Renewable energy

The aim of this text is to analyse the full range of renewable energy sup- plies available for modern economies. Such renewables are recognised as vital inputs for sustainability and so encouraging their growth is signifi- cant. Subjects will include power from wind, water, biomass, sunshine and other such continuing sources, including wastes. Although the scale of local application ranges from tens to many millions of watts, and the totality is a global resource, four questions are asked for practical application:
1 How much energy is available in the immediate environment – what is the resource?
2 For what purposes can this energy be used – what is the end-use?
3 What is the environmental impact of the technology – is it sustainable?
4 What is the cost of the energy – is it cost-effective?
The aim of this text is to analyse the full range of renewable energy sup- plies available for modern economies. Such renewables are recognised as vital inputs for sustainability and so encouraging their growth is signifi- cant. Subjects will include power from wind, water, biomass, sunshine and other such continuing sources, including wastes. Although the scale of local application ranges from tens to many millions of watts, and the totality is a global resource, four questions are asked for practical application:
1 How much energy is available in the immediate environment – what is the resource?
2 For what purposes can this energy be used – what is the end-use?
3 What is the environmental impact of the technology – is it sustainable?
4 What is the cost of the energy – is it cost-effective?
The first two are technical questions considered in the central chapters by the type of renewables technology. The third question relates to broad issues of planning, social responsibility and sustainable development; these are considered in this chapter and in Chapter 17. The environmental impacts of specific renewable energy technologies are summarised in the last section of each technology chapter. The fourth question, considered with other institutional factors in the last chapter, may dominate for consumers and usually becomes the major criterion for commercial installations. However, cost-effectiveness depends significantly on:
a b
c
Appreciating the distinctive scientific principles of renewable energy (Section 1.4).
Making each stage of the energy supply process efficient in terms of both minimising losses and maximising economic, social and environ- mental benefits.
Like-for-like comparisons, including externalities, with fossil fuel and nuclear power.