6 myths about renewable energy
The proof is here: renewable energy is viable, reliable and ready for action – what is missing is the political will to start a energy development in Romania.
On this page we have grouped some of the most common myths about renewable energy and explained why they are myths - statements that have no basis in fact.
Although we have removed this myth, we need you to continue beyond this page.
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Myth. 1 - Renewable energy is too expensive
At the moment, renewable energy is already actually cheaper than energy from coal or nuclear energy. For example, a kilowatt of electricity produced by the new company Eskom power stations in Africa, will cost about 97 cents, while a kilowatt of electricity from renewable sources will only cost 89 cents.
Moreover, solar and wind energy input costs there. So, for example, while for a coal power plant has to buy coal to generate electricity (and removal coal mining has massive environmental costs), energy of the sun and wind are free, do not assume such costs.
Hidden costs of coal and nuclear energy
Leaving aside the market price of coal and nuclear energy have huge hidden costs that are not included in the price we pay for each electricity.
For example, Enel should be followed to build a power plant in Galati to burn imported coal. It is estimated that the plant would be followed to cause damage to society of 235 million annually for 40 years. It is the cost of pollution, impact on human health and environmental impacts. These costs are not mentioned when calculating the price of energy from coal, but that does not make them less real !
Myth. 2: Renewable energy is still a science fiction
Renewable energy is already widely used in many countries worldwide.
Germany, the strongest economy in Europe already get over 25% of electricity from renewable sources and that this percentage aims to reach 80% by 2050.
In 2012 China generated 104 billion kilowatt / hour of electricity from solar and wind energy.
In early 2013, Portugal has generated over 70% of electricity from renewable sources.
Romania ranks 13 among the most attractive countries for investment in renewable energy projects. With the technology available today, in 2050, Romania can achieve 84% of energy needs from renewable sources.
Myth # 3 - Renewable energy can provide 24/7
The key to obtaining a steady flow of electricity from renewable energy is to use a mix of sources: solar, wind, natural gas and anaerobic digestion plants. With a mix of sources scattered over a large area, we can provide a steady source of energy.
When the sun sets, the production of wind energy generally increases, and if the wind is weaker in the region, will beat stronger in another. During peak periods, biogas and natural gas can supplement energy supply and can be used to cover claims sudden peak.
Myth. 4 - Network can not take renewable energy
The truth is that the country's energy network - system connecting electric power consumers - have renewed, regardless of power source. It would be more efficient to move to a smart grid than to waste money on an old system, which will generate further problems. It is a similar situation with having to choose between repair an old video player or DVD player cun buy again.
Now, unlike many other European states, Romania is taken over the network, with priority energy from coal and nuclear. Find out more information about how the state supports the coal industry abusively.
What is a smart grid?
Smart grid is a system that can connect (and make change) a number of energy sources (solar, wind, etc.), in many different places to provide a constant flow of electricity to users. This allows for the creation of a network of sites that produce electricity which are spread over a wide area.
So, for example, would allow you to put your home solar panels and transmit network extra energy produced. This is one of the factors that make the network "smart" components can "talk" and can "hear" each other, which makes the energy supply to be more flexible and efficient.
Myth. 5 - Renewable energy harm the environment
Birds and bats - a common argument against wind farms is that they kill birds and bats. However, if before build environmental impact assessment is carried out and analyzed migration corridors, the impact is much reduced.
Also, while measures should be taken to minimize the impact of the problem should be analyzed in the context of other projects affecting birds. Coal and nuclear power plants affect more birds, as well as power lines, domestic cats and cars.
Noise: Studies show that noise complaints, especially those related to wind farms often have nothing to do with the sound itself. In most cases it was found that people opposed to wind farms for esthetic reasons - which may be the same TLS coal plants or nuclear power plants. It was discovered that complaints about "noise" quickly diminished when local communities began to receive revenue from renewable energy projects in those areas.
Land use: The land used for renewable energy projects such as wind farms can still be used for agricutural and grazing. International experience shows that cattle are not affected by the presence of wind farms and often go to feed to the base of the wind turbine.
Ecological Footprint of plants by green energy: Unlike coal and nuclear power, renewable energy carbon footprint pays relatively quickly. Depending on where they are manufactured solar panels can cancel your carbon footprint in about four years.
Myth. 6: Greenpeace wants to stop TODAY all coal plants and nuclear plants
Energy development is about a gradual transition to renewable energy, Romania is a model that can be used to reduce the time dependence of coal and nuclear energy, while investing increasingly more applying renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
It can switch to renewable energy, time, and this involves the following three steps:
Increase energy efficiency: it's about smarter energy use, so do more with less electricity.
Investment in renewable energy projects and increase their investment over time.
Stopping investments in new coal plants in atomocentrale while gradually turning power plants as they reach the lifetime limit.
