Musgrove, Peter., Wind Energy (1978)
This large pamphlet, found in the University of Reading library, offers great insight into Musgrove’s attitude towards wind energy. The text is broken down into several chapters covering his opinion, statistics and predictions. The second chapter covers wind energy systems in the U.K. and their potential and economics. Peter talks about several pros and cons of wind energy, in particular placing wind turbines on hill-tops. Detail is given of the challenges faced, however, he then uses this to argue his main point, this being, utilising the windy offshore waters to install a cloister of wind turbines. He argues in detail the cons of placing turbines on hill-tops and therefore the great potential that placing these in multitude on the UK’s, and other countries, coasts. The preceding chapters discuss the general characteristics of windmills and give a review of the modern designs. Accompanying this are a number of explained mathematical equations to demonstrate its performance and outputs. Summary of certain windmills performances in various countries such as; Denmark, U.K., and the States.
Musgrove, Peter., Wind Power (Cambridge University Press, 2010)
Musgrove recounts wind powers extensive history, and consequently its exponential growth and what we can expect from it in the future. It recounts the history of man’s use of wind power and leads into its explosive development from the 1970s onwards. A description simply on how turbines work and the different types is also given. Additionally, an extensive review of the progress and successes of other European countries usage of wind turbines is given. He reviews wind powers transition from a minor energy source to a now huge contributor to these countries electricity input. The last chapter is a look into the future and reflects upon its criticisms as an unreliable source and other additional pitfalls. However, it also discusses a positive future, economically and environmentally speaking. He compares wind energy with electricity produced by burning fossil fuels, looking at wind power’s clean, competitive and abundant energy source. Underlining that it is a collective effort with all countries participating. It’s an easy read and is an extensive, compact, overview of the past and future to wind power.
