Guardian writer Chris Goodall set out yesterday to clarify 10 of the classic myths often cited against renewable energy. Many people believe solar power is too expensive to use, wind is not effective and marine energy cannot work.
Chris provides some interesting information, however some of the myths stem from an element of truth about the technologies which have in the past held them back. What is important is that people and companies are being financially driven to overcome the barriers and take these technologies to the next level where they are affordable.
Chris points to rapid innovation in the US which is expected to lead to thinner, more effective solar panels at a fraction of the cost of today. Unfortunately we are not yet there – everyone wants it to happen but mass market demand is still held back by high costs.
Spanish and German large scale solar power plants using long mirrors directing heat to a tube carrying liquid, in turn driving a steam turbine are described as being probably already financially competitive with coal on hot summer afternoons – although I’m not sure what comparison is over a year. The suggestion that Europe could get solar power from such plants located in the Sahara with a new long distance power line is moving into the realms of fantasy. There has been talk of a European super-grid for years, however we don’t seem to be able to provide sufficient power lines to transport electricity from north to south Scotland let alone between continents. The key barriers are costs and complex legislation.
Just for those wind energy sceptics out there – the article claims that wind provided almost 40% of Spanish Power earlier this year.
Marine energy has great potential for the future and is certainly not dead end. However there does need to be much more investment in the technology to really give it a kick start. Hopefully the increased renewable obligation certificates will do the trick.
Picture from CNET News
sherry
November 29th, 2008
Jeff Wilson has a new book out called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW. It is really a great book. http://www.themannattanprojectof2009.com
solar heat information
November 29th, 2008
Thanks for the information on energy systems. When we speak about solar heat energy system, Solar Heating exchangers prevent over-heating and transfer the right amounts of heat to the right places. And they are most suitable to use at home.
endependence
November 30th, 2008
This type of dialog about busting alterantive energy mysths is necessary for us to explore all of the renewable energy options and make the right choices the first time.
Governments are not good at choosing winners and losers in technology, but businesses and consumers are good at it.
Therefore, a good first step is for governments to provide funding for all of the alternative energy possibilities so that the market can see which will make the most sense.
A carbon cap and trade program with funds going to incubate alterantive energy technologies is a good first step. It provides funds for research and market introduction, encourages energy saving and will reduce greenhouse gases.
If you believe that we need energy independence that ends dependence on polluting fuels, join our movement by signing the Declaration of Endependence at http://endependence.info/declaration .
Ravi Soparkar
December 1st, 2008
Good article. It is time now for revoulation with Renewable Energy, which will save our mother earth, create huge local employment and with stand global economic recession. You may see my article on similar thought at
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/future-renewable-energy-india/
Ravi Soparkar,
Pune, India
wayne fontes
July 8th, 2009
Actually, during some periods earlier this year the wind provided almost 40% of Spanish power.
The article doesn’t say how long those periods were or what the average performance was. At about twenty percent as an average that spike looks like a destabilizing factor.