Renewable Energy: Sources, Efficiency, Adoption, and Socio-Economic Factors

This report discusses the obtaining and transformation of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and tidal. It also covers the efficiency of these resources, adoption of conventional and non-conventional energy resources, selection of energy systems, and socio-economic, legislative, and environmental factors affecting the consideration and selection of renewable energy resources and technologies.

RENWABLE ENERGY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
A) Explanation of the obtaining and transformation of the energy sources................................3
B) Adoption of two energy resource along with the justification for recommendation..............4
C) Efficiency of solar and wind resources...................................................................................5
D) Recommendations for use of conventional and non-conventional energy resources.............5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
A) Selection of energy system and its association with local system..........................................5
B) Discussion of energy system that benefits the people in remote areas...................................6
C).................................................................................................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
A) Solar power system for the property which covers the installation cost and construction of
the system....................................................................................................................................6
B) Installation and construction cost for the renewable sources.................................................7
C) Critically analysis of cost and advantage for renewable and conventional energy sources...8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
Socio-economic, legislative and environmental factors that affect the consideration and
selection of approaches to renewable energy resources and technologies..................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Renewable energy that are collected from the renewable resources which are naturally
reloaded on the human timescale. It involves the sources which are sunlight, winds, tides and
also a geothermal heat (Pickl, 2019). Although most of the renewable energy resources are
sustainable and some of the sources are not. It is clearly seen that these resources are utilised at
greater extent which is creating the chances for the resource scarcity or unavailability, as the
main source of the businesses is only depends on such resources. following report will address
the use of renewable energy resources such as hydroelectric power, solar and wind to address the
issues regarding scarcity of the renewable resources. it will highlight the illustration of energy
sources along with its advantages and disadvantages. It further explores the selection of
renewable energy systems that to be associated with local system. It also lay out the cost benefit
analysis in between the renewable and conventional energy source and explanation of the socio
economic and other factors.
MAIN BODY
TASK 1
A) Explanation of the obtaining and transformation of the energy sources
Energy sources takes more form which include the nuclear energy and also a fossil energy
which are natural gases and other renewable resources such as wind, geothermal.
Solar energy: It is the radiation that is obtained by the sun which is proficient in generating the
heat and also generate the electricity. The complete amount of the solar energy that is acquired
on earth is vast as which is more as compared to the world’s current energy requirements. As
solar technologies transform the sunlight radiations into the electrical energy from the
photovoltaic panels which concentrates the solar radiant energy (Saidi and Omri, 2020). Its
major benefit is it do not give negative impact on environment as compared with other energy
source, it does not raise the temperature of greenhouse gases that cause global warming and
pollution problem. Implement of this reduce the electricity bills. But operating solar panels costs
more which is one of the main disadvantage of this also its weather dependency creates the lots
of problem.
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Figure 1 solar power energy
Wind energy: Wind is utilised for generating the electricity by using the kinetic energy that is
developed by the air in motion. It transformed into the electrical energy by using the wind
turbines, it is sustainable and consider as solar energy form. It is caused by earth’s rotation and
sun’s heat in the atmosphere. Its main advantage is its cost efficiency as well as it is clean source
of energy, this energy resource is unlimited. It also has disadvantage which is the wind turbines
are threat to wildlife especially for the flying creatures, it also leads to the noise and visual
pollution.

Figure 2 Wind power energy
Hydro power energy: Or hydroelectricity power develops the power by utilising the dam water
for altering the river flow. In this water flows into the pipe which pushed against the turbine
blades for spinning the generator to generate the electricity. It is considering as the oldest and
greatest renewable energy source. Its main benefit is it helps in promoting the flood control also
supports the irrigation and it is affordable. Perhaps its drawback is it have major impact over the
environment, reservoirs displaces the humans and animals from their habitants.
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Figure 3Hydro power system
Tidal energy: An form of power which is generated from the natural rise and falls into the tides
which is due to the gravitational interaction among the sun, moon and earth. It is obtained from
the ways which are tidal streams and tidal lagoons. For this energy generators turbines are also
used which is placed in tidal streams (Majid, 2020). This energy source is harnessed by
transforming the tides energy into the other useful forms which are power and generally
electricity. Its advantage is it is cost efficient for maintenance also it does not produce the waste
or pollution. Its drawbacks are limitation in location as well as negative impact on marine life.
Figure 4Tidal energy system

