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RENEWABLE
ENERGY MYTHS
6 M Y T H S A B O U T R E N E WA B L E E N E R G Y,
B LO W N A WAY
Imagine a world free of oil accidents, coal pollution and nuclear waste. A
world where we wouldn’t have to feel helpless in the face of climate change,
because we did everything we could to prevent further warming. A world
where energy was clean, safe and available for all.
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3/13/2018 6 Myths About Renewable Energy, Busted!
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Now, let’s get going!
MYTH 1
R E N E WA B L E E N E RG Y I S TO O
EXPENSIVE
In recent years the costs of wind and solar energy have declined substantially
Today renewable technologies are the most economical solution for new
capacity in a growing number of countries and regions, and are typically the
most economic solution for new grid-connected capacity where good
resources are available.
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3/13/2018 6 Myths About Renewable Energy, Busted!
new coal and gas red power plants and it’s estimated that the plant wil
in Australia. Source cause damage of up to 5.7 bln US$
for every year it operates.
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MYTH 2
R E N E WA B L E E N E RG Y I S N I C E TO H AV E
B U T N OT B I G E N O U G H
Renewable energy technology is ready to go, and it is working reliably in countries around
the world.
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2. By 2050 almost all of global energy 7. Portugal generated more than 70% of its
needs can be met with renewables. Source electricity from renewable energy sources
during the rst quarter of 2013. Source
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3. Germany, Europe's biggest economy, 8. In the US, nine states are getting 12% or
already gets 25% of it’s electricity from more of their electricity from wind. Iowa &
renewables, and is aiming for 80% by 2050. South Dakota exceed 25%. Source
Source
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4. Wind power was Spain's top source of 9. Philippines produces 29% of its
electricity in 2013, ahead of nuclear, coal & electricity with renewables, targeting 40%
gas. Source by 2020. Source
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3/13/2018 6 Myths About Renewable Energy, Busted!
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MYTH 3
R E N E W A B L E E N E R G Y C A N ’ T S U P P LY
ELECTRICITY 24/7
Renewable energy can meet all our energy needs in a safe and reliable way. When the
shares are small, balancing supply and demand goes with the ow as part of the overall grid
management. As shares of wind and solar approach 30% and more, smart integration
becomes important.
The key is to have a mix of sources spread over a wide area: solar and wind power, biogas,
biomass and geothermal sources. In the future, ocean energy can contribute too.
Intelligent technologies can track and manage energy use patterns, provide exible power
that follows demand through the day, use better storage options and group producers
together to form virtual power plants. With all these solutions we can secure the renewable
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3/13/2018 6 Myths About Renewable Energy, Busted!
energy future needed. We just need smart grids to put it all together and e ectively ‘keep
the lights on’.
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MYTH 4
ELECTRICITY GRID CAN’T HANDLE
RENEWABLE ENERGY
An electricity grid – the system that connects power stations to consumers – can handle
large shares of variable renewable energy if it is designed to do so. Adding wind and solar on
top of ‘business as usual’ is not how it works. What’s needed is a gradual transformation of
the whole energy system to accommodate modern energy production and consumption.
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Typically the ones who claim that wind and solar will bring trouble to the grid are the old
players, who failed to take renewable energy seriously and over-invested in fossil fuel
capacities instead. Renewable energy is now eating their pro ts and making their old
business models out-of-date. Source
In reality, Europe, for example, can switch to 77% renewable electricity by 2030 while
maintaining a ordable security of supply. Source
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3/13/2018 6 Myths About Renewable Energy, Busted!
MYTH 5
RENEWABLE ENERGY IS BAD FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT
Birds and bats: A common argument against wind farms is that they kill
birds and bats. However, if environmental impact assesments are
conducted and migratory and local bird population patterns are assesed
before construction, this is avoided completely. It is vital that these
assessments are made to ensure the safety of birds and bats, as with any
development project.
Noise: Studies have shown that noise complaints, especially those related to
wind farms, are often unrelated to actual noise. In most cases it was found
that people were actually opposed to the farms on aesthetic grounds –
which would be the same with coal or nuclear plants. It was also found that
‘noise’ complaints dropped o rapidly when local communities derived
income from the renewable energy projects in question.
Land use: The land used for renewable energy projects, like wind farms, can
still be used for farming and cattle grazing. International experience has
shown that livestock are completely una ected by the presence of wind
farms and will often graze right up to the base of wind turbines.
MYTH 6
G R E E N P E A C E WA N T S TO T U R N O F F A L L
COAL AND NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
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TO D AY
Increase our energy e ciency: This is most important. It is about using our energy
wisely, so that we get more done while using less and less energy.
Shift investments to renewable energy projects, and steadily increase investments
over time.
Stop investing in new fossil fuels and nuclear plants whilst also shutting down old
stations as they reach the end of their lifespans.
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