Achieving sustainable development through renewable energy

Why are renewable energy supplies a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels? 

Renewable energy supplies are a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because they will not run out. However, fossil fuels are only short term and supplies of coal, oil and natural gas are limited. Hydroelectric power, solar, tidal and wind power are sustainable options that can be used for generations. 

Wind Farms - Positive and Negatives

Current aims: To generate 10% if power by renewable energy sources 

Aims for the future: Offshore wind farms to become more important, with 8GW to be generated by 2016. 

Location requirements: The shallow waters off the coast of the UK are an advantage. Wind farms require an exposed location, whether on shore or offshore, clear of any obstructions (e.g buildings). Small differences in distance can mean a real difference in the potential of the site. For example, a site that is 10% less windy means 20% less energy. 

General opinions for:

• The energy produced does not cause greenhouse gases or other pollutants 
• Wind turbines are tall, but only take up a small plot of land
• Sea turbines can attract fish and have no long term affects on sea life
• Wind turbines can be used to produce electricity in remote areas that are not connected to the national grid. 

General opinions against:

• Noise levels are measured at 35-45 dB for a distance of 350m
• Research suggests turbines are avoided by migrating birds
• House prices nearby may reduce
• The cost of generating electricity is more expensive than traditional methods. It is more than double per Kw per hour. 
• Turbines are an eyesore.  

CASE STUDY: Barvas Moor, Isle of Lewis

• Amec and British energy are proposing to build 250 turbines
• They will output 600 mW

Opinions For:

• It is a clean, safe, renewable source of energy that will produce the equivalent of half the current output of Torness nuclear power station in East Lothian. 
• Wind farms create jobs and it would reap economic benefits for the remote community of Lewis

Opinions against:

• It will be noisy and ugly, ruining the mountain scenery on the isle of Lewis
• Barvas Moor has a unique wildlife habitat that would be destroyed. Birds would be disturbed.
• In order to be efficient the power generated would have to be sent to big electricity markets in England. This means laying power cables along the sea bed of the west coast which would be extremely expensive.