B) Adoption of two energy resource along with the justification for recommendation
Solar energy and wind energy is accepted at greater rate because of the benefit which these
both resources provide the major benefits. Bothe are carbon free resources which helps in
reducing the world’s dependability on oil and gas. Therefore, for adopting the solar energy the
main reason it is efficient in reducing the carbon footprint and it is environmental friendly.
Efficiency rate of this system is generally 15-20 percent. Thus it is recommended to use the high
concentrated photovoltaic panels as the cells in it reach to the 46 percent efficiency. Efficiency
rate of wind energy is nearly 20- 40 percent; it provides the 10 percent of total amount of
electricity that are generated. Overall wind turbines do not release any emission and also they do
not needed water for cooling.
C) Efficiency of solar and wind resources
Most of the solar panel provides the nearly 15- 20 percent efficiency rates, and in case of
wind energy this rate is 20 to 45 percent. Both are efficient as they do not impact on environment
which means both are environmental friendly and can be used for large purpose (Murshed,
2021). Storage technology for the solar energy is electrochemical batteries and other thermal
storage that is used for this resource. For wind energy storing technology is pumped hydro, flow
battery energy system.
D) Recommendations for use of conventional and non-conventional energy resources
Conventional source of energy is coal fossil fuels while non-conventional are wind, solar
energy and biomass. As for evidence coal fossil fuel is the most used resource as it used for
many purpose in transportation, industrial and to develop the electricity (Jenniches, 2018). It also
has greater impact towards contributing in pollution thus it is important to reduce its use for
environmental benefit. Widely used non-conventional source is solar energy as it is available in
abundant and also it is less impacted for environment. thus Solar and wind energy are continually
used for replacing the coal power for the betterment of atmosphere.
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TASK 2
A) Selection of energy system and its association with local system
Solar energy system that connects to the local system with the grid connect process as it
works with local utility grid, solar panel that generates the solar electricity than in house is
simply utilise the surplus strength that is provided to the grid. Before installing the solar panels,
it is important for the people to investigate their use of energy and should be aware of their
electricity use (Gatto and Drago, 2021). Hydro power system enables the states to generate their
own energy without being rely on the international fuel resources. it is the domestic source of
the energy that creates the reservoirs which provides the recreational chances such as fishing and
boating. Thus traditionally installing the solar panel at home helps in reducing the dependability
on fossil fuels and on natural gas. It also saves the money for the people as reduces the electricity
bill as hydropower system also helps in providing the safe and clean drinking water.
B) Discussion of energy system that benefits the people in remote areas
Northumberland is the county in the northern England, thus people around this locality can
surely benefited from the solar energy system as installing the solar panels at home is convenient
and cost effective approach which reduces the gas emission and dependency on fossil fuels
(Destek and Sinha, 2020). As it will help the people with the improved living standards through
the solar energy based approach. As hydropower energy system has brought the better services
of electric light to the people living in remote areas, thus people in Northumberland can easily
lay out their work such as support to farmers for irrigation as well as safe water for people. As
for the Northumberland the adoption rate of the solar panel is good as solar panel is not free but
there are some feasible options there for installing such. Adoption rate of hydropower system is
high because of its benefit of cost efficiency and helps in irrigation work.
C)
Renewable energy technology that mainly used for the energy generation by utilising the
renewable resources that are solar, wind and hydro, geothermal heat etc. Scotland in the United
Kingdom marks the 59 percent generation of the electricity by utilising the renewable sources.
Thus it helps the country in reducing their dependency on the imported fuels it also helps in
boosting the economy (Liu, 2019). As the photovoltaic technology for the solar energy system
helps in mitigating with the pollution, as it reduces the carbon footprints from the environment.
also wind turbines that is for the wind energy system do not emit the gases in the atmosphere

also lowers the air pollution. So that people in the Scotland can easily reduce the pollution
impact. Thus use of the renewable energy helps in diversifying the energy supply it also boosts
the economy by creating the job opportunities in manufacturing and also in installation.
TASK 3
A) Solar power system for the property which covers the installation cost and construction of the
system
As it is found that solar panel cost in London is £350-£500, but it can also have varied
depends on the size and system type. One of the common domestic size for the panel is 4KW
which almost costs the £6000 that will cover the 29 square metre of the roof.
Installation of the solar power system for the three bed room property is as follows:
Above image cover the complete cost analysis that is required for installing the solar power
system.
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B) Installation and construction cost for the renewable sources
As for the solar energy system the installation and construction cost is £350-£500 which
also varies according to the size of the solar panel (Nathaniel and Iheonu, 2019). As common
domestic size is 4KW panel that comes in £6000. As to construct the 50K solar photovoltaic
panel it costs almost £30000 in UK. For the wind power system installation and construction, it
covers the £7000 for the 1.5KW turbine and it delivers the 2600 KW over the year that based on
location. For the tidal Power system in UK the cost for such system is not clear but it is estimated
to be less than £478,640 per MW. As such for the hydropower system installation cost is around
£624,000 as it ranges for the KW for the 100 KW construction cost is £529K and installation
cost is £5.3K. Thus overall it can be said that hydroelectric power is most cost efficient as
compared to other renewable resources, as it is cheapest as well as generates the electricity
consistently.
C) Critically analysis of cost and advantage for renewable and conventional energy sources
As compared to renewable resources conventional resources which are fossil fuels are the
major contributor to rise the temperature in greenhouse gases that negatively impacts the
atmosphere (Opeyemi, 2021). Renewable resources such as solar energy, wind geothermal are
more convenient option as they don’t have such impact over the environment. Out of all
renewable resource hydro power energy is one of the beneficial and cost efficient system. Thus
renewable resource helps in improvising the public health, it reduces the global warming threat
also promotes the economy by generating job and other opportunities.
TASK 4
Socio-economic, legislative and environmental factors that affect the consideration and selection
of approaches to renewable energy resources and technologies
Social-economic impacts
These type of resources offers the social benefits like the advancement of health, according to the
choice of customer, improvement in the technologies, increased opportunities for work but there
exists some selections that should be considered for the consumer's advantage. For instance, the
climatic conditions, education level and the living standard. Also, it includes the agricultural
point of view for the urban and rural regions. The social factors are the main and the basic

