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The 10 big energy myths | Environment | The Guardian

The 10 big energy mythsThere has never been a more important time to invest in green technologies, yet many of us believe these efforts are doomed to failure. What nonsense, writes Chris Goodall
The Guardian 27 Nov 08 Myth 1: solar power is too expensive to be of much use ……….solar power stations are probably already financially competitive with coal. Europe, meanwhile, could get most of its electricity from plants in the Sahara desert. We would need new long-distance power transmission but the technology for providing this is advancing fast, and the countries of North Africa would get a valuable new source of income.
Myth 2: wind power is too unreliable Actually, during some periods earlier this year the wind provided almost 40% of Spanish power. Parts of northern Germany generate more electricity from wind than they actually need. Northern Scotland, blessed with some of the best wind speeds in Europe, could easily generate 10% or even 15% of the UK’s electricity needs at a cost that would comfortably match today’s fossil fuel prices.
Myth 3: marine energy is a dead-end………….This year we have seen the installation of the first tidal turbine to be successfully connected to the UK electricity grid in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, and the first group of large-scale wave power generators 5km off the coast of Portugal, constructed by a Scottish company.
Myth 4: nuclear power is cheaper than other low-carbon sources of electricity …………the most severe problem may be the high and unpredictable cost of nuclear plants. The new nuclear power station on the island of Olkiluoto in western Finland is a clear example…………..The final cost is likely to be more than twice this figure (£2.5bn). and the construction process is fast turning into a nightmare. A second new plant in Normandy appears to be experiencing similar problems. In the US, power companies are backing away from nuclear because of fears over uncontrollable costs.

The 10 big energy myths | Environment | The Guardian

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November 27, 2008 - Posted by | Uncategorized

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