Definition and scope
This guide provides a starting point to locate resources used to search the topic sustainable or renewable energy. Alternative energy is a slightly different topic, and although there is some cross-over in regards to renewable/sustainable energy, alternative energy is not specifically covered in this guide. For energy resources in general, see the Chemistry, Physics, or one of the engineering guides like Electrical Engineering.
This guide follows the definition of renewable/sustainable energy as defined by The Encyclopedia of the Earth: "… energy sources are those that are naturally available and replenished. Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydro (water), geothermal, Tidal power or ocean wave energy, and biomass."
Use the Subject search screen and search the headings listed below for books about renewal energy.
Broad subjects
- Energy conservation
- Energy consumption
- Energy policy
- Power resources
- Renewable energy sources
More focused subjects
- Biomass energy
- Energy crops
- Geothermal resources
- Hydrothermal electric power system
- Solar energy
- Water power
- Wind power
Very focused subjects
- Biodiesel fuels
- Photovoltaic cells
- Solar thermal energy
- Tidal power
Use the advanced search screen and include a limit by Subject for the subheadings listed below. Include your research topic for narrower results.
- environmental aspects
- government policy
- laws and regulations
Background sources
These each cover all types of energy resources, but each also includes several sections on renewable/sustainable energy forms.
- Encyclopedia of Energy Technology and the Environment
- Four-volume set examines the impact of energy production technologies on the environment. In 235 articles, the A-to-Z work covers such topics as acid rain, air pollution, aircraft fuel, building systems coal combustion, computer applications for energy efficient systems, risk assessment, solar heating, waste management planning, water power, and more.
- Macmillan Encyclopedia of Energy
- Provides a snapshot of the history and science of energy production, conservation, and use. Multidisciplinary in scope, the 253 signed and lavishly illustrated articles cover topics ranging from biofuels and bicycles to steam engines and thermodynamics. The work ends with a fascinating energy time line that puts major events in the history of energy into context.
- The Encyclopedia of Earth
- This is a free, fully searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators, and experts who collaborate and review materials about the Earth and its natural environments.
- Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology
- Encompassing a wide spectrum of theoretical and applied concepts, methodologies, and possible solutions, the Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology, Three-Volume Set covers energy efficiency and conservation opportunities, renewable and alternative energy sources, the financial analysis of energy systems, performance contracting, environmental regulations, global climate change, green development, hydrogen-fueled vehicles, and much more. Sponsored by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), the comprehensive and timely material in this dynamic resource provides precise information that can make a difference in today's quest for energy efficiency. Use the Read Online link, then the chapter of interest from the table of contents.
Databases
This guide focuses on two main research areas that sustainable/renewable energy sources generally fall into: a) engineering, or the mechanics of how the energy is harvested, stored, and used, and b) environment, or how the use of these energy sources relates to the natural environment. These databases are to be used as starting points and are not the only resources that contain this type of information. See the other subject guides listed above for additional databases.
Engineering focused
- ANTE: Abstracts in New Technologies and Engineering from CSA
- Coverage includes information regarding several aspects of engineering and technological studies in many scientific disciplines. It also includes information on construction, electrical and chemical engineering - and allied subject areas. Abstracts from 1993 to the present; indexing from 1981.
- Energy citations database from OSTI
- Provides free access to over 2.3 million science research citations with continued growth through regular updates. Includes scientific and technical research results in disciplines of interest to DOE such as energy, environmental science, geology, engineering, climatology, oceanography, and many other scientific disciplines. It includes bibliographic citations to report literature, conference papers, journal articles, books, dissertations, and patents.
- Environmental Engineering Abstracts from CSA
- Covers the world literature pertaining to technological and engineering aspects of air and water quality, environmental safety, and energy production. 1990-present.
- Engineering Village
- The combined Compendex, Ei Backfile, Inspec, Inspec Archive & NTIS databases allows for searching on the broadest possible range of topics within the scientific, applied science, technical and engineering disciplines and includes journal articles, proceedings, unclassified government reports, and more. 1884-present.
Environment focuses
- CAB Abstracts from CABDirect
- Covers several aspects of the life sciences (both agricultural and environmental) from the early 1900s-present.
- Environment Abstracts from CSA
- This database encompasses all aspects of the impact of people and technology on the environment and the effectiveness of remedial policies and technologies, covering nearly a thousand journals as well as conference papers and proceedings, special reports from international agencies, non-governmental organizations, universities, associations and private corporations. 1975-present.
- Environment Complete from EBSCOhost
- Offers deep coverage in areas of agriculture, ecosystem ecology, energy, renewable energy sources, natural resources, marine and freshwater science, geography, pollution and waste management, environmental technology, environmental law, public policy, social impacts, urban planning, and more. Environment Complete contains records from domestic and international titles going back to the 1940s.
- Environmental Sciences and Pollution Management from CSA
- Provides comprehensive coverage of the environmental sciences. Abstracts and citations are drawn from over 6000 serials including scientific journals, conference proceedings, reports, monographs, books and government publications. Also retrieves materials in the Sustainability Science Abstracts in the search. 1967-present.
Government resources
- DOE Green Energy
- This portal provides technical documents from thousands of R&D projects conducted at Department of Energy's National Laboratories and by DOE-funded awards at universities DOE Green Energy contains both current and historical research, including bibliographic citations, technical reports and patent information on different types of renewable energy resources and energy conservation. Subject areas include but are not limited to solar, wind, bioenergy, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal and wave power, and energy storage. An easy-to-use search box allows users to selectively download, at no cost, DOE bibliographic citations and associated detailed full-text research reports and patents focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency science and technology. The website also includes a news feed provided by the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program.
- BLM - Renewable Energy Resources
- The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are working with local communities, state regulators, industry, and other federal agencies in building a clean energy future by providing sites for environmentally sound development of renewable energy on public lands. Renewable energy projects on BLM-managed lands include wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass projects and the siting of transmission facilities needed to deliver this power to the consumer.
- EPA - Clean Energy Program
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Energy Program is working with state policy makers, electric and gas utilities, energy customers, and other key stakeholders to identify, design and implement clean energy policy and technology solutions.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development (R&D). NREL develops renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and environmental goals.
- U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
- The U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) sponsors various initiatives to build awareness about energy efficiency and renewable energy topics and to coordinate efforts toward specific goals.
Statistical resources
- EIA - Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government
- This site provides statistics for renewable and alternative fuel resources as provided by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Includes reports, analyses, and forecasts in addition to statistics.
- UNdata from the United Nations Statistics Division
- Browse, search and download data from 14 databases and 6 glossaries containing over 55 million data points and covering a range of statistics including energy. Categories include: agriculture, employment, energy, environment, industry, and many other areas.
- Current Index to Statistics
- Comprehensively indexes publications in statistics from 1975 (and earlier for some) to the present from 162 core journals. Also features selected articles from over 1,200 additional journals and 11,000 books in statistics published since 1975.
