Energy Alternatives: Benefits and Risks

Richard G. Kuhn is an assistant professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

This book is a collection of 30 papers presented at the International
Symposium on the Total Risk and Benefit Impact of Energy Alternatives
held at the University of Waterloo in 1986. As noted by the editor, the
book will have limited appeal; notably, to managers and planners of
energy systems. As is the case with most conference proceedings, the
depth and quality of coverage of issues vary. The views expressed,
however, are eclectic, with numerous agencies and interests being
represented by authors from a variety of countries.

The essays are organized into five main sections: benefits and risks;
nuclear energy; fossil fuel; risk management; and risk perception. The
absence of introductory statements by the editor to each major section,
however, does little to establish an overall sense of coherence. No
attempt was made to synthesize the different approaches used to assess
risks and benefits, nor was any attempt made to identify major areas of
concern or challenges within the field. Furthermore, the quality of
prose varies greatly, with some papers being little more than detailed
presentation notes.

The volume will provide a useful reference book for planners involved
with energy systems. A number of alternative assessment methodologies
are presented (for example, a hydrogen standard, the Waterloo Energy
Modelling System, and fuzzy set approach to multicriteria modelling),
and many of the papers contain extensive bibliographies.