RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable Energy in Practice

Executive Summary

In this study we try to explore the concept of renewable energy practices in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on renewable energy and its relation with current practices in developed countries like UK. Renewable energy is the energy produced by using natural resources that will regenerate in time. Primary sources of renewable energy are water, geothermal heat, wind, and sunlight. The energy produced by using different organic materials, such as wood, agricultural rejects, forestry residues, and urban solid waste (called biomass) is also regarded as “renewable.” The research also analyzes many aspects of government practices of renewable energy and tries to gauge its effect on the environment and industry. According to authoritative international agencies like the United Nations Environment Programme and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, renewable energies represent the mo st realistic alternative to fossil fuels. At present, renewable sources are employed chiefly in the production of electricity, but also to produce biofuels and to provide heat for industrial and private users. The paper also explains in relation to couple of case studies that reflects the current practices being adopted. Over the last 10 years, the development of renewable energies has been stimulated by concern over global warming. At this time, it is believed that renewable energy sources will play a key role in limiting greenhouse gases emissions.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Case Study Analysis5

Leicester: Ashton Green Project5

London: Renewable energy in the city7

International Renewable Energy Agency7

On-site renewable energy generation8

Renewable Energies Have Problems Too10

Conclusions and Recommendations12

References15

Renewable Energy in Practice

Introduction

Renewable energy resources are those from sources that are capable of being continually replenished after exploitation. They are not exhaustible within human timescales. They occur naturally and abundantly and provide relatively clean energy that does not produce greenhouse gases like fossil fuels do. The prospect of reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels is, however, challenging. As global energy consumption grows each year, development of alternative energy sources becomes increasingly important. These alternative sources of  energy include hydroelectric and hydrodynamics energy, solar energy, nuclear energy, geothermal energy, wind power, and biomass energy. (Bull, 2008: 89-96)

The criteria used in judging an energy source include its renewability, conversion into usable forms, and environmental and health issues. The cost of maintaining energy security in the world is high. Renewable energies can help to diversify energy supply and increase energy security. The potential for conflict, sabotage, and disruption of production and trade of fossil fuels cannot be dismissed. At this time, many countries depend on fossil fuels. Dependence on imported fuels leaves these countries vulnerable to disruption in supply, which might pose physical and economic hardships. Importation of crude oil, for instance, requires significant capital and infrastructure, and is often a strain on national budgets. Consequently, many countries make reducing dependence on foreign energy sources a high priority.

In 2008 the Climate Change Act was introduced by the Government and legally binds the UK to a committment of a 34% reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 80% ...