Includes bibliographical references and index.

Why alternative energy and fuels? -- Studying public policy and alternative energy/fuels -- Overview of alternative energy and fuels and their uses -- Alternative energy/fuels as a public policy innovation -- Solar energy -- Wind energy -- Geothermal energy -- New century fuels and their uses -- Historical precedents: alternative energy/fuels and legitimacy issues -- Public policy, institutional developments, and policy interests -- Practical demonstration of the economics of alternative energy -- Conclusion: the future of alternative energy.