Renewables - For and Against
Here's a few starting points to get you thinking about the arguments for and against renewable energy in the Highlands and Islands...
For Renewables
Wind
- Wind power is completely clean and doesn't run out.
- Scotland has some of the windiest sites in Europe
- Burradale windfarm in Shetland holds the world record for the energy it produces compared to its size.
- With full investment, a quarter of Scotland?s electricity could be provided by offshore and land-based windfarms.
- Not everyone thinks wind turbines are unattractive - plus, much of the countryside itself isn?t natural: electricity pylons, telephone poles, hedges and even fields are all man-made.
Wave/Tidal
- Scotland is leading the way in marine power developments through companies like EMEC in Orkney, and Pelamis (based in Edinburgh).
- Wave and tidal energy is extremely predictable and reliable however has yet to be proven to be commercially viable.
- There are several devices currently at the pre-commercial testing stage.
Solar and Geothermal
- Solar power technology is already quite advanced and produces no harmful emissions. It can produce hot water even on cloudy days!
- Because the energy is underground, geothermal power plants can run continuously, day and night, in any weather.
Biofuels
- Unlike fossil fuels, new material for biofuels can be grown, so it's a sustainable form of fuel.
- Many biofuels burn cleanly, and some are biodegradable - so they don't harm the environment if they're spilled.
- Scientists are developing ways of reusing waste biofuels - like used cooking oil - to power vehicles.
- Big names like Shell are investing in biofuels.
Against Renewables
Wind
- Wind power isn't reliable or predictable - it?s not windy all the time!
- The Royal Society of Edinburgh's Inquiry into Energy Issues for Scotland (2006) stated Scotland can't rely on wind alone to meet its energy needs.
- Poor planning of windfarm locations can damage animal habitats and spoil countryside views, and the noise can be disturbing for nearby residents.
- Tests by the Ministry of Defence show that windfarms interfere with radar signals. They can also affect TV reception.
- Building, transporting and assembling turbines still creates greenhouse gases, and uses a lot of energy.
- Remote windfarms can impact on more than just the area where the turbines stand - they may need new pylons to connect them to the national electricity grid.
Wave/Tidal
- Currently, marine power systems are not as well-developed or practical as other renewables.
- Wave power is very unpredictable and inconsistent.
- Wave and tidal farms could interfere with shipping, and - if poorly located - may damage marine wildlife.
Solar and Geothermal
- Solar panels are expensive, require expert installation and need to cover a significant area of a building to be worthwhile.
- Scotland isn't the sunniest country in the world!
- Geothermal energy requires pumps powered by non-renewable sources to get hot water from the ground to the surface.
- Constructing geothermal plants can be destructive on the surface, but also below the surface drilling down can affect the ground stability.
- Releasing heat from below the earth also releases some greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and nitric oxide.
Biofuels
- Biofuels need large amounts of land for crops or algae to be grown.
- Many people are concerned that land will be given over to growing crops for biofuels in countries where food production is more important, particularly in the Third World.
- Some biofuels actually produce greenhouse gases, which some people claim are as damaging to the environment - or worse.
Other things to discuss
- Many people are in favour of renewable energy in general, but against renewable power stations locally. What are the reasons behind this, and is it fair?
- Do you think renewables will ever be able to provide all of Scotland's energy?
- Should decisions about renewable energy be taken just by the Scottish or British Government? Think of some ways your local community could get involved.
