This volume, an extensive academic and business review, was part of author and sustainability consultant Kealy’s PhD thesis research in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Technological University Dublin, along with work on corporate social responsibility. With a focus on Ireland, Dr. Kealy analyzes renewable energy resources, such as hydroelectric plants, solar PV systems, and wind turbine generators in order to ascertain the potential advantages of these. Of great concern is how to deal with the variations in energy output (particularly with wind generation) using long-term storage to satisfy sustainable development in the economic, environmental, and human (or social) resources, said to be closely interlinked and affecting the sustainability of any organization, whether a business, a country, or another establishment.

Kealy notes in the introduction that “there is a particular focus on the implementation of renewable, sustainable energy sources as alternatives to the Earth’s limited natural resources as part of organizational sustainability efforts.” This extensive review—an opening and closing abstract with a dozen well-focused chapters—is especially concerned with how “the outcomes associated with these efforts are measured.”

The author's informative and thought-provoking narrative is supported by a literature review, case studies, appendices, glossary, keywords, and extensive references, figures, and tables that will aid both armchair scientists and academic researchers in their quest to better understand the specific challenges and successes of renewable energy and sustainable development. The author also states that the conclusions in the book are based on peer-reviewed published literature, real-life data, and government publications. Kealy concludes that “the current growth-focused economic model is unsustainable on a finite planet” but offers hope through profitable alternative energy strategies and sustainable development that “respects ecological limits.” Kealy's well-written, well-thought-out, and well-documented book is sure to appeal to those interested in this important field of study.

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