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Power Up

An Engineer's Adventures into Sustainable Energy

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Power Up

By: Yasmin Ali
Narrated by: Yasmin Ali
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'A stimulating and affable overview of how major feats of engineering can help the world beat the climate crisis.'
NEW STATESMAN

'A highly engaging personal account of changes in our complex energy system to enable a low carbon world.' MIKE BERNERS-LEE

'This hugely readable energy odyssey is now part of my climate change crib sheet.'
HELEN ARNEY


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Readers are loving Power Up:

'A timely and crucial read in today's environmentally conscious context.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'For anyone curious about energy's role in our world and our future.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An excellent educational tool.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A deep dive into this complex world.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'There is something in here for everyone.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Manages to make complicated ideas very simple.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


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A behind-the-scenes tour of the energy system and an essential tool in understanding the challenges of climate change.

We rarely think about the energy systems that prop up our existence. With hot water, lighting and digital entertainment all available at the flick of a switch, it's easy to underestimate the vast global network that makes these things possible.


In Power Up engineer Yasmin Ali takes us on a journey across the globe to reveal the bigger picture, from solar farms shimmering in the desert to power stations hidden deep in the mountains. We learn where we get energy from, how it is moved and used around the world - and why we need to understand the whole system if we want to transition towards a clean, green future.

©2024 Yasmin Ali (P)2024 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2024 Yasmin Ali Engineering Environment Science
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Critic reviews

Covers everything from how we can learn from those working on oil and gas rigs in the transition to offshore wind, to the evolution of solar power and how engineers are working to crack nuclear fusion and so create an abundant and cleaner energy source ... fascinatingly technical without becoming too academic. Her family's experience of fleeing Iraq offers an engaging backdrop for her tales ... Power Up provides a stimulating and affable overview of how major feats of engineering can help the world beat the climate crisis.
A highly engaging personal account of changes in our complex energy system to enable a low carbon world. (Mike Berners-Lee, author of THERE IS NO PLANET B)
A journey back into the past, a vision of the future, and an education in energy - a rewarding read. (Alex O'Brien, author of THE TRUTH DETECTIVE)
This is a powerful and often lyrical book about what it is like to work in the energy sector from someone who lives and breathes it on a daily basis. Fascinating and insightful in equal measure, ultimately it is a book about the humans who are quietly getting on with the job of making our world more sustainable. (Mark Miodownik, author of LIQUID and STUFF MATTERS)
A fascinating tour behind the scenes of the world's energy system - absolutely stuffed with interesting facts. (Andrew Hunter Murray, host of NO SUCH THING AS A FISH)
Ali's enthusiasm for energy infrastructure electrifies this engaging tour of the people and structures that power our modern world. (Gaia Vince, author of NOMAD CENTURY and ADVENTURES IN THE ANTHROPOCENE)
In the midst of the climate crisis, I highly recommend this book. It's the perfect place to learn about a very complex industry - one that affects us all - from start to finish. Ali handles a huge and often contentious subject expertly, weaving in personal stories with big questions, making it a warm and educational read. (Roma Agrawal, author of NUTS AND BOLTS and BUILT)
Absolutely electrifying! A fascinating guided tour behind the scenes of how the energy needed for running all our lives is generated and distributed. (Professor Lewis Dartnell, author of BEING HUMAN: How our Biology shaped World History)
Easy to read and enjoyable ... I could likely look to this book to find a story that would help liven up a dull lecture, or even spark discussion outside the classroom. Ali delivers good food for thought throughout ... takes the reader
"behind-the-scenes" ... Power Up is well worth the time. The collection of stories incites reflection about the place of energy in our lives, and the places we get it from. I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the sector
All stars
Most relevant
This is a topic that I knew little about before listening to this book. Ali has managed to make it both fascinating and accessible. I learnt a lot!

A fascinating listen

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Absolutely brilliant; a beautifully crafted book written with the authenticity of personal experience.

Power up simultaneously explores the evolution of the energy industry, whilst taking insights from the author's incredible life experiences and encounters working as a chemical engineer within the energy sector. The reader is gently guided through topics you may have some prior awareness of, before exploring topics I'd never previously considered, all explained in an easy to understand and engaging writing style.

A smattering of historical curiousities give context to where we've come from, while the authors own journey and insights make a balanced and compelling case for where we could be headed.

A truly tremendous read that I'd recommend for any enquiring mind.

Insightful, informative, and inspiring page turner

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I like the stories, very informative and detailed information in a well narrative easy to understand way. thank you

Absolutely Brilliant

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What has happened here is a lifetime of being immersed in and thinking about energy and energy infrastructure is being retold in a very readable format. So, quite naturally, you cannot fail to begin learning some of the incredible things that most of us don’t pause to consider in any great depth, but take for granted. I cannot think of any better way to expand your horizons and knowledge. I tell everyone about the border exchange story, just so beautifully human for a book on the (for most of us) boring bits of our life…but which are so hugely relevant to understand.

Captivating by its simple storytelling

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Power Up by Yasmin Ali is an excellent book that I’d highly recommend to anyone curious about how energy systems work. It’s incredibly well written, using plain, engaging language to explain what is often a very complex subject. From fossil fuels to renewables, Yasmin Ali manages to make the world of energy both approachable and entertaining. This book is a great contribution to improving energy literacy, and I am confident you will come away feeling far better informed and more confident talking about energy topics. A fantastic listen.

A step forward in energy literacy

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