Discusses the use of methanol as a viable alternative to dangerous and dwindling energy resources. This book looks at the pros and cons of our main energy sources, and provides ways to overcome certain obstacles. It also looks at the interrelation of fuels and energy, and at the extent of our non-renewable fossil fuel resources.

In this masterpiece, the renowned chemistry Nobel laureate, George A. Olah, discusses in a clear and readily accessible manner the use of methanol as a viable alternative to dangerous and dwindling energy resources. He looks at the pros and cons of our current main energy sources, namely atomic energy, oil and natural gas, hydrogen and alternate energies, and provides ways to overcome certain obstacles. Following an introduction Olah looks at the interrelation of fuels and energy, and at the extent of our non-renewable fossil fuel resources. Despite the diminishing resources and global warming, the author covers the continuing need for hydrocarbons and their products, while balancing the envisioned hydrogen economy against its shortcomings. The main section then focuses on the methanol economy, including converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into safe liquid methanol to for fuel (and fuel cells) and as a raw material for hydrocarbons. The whole is rounded off with a glimpse into the future. This is a forward-looking and inspiring work regarding the major challenges of future energy and environmental problems.

• Introduction
• The interrelation of fuels and energy
• Coal and the industrial revolution
• Oil and natural gas in the th and th century
• The extent of our non
• renewable fossil fuel resources
• Diminishing fossil fuel resources and global warming
• Major problems and challenges in need of solutions
• Alternative energy sources and atomic energy
• Continuing need for hydrocarbons and their products (transportation, fuels, raw materials for chemical products and materials)
• The envisioned hydrogen economy and its shortcomings
• The methanol economy
• converting atmospheric carbon dioxide or still available natural gas for energy storage into safe liquid methanol to be used as fuel (including fuel cells) and raw material for hydrocarbons
• Comparison and future outlook

...a well-written review of the energy situation in the global context...a valuable addition to the literature. (CHOICE, October 2006) ...exceptionally clear and engaging. For anyone interested in the subjects of energy, fossil fuels, and energy solutions, this book will be a valuable resource...worth reading and considering in detail. (Chemical & Engineering News, October 2, 2006) ..I am pleased to recommend most enthusiastically this inexpensive, forward-looking, and inspiring book to anyone concerned with the major challenge of future energy and environmental problems--a central issue for our society. (The Chemical Educator, May/June 2006)