Founder connections
- Bill GatesPositive review
“David MacKay’s brilliant book is a primer on how we make energy and its impact on the climate.”
Gates reviewed the book on January 15, 2010, recommending its broad numeric view of energy use and supply while noting that it is a demanding read.Source
Summary
David MacKay examines how much energy people use, where it comes from and what different sources could supply. He compares transport, heating and everyday consumption with options such as wind, solar and nuclear power. Using a common measure of kilowatt-hours per person per day, he asks whether proposed energy plans add up and explains the calculations behind them.
Why read it Our view
Useful for a founder who must compare energy needs with the capacity of a proposed solution. Follow the book’s use of a common unit, then ask which assumptions, scale limits and costs determine whether your own plan can work.