Energy Revolutions: Profiteering versus Democracy

‘What’s needed is a revolution in how we procure, distribute and use energy. Toke boldly goes further, calling for a revolution in who gets to develop and own our renewable future’ Paul Gipe, author of Wind Energy for the Rest of Us

‘The future of humankind depends on the choices we make about energy systems. Will Western governments go on prioritising obscene corporate profits at the expense of energy security? David Toke authoritatively demonstrates how insane that would be – and what brilliant alternatives are already available’ Jonathon Porritt, author of Hope in Hell: A Decade to Confront the Climate Emergency

‘A vision of how, in the renewable era, shared ownership of energy could lead to a future of equality and economic security’ Molly Scott Cato, Professor Emerita of Green Economics, Roehampton University

This book exposes the energy crisis as an inevitable result of an industry run by and for corporate profit. Energy policy was never meant to favour sustainability or energy security – for decades, it has been shaped by corporate interests while hampering renewable alternatives. Now we suffer the consequences.

Written by a leading energy expert, Energy Revolutions reveals the urgent need to radically increase state intervention, including public ownership, and deploy energy democracy for the public interest. It explores examples of energy democracy around the world, showing us how to fight back against fossil fuel interests, avoid climate catastrophe and the threat of nuclear technological dependency; transforming energy into a cheap, decentralised renewable good for all.

David Toke is Reader in Energy Politics at the University of Aberdeen. He is the author of nine books, has written in many newspapers and magazines, and is the founding director of the not-for-profit organisation 100percentrenewableuk.