This book examines the economic impact of changes in the global demand and supply for fossil fuels both on the major producers in Middle Eastern countries around the Persian Gulf, other producers, as well as the world at large. The economic, social and political life of most countries is not only intimately linked to and influenced by the energy market but also affected by historical developments. Among other issues, it shows how the economic, social and political development of societies in Arabia, the peoples of the Arab Peninsula are influenced by their historic and cultural environment, and what the future may bring to this region when their principal economic assets, petroleum and gas, start to lose markets as alternative sources of fossil fuel, alternative, and renewable energy supply the bulk of global energy needs. It also describes how changing fossil fuel costs, access, security of supply, and environmental impacts may affect future economic, social, and political developments as well as technological advances and changes in priorities.

Approaches energy policy and development from a risk, safety, reliability impact point of view and shows how and why alternative energy development will soon over take petroleum as a dominant fuel source Up-to-date review of energy alternatives, their development potentials, costs, and environmental impacts. Clear statement of the decline of use of fossil fuels, particularly oil and their replacement by more environmentally and secure sources of energy Impact of changes in energy demand and use on the current dominant position of the Middle East and its future socio-economic as well as political role or position Plan for a more socio-economic and environmentally acceptable energy future

Autorentext

Ernst G. Frankel has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. in Transport Economics, an MBA in Systems Management, and a DBA in Operations Research. He has been a member of the MIT engineering and management faculty from 1962 to his retirement in 1996. He has extensive management experience and served as Technical Director of Litton Industries, Director of Engineering of Sealand Corp., Operations Advisor for the Port of Singapore, Advisory Board member of the Panama Canal Authority, director of several major shipping and logistics companies, Chairman of American President Lines, Director of Operations of Pascagoula Shipyards, Advisor to Hyundai Heavy Industries (Korea), Advisor to Mitsui Shipbuilding and Engineering (Japan), and numerous other industrial firms. He has published 18 books and over 240 refereed journal articles or papers.

Inhalt
From the contents List of Figures. List of Tables. Abbreviations and Acronyms. World Energy Assessment Overview. Preamble. Preface. 1.0 Introduction. 2.0 Energy Supply And Policy Issues. 3.0 Drivers Of The Transition To A Clean And More Energy Efficient World. 4.0 Developing The Energy Future. 5.0 Political And Socio-Economic Effects Of The New Energy Future. 6.0 Arabia: The Center Of The Petroleum World. 7.0 The Global Energy Future. Conclusions: Big Is Not Synonymous With Beautiful Or Much With Civilized. Postscript. Finale. Appendix A Production, Emulsification, Transportation, and Use of Orimulsion. Appendix B The Future of the Automobile as the Major Oil Consumer. Bibliography. Index.