considerations for the country's development. These social factors such as the local employment,
improvised health, better opportunities for job, choice of consumers (Lu and He, 2019).
The renewable energy projects that offers the benefits from the economic aspect as they use the
local labour from the rural areas, the localized material, local shareholders, local banks' services,
etc. Also, these renewable energy projects provided facilities to the communities by selling the
electricity in the local economy and through this and also developing the trust. The customer will
be given with electric power at a reduced cost in comparison to the sources of the conventional
energy. Also, the projects related to biofuel developed a lot of jobs but the solar power plants
created lesser number of jobs.
Environmental impacts
The renewable energy projects have also done their part in enhancing the environmental impacts
like the decreasing carbon dioxide gas and spreading awareness about in the community about
the climatic change. Necessary impacts were introduced in the advancement of the standard of
living, creating social bonds and the development of the community. Also, the two most
important aspects of environment are the air and the water pollution which is created by the
discharge from houses, polluted rain, industries poisonous liquids (Naicker and Thopil, 2019).
With the combination of the water pollution, natural resources and the greenhouse effect and the
air pollution, these can be alleviated by the appropriate use of the renewable energy sources. It
was also observed that the renewable energy projects are very complicated to install and are
sensitive to the local environments and the conditions. The planning, forecasting and execution
of these need more knowledge in comparison to other projects.
Legislative impacts
Various legal techniques have been introduced for the development of the use of renewable
energy. These techniques such as the renewable fuel standards, the price of carbon, tax
incentives such as the production and investment tax credits, non-tax incentives, government
procurement, research and development for the renewable. The portfolio standards such as many
states has shifted to the renewable portfolio standards (RPSs) and the mandatory utility
purchases in which the PURPA Act of 1978 needs the electric utilities to connect with and buy
the extra power from the qualifying facilities (Lavidas, 2019). Moreover, there exists various
impediments to the growth of renewable such as the intermittency, fossil subsidies, the rate of
turnover of the capital plant, timing and scale, environmental and the siting impacts. Also, UK
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has the legal responsibility to create 20% of the energy consumption from the renewable energy
sources and it has legislatively compulsive policy objective of the 80% reduction in the national
greenhouse gas.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it is concluded that renewable energy system has greater use in
reducing the environmental impact. Above report have highlighted the issues as there is more
consumption of the fossil fuel which is creating the threat for the resource availability and
scarcity. Thus alternatives such as wind, solar, tidal and other resources are utilised at good
extent for reducing the green house impact from the environment. above report illustrated the
description about the renewable energy source and also discussed the efficiencies in the
technologies for the particular region. It also highlighted the cost benefit analysis in between
renewable and conventional energy source and lastly concluded with socio economic and
legislative factors.

REFERENCES
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Greece. Renewable Energy.132.pp.1290-1300.
Liu, J., 2019. China's renewable energy law and policy: a critical review. Renewable and
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storage and determining the potential worldwide hotspots driven by socio-economic,
geo-hydrologic and climatic conditions. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
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future prospects, challenges, employment, and investment opportunities. Energy,
Sustainability and Society.10(1). pp.1-36.
Murshed, M., 2021. Can regional trade integration facilitate renewable energy transition to
ensure energy sustainability in South Asia?. Energy Reports, 7, pp.808-821.
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selection in South Africa. Journal of Cleaner Production.224.pp.637-650.
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Nathaniel, S.P. and Iheonu, C.O., 2019. Carbon dioxide abatement in Africa: the role of
renewable and non-renewable energy consumption. Science of the Total Environment,
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