Suitable Renewable Energy Resources In UK

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to analyse all suitable renewable energy resources in Britain and to propose a renewable energy project.

The recent political conflict between UK and allies with Russia, due to Russian military occupation of the peninsula of Crimea in southern Ukraine, has shown that energy security can be at risk at any moment do to the UK dependence of gas and oil coming from abroad.

Since the energy efficiency in the UK will keep increasing in the next decades and the dependence of fuel resources from outside countries, the energy focus should be place at this moment in the energy production.

By using efficiently the abundant renewable energy available, it’s possible to reduce CO2 emissions due to the consumption of conventional fuels, as well, obtain more energy independence and improve the economy.

Renewable energy technologies costs are currently high but with the development of the renewable technologies can be expected over time the reduction of costs. It’s essential ensure cost-effective grid connection to new energy sources.

The investment on renewable energy technologies, has the potential of improve the UK economy and create thousands of jobs.

Table of Contents

Abstract....................................................................................................1

Table of Contents.....................................................................................2

1. Introduction..........................................................................................3

2. Feasibility of renewable energy generation in the UK.........................5

2.1. Solar Energy..........................................................................5

2.1.1. Solar Water Heating...............................................................6

2.1.2. Photovoltaic...........................................................................8

2.2. Wind Energy..........................................................................9

2.3. Hydro Energy.......................................................................11

2.4. Marine Energy......................................................................13

2.4.1. Wave Energy.......................................................................13

2.4.2. Tidal Energy.........................................................................16

2.4.3. Thermal Energy of the Oceans............................................17

2.5. Geothermal Energy..............................................................18

2.6. Biomass...............................................................................19

3. Proposed Plan...................................................................................21

4. Conclusions.......................................................................................24

References.............................................................................................25

Appendices.............................................................................................26

1 – Introduction

There are been huge investments in terms of research and development of alternative energy sources all over the world. The main reasons for this are worrying areas, such as, the apparent massive reduction of fossil fuel reserves and the resulting fossil fuel price fluctuation, the global warming and the resulting fast climate change, a continuous increase of the world population and developing countries energy demand.

According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the energy efficiency will continue to even population growth. About the same amount of energy is predicted to be consumed in the UK in 2030 as today.

Table 1: Total energy consumption in the UK (1970-2030)

Source: DECC

Although in recent years the amount of energy consumed in the UK has been reduced, the fossil fuel price fluctuation, climate change and energy security put in cause UK’s energy sustainability and even put in light an imminent energy shortfall in the next decades. Also considering the current UK and EU financial situation, has been concluded that is urgent to find and implement solutions, to obtain clean and cost effective energy sources.

In this report is presented a critical assessment of the renewable energies potential in the UK. The report also presents a proposal plan to create a new renewable energy power station. This new power station will help to reduce UK’s CO2 emissions, protect energy security by reducing UK energy dependence from abroad and help UK achieve the target of 15% of renewable energy sources by 2020. Its consider financing methods for the project, the effects on wildlife and environment, the contribution to UK’s energy and Renewables Obligation. Is also consider if such an investment may be a more significant investment and with a more beneficial payback than the HS2 proposed rail link.

2 – Feasibility of renewable energy generation in the UK

UK has a huge amount and variety of renewable energy resources, some of them are the biggest resources in all Europe, such as wind, tidal and wave energy.

Renewable energy already employs more than a quarter of a million people; by

2020, it could be over half a million (DECC). The investment in new manufacturing