10th BIWAES 2017; 10th Biennial International Workshop "Advances in Energy Studies" Villa Doria d’Angri, Naples, Italy, September 25-28, 2017

No need to underline that energy is among the most important development drivers and engines. Too many countries still suffer from energy poverty, in the form of insufficient, inadequate, expensive or unequal energy supply. Although it cannot be claimed that energy is the solution to all world problems, it cannot be denied that there is energy behind water supply, food production, mobility, housing, health, education, communication, democracy. Technological improvement - unless guided by a clear perspective - may not necessarily lead to the desired improvement of quality of life and wellbeing. On the contrary, it might even lead to faster resource depletion, faster environmental degradation, increased social disparity and global instability. This book presents an organized collection of the most updated research activity about urban systems, integrated transportation patterns, food/water/commodity nexus, transition from fossil to low-carbon and renewable resources, sustainable business models, energy efficiency and effective energy strategies, stakeholders and participatory processes, appropriate interplay of humanity and environment, integrated cleaner production and circular economy, pollution control, bioenergy and bio-based materials, empowerment of new actors and stakeholders in the global energy market. It is not just a matter of energy supply (e.g. cheap fossil fuels; development of renewable energy sources), but a clear need for an appropriate mix of solutions, from energy efficiency to energy use (matching of use to energy quality), from equal energy access by all social groups to investments for development of opportunities instead of luxury. Energy is still one of the causes of political and economic instability and turmoil worldwide as well as of unequal development of local economies. The present state of the planet urgently calls for deeper understanding, innovative visions, environmentally friendly solutions, development and wellbeing. Radically innovative networks, projects, concepts and business models are designed and discussed.