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Taming the Sun
Book

Taming the Sun

Innovations to Harness Solar Energy and Power the Planet

Varun Sivaram
MIT Press, 2018

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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Overview
  • Visionary

Recommendation

The world is on a deadline to 2050, when renewable sources, predominantly the sun, must generate at least a third of global electricity. Clean energy expert Varun Sivaram reveals a vision of what it will take to shape solar into the necessarily robust global industry the world will require by mid-century. His approach from economic, political, scientific, technological and practical angles can become repetitive, but Sivaram rewards readers with a fresh, comprehensive overview of this surprisingly complex sector. He provides a glimpse of a positive energy future as well as a new understanding of the issues and consequences facing the solar industry.

Take-Aways

  • Solar energy production must increase rapidly by 2050 to slow the worst effects of climate change.
  • China’s success in solar photovoltaic production has driven down costs, but the value of solar is also falling – thus discouraging investment.
  • Creative financial instruments could speed greater investment in the sector.

About the Author

Varun Sivaram, PhD, is the Chief Technology Officer of ReNew Power Ventures, India’s largest renewable energy firm. He directed the Program on Energy Security and Climate Change at the Council on Foreign Relations. An expert on clean energy technology, climate change and sustainable urbanization, he also wrote Digital Decarbonization.

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