Global Energy Transformation
Publication date 12 June 2009Publication date 12 June 2009
Global Energy Transformation:
Four Necessary Steps to Make Clean Energy the Next Success Story
Mats R. Larsson
Mats R. Larsson describes how we could learn from past experiences of industrial transformation, and provides a high-level blueprint of the strategies and practices that need to be applied now.
We cannot rely on the market mechanism on its own to transform complex global energy systems and secure the future supply of energy. This need is becoming increasingly pressing, since global oil production has reached its peak and is now in decline.
The future will bring increasing energy prices and a reduced opportunity to use petroleum for all of the purposes that we do today. In order to secure the supply of energy, nations, companies and individuals will need to decide on the routes to take in order to reduce our use of energy and our dependence on fossil fuels. This will be a more complex and demanding undertaking than most of us realize, and Global Energy Transformation details how, in order to succeed, we will need planned projects in combination with market-driven change.
Larsson uses the examples of previous large-scale industrial achievements most notably the transformation of American industry to war production in only a few years during the Second World War, and The Apollo Program, which helped to strengthen the position of the United States in the global economy. He suggests that other countries should learn from these successful examples.
This book is relevant for decision-makers at all levels in business and politics. Above all, the ideas of Global Energy Transformation should be adopted by high-level politicians and business leaders, who should look away from factors and issues that have divided them in the past, in order to focus on the overarching goal of securing the energy supply and environmental sustainability of the future.
About the Author
MATS R. LARSSON has worked for twenty years as a business consultant with strategy development, operational efficiency, IT and change management. His experience covers industries as diverse as food and packaging, construction, services (electronic and professional) and high technology. He has worked with companies of all sizes and in all stages of development.
About the Book
Global Energy Transformation is published by Palgrave Macmillan priced at £25.00 Hardback.
ISBN: 978-0-230-22919-8
To obtain a review copy, commission an article or discuss interviews and extracts, please contact: Abbie Todd, Tel: 01256 303561 or email: a.todd@palgrave.com
What Energy Experts are Saying about Mats R. Larsson’s book:
“Most energy analysts and all environmentalists agree on what is needed—a comprehensive global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. But the enormous management problems inherent in this historic shift have seldom been discussed. This is the first book to unpack those management challenges and provide sensible strategies. It should be on the desk of every policy maker in the world. Extremely important.”
-Richard Heinberg
Author of The Oil Depletion Protocol
Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute
“This book is the first book I have read that truly points all the dimensions of the biggest global dilemma we ever have faced in modern time. In the current time of global financial crisis, we need to open up our minds to what it really comes down to, when we want to achieve sustainable changes with full impact. This book is a comprehensive mix of historical examples with today’s facts, drilling down to what really is required to handle the situation in a tangible way. The management challenges are relieved on all levels, from government to business dimensions, and points out how to address them in a proper way to reach sustainable results. I can only say – get your hands on it if you want to get the full picture!
(Mats Larsson again has shown his capability to grasp not only the wide complexity of this kind of strategic concern, but also an approach on how to manage it in a tangible way with all disciplines addressed.)”
-David White, Senior Manager, Accenture
“The Swedish Energy Agency is deeply concerned about the high level of energy consumption on our planet and we are actively supporting efforts to increase the awareness of the problem and to investigate ways forward toward an overall reduction of consumption. This important book should be read by all who want to educate themselves on the different aspects of change management of this important global transformation of energy”.
-Urban Bergström, Senior Adviser Oil and Gas, Swedish Energy Agency
“This book provides a powerful insight into the global energy market that as a consequence of fossil fuel scarcity and climate change will rapidly transform. It takes you through four possible scenarios and suggests a four step approach to tackle this huge issue. An essential read for those planning a journey to the new carbon critical world.”
-Richard F Smith – Technical Director, WS Atkins, Consultants.
“This book takes a holistic perspective on the energy challenge – from Buildings and city planning to a necessary behavioural change. Mats points out in an inspiring way not only the challenges and obstacles, but also the solutions and the great business potentials in actually doing the right things for the environment.”
-Fredrik Adolfsson, Social & Environmental mgr, IKEA supply chain
“Fossil fuels are finite resources, destined to run out. Alternatives exist, and could soon become replacements for our current energy sources. We all know what needs to be done, and when. What we don’t know, is how…
In “Global Energy Transformation” Mats Larsson takes a long, hard look at the numerous management challenges that threaten to derail the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. His analysis, and the resulting roadmap, is essential reading for any decision maker in industry as well as in governement. “
-Mikael Edholm, Senior Project Leader, Swedish Trade Council, Johannesburg
