June 2005
Wind, Waves And Waving Goodbye To Oil
Environmental headlines of late seem to be dominated by climate change, highlighting the fact that sustainable energy must be made to work in the UK and across the world. The Government has already set a target of having 10% of the UK’s electricity as renewables by 2010.
Various methods of renewable energy are being trialled across the world, but here in the UK, wind power is seen as the major source of sustainable energy for the future.
A recent study by the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) has said that the UK has the best and most geographically diverse wind resources across Europe. Enough to see the current targets for renewable energy rise to 20% by 2020, when only occupying 0.0001% if British land. Many advantages come with this source of sustainable energy over others:
- There are no limits to the amount of wind capacity that can be added to an electricity system
- Onshore wind is one of the cheapest forms of renewable energy, presenting only a modest increase in cost for consumers
- Fossil fuelled plants can be displaced by wind power, requiring no need for additional back-up plants
Not just in the UK, but also on a global scale, the wind energy industry grew by 20% in terms of installed wind capacity last year. Europe is the global leader but China entering the renewable energy market, they are expected to have a profound impact.
Wind turbines however are large structures and would undoubtedly alter the landscape, as we know it in the UK. Planners and decision makers are working with local communities but concerns are still arising. Many people support wind farms but do not want them in their local area and organisations such as the RPSB have concerns over impacts of farms being situated on bird migratory routes.
Wind power, however, is not the only alternative energy source being adopted in the UK. The new CIS (Co-operative Financial Services) tower in Manchester is going to become Europe’s taller solar power generator. The 400ft tower is to be covered with special dark blue solar panels next month, which will be used to partly-power the 25-storey building. It is hoped that the landmark development will demonstrate that solar panels are viable almost anywhere, regardless of the weather.
In Europe, the world’s first commercial wave farm is to be installed in Portugal, seeing three wave energy converters (WECs) set up 5km off the north coast. Portugal already has extensive experience in renewable energy sources with mini-hydro schemes and wind farms.
There has been a rapid growth in the adoption of sustainable energies and this is set to continue. Energy management is now at the forefront of business planning in industry, as the UK strives to meet its Kyoto emissions targets. Tax incentives, such as Enhanced Capital Allowances mean businesses are now in a better position than ever to start reducing their energy consumption.
If you need advice on reducing energy consumption, data monitoring or how your company could benefit from tax incentives like Enhanced Capital Allowances, contact Nersi Salehi for more information.
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