Mad like Tesla
Subtitle: underdog inventors and their relentless pursuit of clean energy
By: Tyler Hamilton
Publisher: ECW Press
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Toronto
Language: eng
Number of pages: 251
ISBN-13: 9781770410084
Subjects: Energy development; Renewable energy sources; Énergie; Énergies renouvelables; Développement; Ouvrages de vulgarisation; Inventors; Popular works; Inventeurs
Description: Overview: A search for the contemporary Nikola Tesla-considered a mad scientist by his society for predicting global warming more than 100 years ago-fuels this analysis of climate issues, which introduces thinkers and inventors who are working to find possible ways out of the energy crisis. From Louis Michaud, a retired refinery engineer who claims we can harness the energy of man-made tornadoes, to a professor and a businessman who are running a company that genetically modifies algae so it can secrete ethanol naturally, these individuals and their unorthodox methods are profiled through first-person interviews, exposing the social, economic, financial, and personal barriers that prevent them from making an impact with their ideas. The existing state of green energy technologies, such as solar, wind, biofuels, smart grid, and energy storage, is also explored, creating a sense of hope against a backdrop of climate dread.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.

Issued also in electronic formats.