For renewable energy

Here's a few starting points to get you thinking about the arguments for renewable energy in the Highlands and Islands.

 

Wind

  • Wind power is completely clean and doesn't run out.
  • Scotland has some of the windiest sites in Europe.
  • Burradale wind farm 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. Fact sheet reads: Positioning wind turbines offshore can overcome some negative views associated with the visual impact of onshore sites.

Wave and tidal

  • Scotland is leading the way in marine power developments through companies like EMEC in Orkney, and Pelamis Wave Power (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.
  • There is huge potential to harness wave and tidal power to produce electricity. The Scottish Government estimates Scotland's wave resource at 14GW (10% of the EU total) and tidal at 7.5GW (25% of the EU total).

Solar

  • Solar power technology is already quite advanced and produces no harmful emissions. It can produce hot water even on cloudy days!
  • Solar energy is already in widespread use where other power supplies are absent, such as in remote locations and in space.
  • Solar hot water heaters can work well in the UK and can provide up to two thirds of a households annual hot water needs.

Geothermal

  • Because the energy is underground, geothermal power plants can run continuously, day and night, in any weather.
  • Geothermal energy can be cost effective, providing savings compared with fossil fuels.
  • From an environmental perspective, very few harmful gases are emitted.
  • Geothermal heat pumps can be used almost anywhere.

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.

Hydro Power

  • Using a dam or weir to store water in a reservoir means that hydro power can very quickly be switched on to meet a sudden increase in demand.
  • There are no carbon emissions from hydro projects.
  • Hydro installations can have a useful life of over 100 years.
  • Hydro is the most efficient form of electricity generation - a modern turbine generator can convert 90% of the available energy into electricity.
  • The construction of the massive Glendoe generator, near Loch Ness, shows there's still room for new, large scale projects.
  • The technology exists for small-scale hydro schemes to be installed in homes and businesses with access to rivers.

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Renewable energy topics

 

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I register?

    Teachers should register at BGC@hient.co.uk, stating the name of the school and a contact phone number and email address.

    How many teams can I enter?

    A maximum of 2 teams can enter for each school. In-class debates will be held in schools to help pick the teams that will compete in The Big Green Challenge.

  • How much does it cost to enter?

    The Big Green Challenge is FREE! What's more, you can enter to win some great prizes for your school.

 

 

Did you know?

Large hydro projects help Scotland produce 85% of the UK's hydro-electric power, providing 10% of Scotland's electricity needs.

Hydro installations can have a useful life of over 100 years.

The Scottish Government estimates Scotland's wave resource at 14GW (10% of the EU total) and tidal at 7.5 GW (25% of the EU total).