The Grand Energy Transition: The Rise of Energy Gases, Sustainable Life and Growth, and the Next Great Economic Expansion - Hardcover

A groundbreaking book on solving our growing energy problems In this visionary book, leading energy industry executive Robert Hefner puts forth a convincing case about how the world can move beyond its current dependence on oil and toward a new era of clean, renewable energy. Written with the knowledge and authority of a major player in this industry, Hefner relates how misguided government policies and vested industry interests have contributed to our current energy problems and proposes a variety of measures that could encourage the use of natural gas, solar, wind, and hydrogen.* Convincingly makes the case that natural gas is the essential bridge fuel to a new era of clean, renewable energy sources* Details how natural gas can help break our oil and coal dependency* Offers a sweeping, historic picture of the world energy situation* Presents a compelling and provocative case that natural gas is key to our short-term energy problems A well-written and engaging book that mixes personal anecdotes and experiences with insightful analysis, The Grand Energy Transition is a powerful argument about how we can best solve our toughest energy problems.

Praise for The Grand Energy Transition

"In The Grand Energy Transition, Robert Hefner makes a compelling and persuasive case that our country's economic, environmental, and national security demands the rapid transformation of the global economy from a high-carbon model to a low-carbon one. Drawing on a wealth of firsthand experience in the national energy policy debate and in the energy industry itself, Hefner traces the history of the world's energy use, points us toward where we need to go next, and demonstrates how natural gas and clean renewable sources of energy can play critical roles in getting us there."
—John Podesta, President and CEO, Center for American Progress

"If you care about the future, you must read this book."
—Ted Turner, founder, CNN, and Chairman, Turner Enterprises

"The Grand Energy Transition offers a compelling yet practical vision for solving the world's energy problems. Robert Hefner has broken the mold of conventional wisdom by arguing that the road to a low-carbon future is lined with natural gas—and by persuasively refuting the widely-held assumption that 'clean' coal will prove an economically viable alternative."
—Christopher Flavin, President, Worldwatch Institute, Washington, D.C.

" For years, Robert Hefner challenged the conventional wisdom in industry and government regarding natural gas reserves and production potential. His position was treated with skepticism, when it was not dismissed out of hand. Yet, time has proved him right, particularly as shale gas has contributed to a 9% jump in domestic production in just this last year. He was proved right on the Fuel Use Act. Some of his propositions regarding the (unavoidable) energy transition will be questioned, but they surely should no longer be dismissed out of hand."
—James R. Schlesinger, Economist and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, and former CIA Director

"This work, written by someone with a long and distinguished career in the energy business, is a very thoughtful and practical account of how the world can move to abundant energy which is clean and sustainable. It shows that low-carbon growth across the world can become a reality in the next few decades. This is a very important book."
—Nicholas Stern, Lord Stern of Brentwood, KT, FBA, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics

"As a successful businessman and international real estate developer, I know the economic and environmental importance of energy. Robert Hefner, with over fifty years of hands-on experience in the complex world of energy production, consumption, and politics has written a groundbreaking book that cuts through the confusion and shows us a clear, common sense path forward. His concept that The Grand Energy Transition is choosing the energy winners is critically important. America does not have time for energy losers."
—Donald J. Trump