The need for energy affects almost every aspect of modern society. Indeed, the advent of coal as a widely-used energy source is sometimes viewed as the spark that started the Industrial Revolution. However, we are about to enter a new era due to increased competition from developing nations for the world\u27s dwindling energy supplies and to the growing recognition that our current energy usage is unsustainable and is affecting the world\u27s climate. It is apparent that research on energy-related issues will become increasingly important in the coming years
