1 Introduction

In today's industrialized world, almost everything we do requires huge amounts of energy. We use natural gas to heat our homes and cook our food. Electricity powers our fridges, freezers, mobile phones, tablets, computers, and televisions. Our malls, restaurants, offices, and streets are well lit by countless electric lights. Nuclear power stations, natural gas turbines, coal power plants, and huge dams churn out more power than ever before, and as we buy larger houses and use new electric appliances, we become more and more dependent on abundant and affordable energy. If we suddenly lost our ability to produce copious amounts of energy, our industrial economies would come to a standstill. Our survival, lifestyle, and identity depend on energy.