In recent years the renewable energy sector has seen a number of large change in overall attitudes to it as well as climate change and global warming. Many more properties across the UK now have solar power and there has been a growth in offshore wind farms. However the growth of renewable energy has somewhat been stunted. Through this article we will examine what has affected this sector and the changes that have been see.
Government Support
In recent years government support for renewable energy has been growing steadily. Many grants were provided by the government for renewable energy development and research. However now that many projects have reached the launch phase and have finished their research they are finding it difficult to gain investment. This is an area where the government has clearly failed to support renewable energy firms. The UK has a massive untapped potential available from a number of different forms of renewable energy. It is estimated that the tidal energy potential for Scotland could power the whole of Scotland without the need for other forms of power and still have a lot left over. In addition to providing grants the government needs to be doing more to support businesses/firms who have developed tidal energy.
Forms Of Renewable Energy
- Tidal power is a new and growing renewable energy form tidal power uses the force generated by waves to generate electricity. This form of renewable energy is growing fast and could have a big impact on countries such as the UK as there are plenty of opportunities to collect power from the powerful and vast North Sea as well as the Atlantic ocean.
- Wind power is one of the more traditional methods of renewable energy. Wind power is generated by large wind turbines using wind speed to produce kinetic energy which is then converted into power.
- Solar power is a third form of renewable energy. Solar power is amongst one of the most popular forms of renewable energy and is being sold often within the mass market to home owners. Solar power uses heat and energy absorbed from the sun in order to supply electricity. Many properties across the UK in order to save on electricity bills.
Public Perception Of Renewable Energy
The public view on renewable energy can be perceived as being mixed for a number of different reasons and factors. The full benefits of renewable energy are not very well advertised and as a result many may see renewable energy as a fad or sales scheme. Furthermore the actions of climate change groups such as green peace may have polarised public opinion on being eco-friendly and renewable energy sources rather than improving it. However on the other hand the government has introduced several incentives in order to encourage people to adopt renewable energy technology. At one stage the government offered the public a £5000 grant towards the cost of an electric vehicle.
Overall Conclusions
To conclude it can be said that renewable energy has seen growth in recent years. However growth has become stagnant and more needs to be done by the government in order to support firms selling renewable energy as well as raising public awareness about the issue.