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Realistic Renewable Energy - February 25th 2010
Before lunch got under way Lord Broers welcomed the more than 120 guests (a sell-out) comprising many young engineers as well as policymakers. He then introduced for some preliminary observations, firstly, Professor Ian Fells and, secondly, Candida Whitmill

Chairman

Professor the Lord Broers

Guest speakers:

Charles Hendry MP, Shadow Minister for Energy
 
Emeritus Professor Ian Fells Newcastle University
 
Candida Whitmill, Chairman of the Tidal Power Forum
 

Professor Ian Fells:

Reasons to be interested in renewable energy:
• Climate change
• Running our of oil and gas
• Security of supply

 

Available choices of renewable energy:
• Hydro Power=17% of world electricity
• Nuclear power = 17%
• Other= 1.5% ( not more than 10% at best in future)

  Other:
• Wind: Govt target is extremely challenging; need to solve problem of intermittency
• Biomass: promising but difficult to source and needs large subsidy
• Waste incineration: very promising but need to make much more localized
• Wave power: So far unconvincing demonstration
• Solar: has become worthwhile
• Desertech : mirrors around desserts; extremely expensive

 

 • Tidal power could reliably satisfy 10% to 15% of demand in the UK
• Tidal range technology is proven and sound
• The Severn barrage could provide 5% of UK Energy.
• The Severn Barrage could provide 120 years of low carbon electricity, with a predicted installed capacity of 8640 MW compared with 240 MW at La Rance.
• It would be the biggest project of its kind in the world and would put the UK in the forefront of tidal technology

 
Mr Charles Hendry:

 

We are going tio have to re build the world in 20 years in order to become a low carbon society. The UK is committed to an 80% reduction in carbon emission by 2050. Over the next 10 years many of the UK’s power generators will be shutting down.
£200 bn of new investment needed over the next 10 years to replace lost capacity and provide future needs.
Diversity is Security.
Nuclear is a huge factor.
Coal and carbon capture: Britain must take the lead but it falling behind.
Gas: we must within three years build more gas storage
 

Renewables:
• Wind has a part to play but as the only resource is a mistake
• Water in the case of the UK means tidal energy: UK must attract the world to invest in this resource and we must think in terms of a 20’30 year investment cycle

Road map
There is a need for a road map

Severn barrage
Interesting if it’s economic: Need to bear in mind that for the same cost we could build four nuclear power stations quicker

Wind
Technology needs to develop so that a permanent supply can be achieved

Houses
Must be upgraded: Micro generation must be encouraged and we must be more ambitious

Transport
Must be de carbonized by 2050

Q AND A SESSION

Heat: lots of potential (solar; ground source): at the moment tending to be enthusiastic rather than focused:

Solid state lighting: very effective and the public sector should adopt it in all public buildings

Public education: need for social scientists; education; psychologists? Very important

Community energy projects: great potential

Marine power technology: Specialist campuses will be established into which seed corn can be invested

Wind power: A plea for more encouragement of this resource: it is a valid and effective resource

Green Investment Bank: Mr Hendry said that he would if in power seek funding to establish such a bank which would provide extra funding and R & D support

Planning: A need for greater flexibility. The Conservatives would establish a Planning Commission which would report to the Home Secretary answerable to the public.

 

Cost of investment estimated for UK at £200 by 2020: £60 on every annual power bill by 2090

Candida Whitmill: