Abstract

Analytical Methods for Energy Diversity and Security is an ideal volume for professionals in academia, industry and government interested in the rapidly evolving area at the nexus between energy and climate change policy. The cutting-edge international contributions allow for a wide coverage of the topic.

Analytical Methods for Energy Diversity and Security focuses on the consideration of financial risk in the energy sector. It describes how tools borrowed from financial economic theory, in particular mean-variance portfolio theory, can provide insights on the costs and benefits of diversity, and thus inform investment decision making in conditions of uncertainty. It gives the reader an in-depth understanding of how to manage risk at a time when the world’s focus is on this area. The book provides insights from leading authorities in the area of energy security. It gives readers abundant, rigorous analysis and guidance at a critical time in facing the twin challenges of energy security and climate change. The book also highlights the role of clean energy technology in moving towards future diverse and intelligent electricity systems. It will be a trusted, first point of reference for decision-makers in the field of energy policy.

The book includes a foreword by the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winner. All royalties from sale of this book will be donated to charities working in the energy sector in the developing world.

• Theoretical underpinning and applied use of Portfolio theory in the energy sector
• In-depth consideration of risk
• Contributions from leading international energy economists
• Innovative methodologies for thinking about energy security and diversity

1. Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for Energy, Ireland:
a. This important book should help policy makers in addressing the new energy landscape. By changing how we think of energy policy, Shimon’s contribution will be felt for a long time.
2. Michael Liebrich, CEO New Energy Finance:
a. The world is at a point where it is critically important to make the right tradeoffs between different sources of energy. Shimon Awerbuch’s unique contribution was to show how to do so rationally, in the face of fluctuating costs and risks. It was groundbreaking work, and its impact will only grow over time.
3. Marianne Osterkorn, International Director REEEP:
a. The concepts illuminated throughout the text help developing and developed countries come to grips with the issues of energy diversity. The work was relevant in the developed and developing countries showing its wide application and importance.
4. James Cameron, Vice-Chairman, Climate Change Capital:
a. Dr. Awerbuch’s work helped the business and industry sectors to better understand the costs and risks of investing in renewable energy, an extremely important contribution.
5. Professor David Newberry, Cambridge University
a. Shimon Awerbuch has made an invaluable contribution by bringing the perspectives of finance theory to bear on the practical problems of analysing risk in energy markets, showing that a risk efficient portfolio of technologies may look quite different from the least expected cost choice, and thus providing powerful arguments for diversity and the use of renewables.