One amazing fact is that Iceland is the first country in the world to produce ALL of its power through using renewable energy. The main source is hydro power, it also proves that a whole country can revert to these systems, but Iceland wasn’t included in the main research conducted because although it’s a country about the same size as Great Britain, its population is only 284,000. This is around and about a quarter of a percent of the British population, therefore it’s an unfair reflection of the real percentages per populations of the other countries in Europe.
One of the reasons that wind power hasn’t taken off in Britain could be because of the huge companies that make vast amounts of money through using fossil fuels as their power source. These companies can range from car manufacturers, oil, gas and coal companies. Some of these companies have a huge influence over the government and budget only minimal amounts into their research and development departments, to assist any findings in the use of renewable power. They feel that their interests are threatened by this new form of power, because at the end of the day, there are no real technological barriers in using WTGS, they have a proven track record and are deemed to work well.
The Scottish and southern electricity board have been experimenting with the use of small WTGS that are mounted onto the roofs of homes. They individually provide homes with electricity and are the first in the world to be used. One important fact is that they are also very quiet and there is little vibration – noise and vibration are a great cause of problems when making WTGS as well as the deemed eyesore by various members of the public who say it’s a blip on the landscape. The new mini WTGS are too small to become an eyesore and will create enough power to run an average home, if the wind conditions are right. Because of the wind factor, the homes wouldn’t be cut off from the national grid, in case the usual source was needed. Even in those cases, a vast reduction in the yearly electricity bill would be achieved. Although there is one setback with this idea – they would cost £1,500 per unit – obviously not everyone would be able to afford one. Perhaps the electrical company may introduce a buy now and pay later scheme? In spite of this; Scottish and southern energy are hoping to install over 1,500 units over the next couple of years.
Questionnaire Results
The aim of the questionnaire was not only to attain a primary source of information, but also to see the results in the perspective of different age groups; Whether or not the younger generation, middle aged or older generation knew about the most important issues that can be raised when discussing this topic. The results were somewhat startling, considering the emphasis that has been put on the problem, by world leaders over recent years.
For the full list of questions; See enclosed questionnaire.
It appears that the younger (16 – 30) and older people (52 – 60) who were questioned have a higher knowledge of the implications of renewable energy. The people of middle age range (31 – 50) were more inclined to go for a more diverse response to the survey, with one of them thinking that electricity was a form of renewable energy! Also within that age range (who made up 30% of the group) 66% thought that fossil fuel was a form of renewable energy! In fact all younger and older people were 100% correct in both the types of power and the advantages questions. They both recognised that hydro, solar and wind power are all types of renewable energy as well as recognising that less pollution, reduced CO2 amounts, better climate, safer production and a cleaner atmosphere are all advantages of this source of power. Of the whole survey only 16% knew that the total global generation of power, using renewable energy is just 20% - one person thought it was 60%! All in all the younger generation are obviously being made more aware of the problems (at a younger age) and the older people of course, have much more wisdom at their disposal.
The people of the middle generations seem to know less about the implications; either that or they are choosing to ignore them. These people are of an age when most are parents; they have a higher disposable income and are in a much better position to be able to do something. The younger people rely on the knowledge passed down from their elders, the media and the education system in order for them to be able to do something about it, but they don’t have much money at their disposal. The older generation were never really given that much information (although they do show signs of interest) about the implications, and are now not in a position to make that much difference.
For and Against
For
- WTGs produce no air pollution and therefore would make a massive contribution to the Governments commitment of a 60% reduction in emissions by 2050.
- With the air pollution decreased, the population would naturally become healthier.
- Many of the oil producing countries have already reached their peak and production is yielding. The demand for world power will increase, so a switch to renewable energy is necessary as soon as possible.
- WTGs will give farmers a new source of income.
- New jobs will be created in manufacturing and maintaining WTGs at a time when production and employment in the North Sea and other oil related industry is falling.
- In Britain the demand for power is higher in the winter. This is the time when Britain is at its windiest.
- Large WTGs are no less an eyesore to the countryside then pylons, industrial chimney stacks and telecommunications equipment already on show.
- Smaller WTGs are very quiet.
- Production is less hazardous than mining or drilling.
- Wind farms built off the British coast are not e noisy or an eyesore to the public.
Against
- Governments wouldn’t generate as much revenue.
- It’s expensive to start with.
- Ironically Environmentalists are concerned about the eyesore factor; Britain will need many thousands of WTGs to meet its commitments.
- The noise that large WTGs produce.
- Generally electricity bills will be higher.
- When Britain has calmer wind conditions, wind farms won’t produce enough power and other sources will have to be used.
- Many people believe that nuclear power is still the answer to the problems.
- Nuclear power remains the favourite option for the governments and commercial companies of the world because of the generated revenue.
- Oil and coal could be replaced by renewable energy, but it’s harder to replace the liquid fuels that the majority of people use in their cars.
Conclusion
During this project, many differences in opinion were observed. Not just in the results of the questionnaire but also during research on the internet and through the study of various publications. There are many arguments for and many against in the discussions based on this subject. One thing is for sure though; oil will run out in the future and we will have to find alternative forms of power.
We may not have any alternative but to use renewable energy in the future. We know about the damage being caused to our planet by the present means of power and many countries are now changing their policies, although the largest abuser of oil and coal usage is the United States. They have over 40% of the total cars in the world within their country and yet still refused to change their policies in light of the recent discussions during the Kyoto summit. Perhaps this explains the earlier comments made about governments losing mass revenue and being reluctant to make changes. The larger oil companies are working in line with their respective governments and are researching the possibilities of renewable energy. Deep down though they know that this will ultimately cost them money and together they have become lethargic and slow in meeting their commitments. They would rather use the much aligned nuclear power systems to create its power because it is still a means of making them money. This along with an army of public motorists on their side all looking for cheaper fuel means that they are very hard to convince.
Britain hasn’t kept up with the rest of Europe because of the above mentioned and along with a public that loves its cars, its cheap air travel means that they are unlikely to turn their backs on a carbon economy. Voting in a government that is 100% behind its energy policy would mean major changes to people’s lifestyles; that simply won’t happen over night or as proven, over several generations. Our society must do more to acknowledge the problems of oil and coal consumption and renewable energy can be brought in gradually as a replacement. As the questionnaire showed; at least the young of this generation are more aware and in the future could be in a stronger position to implement the desired changes.
Study Skills Research Unit Bibliography
The Carbon Trust downloaded on 27.01.2005
Global warming www.globalwarming.org downloaded on 28.01.2005
The National Centre
For Public Policy downloaded on 28.01.2005
The Guardian Newspaper Printed on 11.09.2004 Paul Brown
Geography Review Vol 18 Jan 2005 John Proudlove
The Engineer Printed on 10.02.2005 Editor
Earth matters Issue 58 summer 2004 Adam Bradbury
Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopaedia 2005© Microsoft
