Renewable Energy

Wind, wave, tidal, and solar.

These are all free sources of energy which will not run out. Britain is well supplied with wind, wave and tidal power . “The UK is the windiest country in Europe, so much so that we could power our country several times over using this free fuel.” BWEA The report 'Building a Low Carbon Economy' (Committee on Climate Change, December 2008) stresses that onshore and offshore wind together can deliver 30% of the UK's electricity supply by 2020 and be part of a radical decarbonisation of the economy by 2030.

The cost is in constructing, installing and maintaining the equipment to capture the energy. In some cases large engineering works mean very high initial cost, as with off shore wind farms and tidal barriers.

Wind is the only system available for immediate use, except at the domestic level.

Solar panels on buildings could supply significant amounts of power. Recent news (February 2010) of a feed-in-tariff may encourage households to invest and earn. The same offer will encourage domestic wind turbines.

Wave and tidal power could provide constant electricity. Unfortunately, a lack of research, and reliance on the market, means neither of these systems are ready for use.

Wind power is ‘controversial’.

1) As a matter of taste, some find turbines elegant and a benign source of power. Others find them ugly, intrusive and even possibly a health hazard. Visual intrusion used to be a major factor in failed planning applications. However, given the need to tackle climate change, government guidelines now require more exacting reasons for refusal.

2) The wind is intermittent - an argument used against it. However, supporters point out that the grid deals regularly with changes in supply. It accommodates very big changes, when a large power station closing down. To get the best from onshore wind, there needs to be turbines in many different sites. When the wind fails in one place, it is nearly always blowing somewhere else. Newer turbines operate at lower wind speeds.

3) Opponents claim that wind power is not economic. That it is only viable because of government subsidies. Supporters say the subsidies are fair as they compensate for the social harm, global warming, caused by fossil fuel production.

4) Supporters also stress that turbines are temporary. They have a 25 year life. If better means of production are developed in that time, they can be replaced.

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