The Need
Alternative Renewable Technologies
Wind Power is only part of the solution to climate change and security of energy supply. Energy efficiency and other renewable technologies have their part to play.
There are many other renewable energy technologies that can be installed across the UK, however, with the exception of hydropower none are as widespread and mature as wind energy.
Biomass Power – biomass power is derived from plant material and animal wastes. It can be used to generate electricity and or heat and to produce transport fuel. There are a wide range of biomass power stations around the UK but these tend to be small scale and issues surrounding fuel supply can be challenging.
Solar Power - the sun’s energy can be converted directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells or the sun’s energy can be used to heat water for heating and hot water, also effective and economic in the UK for many households but again on a small scale at present.
Wave and Tidal Power- there have been tidal schemes proposed and built around the world, although these have been big projects involving the damming of estuaries, typically causing a large environmental impact. There are a vast number of new prototype and near commercial applications being tested to take advantage of underwater currents and of wave power. The UK and Portugal are at the cutting edge of this new industry end and it is hoped that the effectiveness of these technologies can be increased with time and that in the next 10-15 years wave and tidal farms will be developed in UK waters. Much like wind power is being developed today.
Much more information is available on the Renewable Power Association website and British Wind Energy Association website, which can be found on the links and downloads page.
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