The challenges faced by the renewable energy industry are many. Political pressures, government policies, corporate influence, age-old infrastructure, lack of proper battery storage system, and present market scenario stand in its way for a wider adoption worldwide.
Despite these factors, renewable energy has undertaken a global adoption as a means to alleviate climate change. It is free of direct pollution and carbon emissions. It is the most feasible substitute for fossil fuels. With time it is becoming an inevitable part of the mix of energy production.
The high initial cost of installation.
Carbon emissions are the main cause of global warming. Many efforts have been taken to increase its adoption. However, the cost is an important factor affecting its adoption. One of the stumbling blocks on the way to its development is the high initial cost of installation.
Of all the energy sources, solar as well as wind is the cheapest ones. However, there is a huge difference in the upfront installation cost of a solar power system and a gas-fired plant. The installation cost of largescale solar power systems is around $2,000 per kilowatt. Likewise, for a small-scale residential system, it is around $3,700 and for a new gas-fire plant, it is $1,000 per kW only. Certainly, the wide margin in installation costs matters. This high upfront installation cost makes investors and lenders think of renewables as high risk whereas they find fossil fuel plants more acceptable due to their low installation costs.
Lack of infrastructure
Wind and solar energy can be better investments when lifespan costs are considered. Lack of infrastructure is a barrier to renewable energy development. The present infrastructure is mainly built for fossil fuel plants and nuclear plants.
The existing energy infrastructure needs urgent reform as it is not capable of handling large amounts of renewable energy. most importantly, some of its best sources are left with no infrastructure at all.
The main problem with the power grid is its age. Most electric transmission and distribution lines were constructed during the 1950s and 1960s. It has passed its 50-year life expectancy. Therefore, making them incompetent to meet the demand of the hour and the severe climatic changes.
It is much of a challenge to decide on the size of the solar system. If the system is too small, consequently energy generation will be hard to build.If the solar energy system is too big, therefore it needs a big energy storage system. Without a high-capacity storage system, the energy produced will go to waste.
Power Storage
Most importantly, the lack of power storage at an affordable cost is another drawback. Renewable energy sources generate most of their energy at certain times of the day. Its electricity generation does not match with the peak demand hours. The intermittency of sunshine and wind cannot provide an on-demand power source 24 hours a week. Solar energy and wind are unpredictable. There is volatility in generation and volatility in loads.
Energy generation by the burning of fossil fuels is more consistent. On the other hand, intermittent power generation by renewable energy sources poses a need for an efficient battery storage system. A battery storage system helps to store the surplus energy for later use. It can help with grid instability, thereby preventing blackouts. Technological advancement has improved the longevity and battery capacity of the storage system. Its high cost stands in its way of being wide installation. Battery prices have to come down to make storing of solar energy more cost-effective.
Non-renewable energy monopoly
The Loin share of the current energy market is under non-renewable energy sources. Certainly, this acts as another obstacle. Solar, wind, and other renewable sources of energy have to rival the well-established fossil fuel industry. Even though the government is providing rebates and other support for solar energy, the fossil fuel industry has massive support from the government.
The Fossil fuel industry hinders the adoption of clean energy by undermining climate change. Renewable energy sources are the best way to deal the climate change. Fossil fuels have been part of human life for a long time. Subsequently, It has its roots deep in the economy of the country.
Lack of knowledge and awareness
Lack of knowledge and awareness of renewable energy technology makes people reluctant to use it.Fossil fuel plants are usually in populated areas. It is a source of employment for the local population as it needs a lot of people to run. The huge property tax from fossil fuel plants is going to support the local community.
Being the world’s largest exporter of coal, Australia is hindering global climate action. Many countries have supported renewable investment since Paris Agreement in 2015. Therefore, renewable investment tops fossil fuel investment in those countries now.
Lack of policies, subsidies, etc
The lack of policies, subsidies, incentives, and regulations that favour renewable energy technologies hinders its wide acceptance. To attract investors, the renewable energy market needs clear policies and legal procedures. In other words, The government has to introduce and implement support policies to strengthen the renewable energy market.
Corporate lobbying, political pressure, and inherent dependence on fossil fuels remain as challenges in shifting to the renewable energy industry from the age-old fossil fuel industry.
The dangers of climate change have started affecting human lives to a great extent. Above all, the adoption of renewable energy is the only way out. With various government incentives and subsidies, the cost of renewable energy has dropped dramatically. Now there is not much difference between them and fossil fuels price per kWh. Certainly, this has helped it capture a place in the energy market.
A hike in electricity prices, a drop in solar prices, and an increased feed-in tariff has made many Australians turn to solar. Australia has over 2.3 million solar rooftop installations. Therefore, most Australians enjoy the benefits of solar energy.
Related articles:-
Common problems with the rooftop solar system
Risks of roof-mounted solar panels. How to avoid it
I've been trained on a vast dataset spanning multiple domains, including renewable energy, environmental science, and policy. My responses are informed by a comprehensive understanding of these topics up to my last update in January 2022. I've assisted numerous users in understanding complex subjects, from energy systems to climate change mitigation strategies.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
-
Renewable Energy Industry Challenges:
- Political Pressures: Governments worldwide have different priorities, and political agendas can influence support for renewable energy.
- Government Policies: The regulatory environment can either encourage or discourage renewable energy investments.
- Corporate Influence: Large fossil fuel companies may have vested interests in opposing renewable energy adoption.
- Age-old Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure designed for fossil fuels may not be suitable for renewable energy integration.
- Battery Storage System: Storage is crucial for managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
- Market Scenario: The energy market's dynamics, influenced by supply, demand, and pricing, play a role in renewable energy adoption.
-
Global Adoption of Renewable Energy:
- Alleviating climate change is a significant driver for global renewable energy adoption.
- Renewable energy is seen as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing pollution and carbon emissions.
-
Cost Implications:
- High Initial Installation Cost: While solar and wind energy might be cheaper in the long run, their upfront installation costs can deter investors.
- Comparison of Costs: The article compares the installation costs of solar systems to gas-fired plants, highlighting the disparity.
-
Infrastructure Limitations:
- Power Grid Age: Aging infrastructure, especially in transmission and distribution, poses challenges for renewable energy integration.
- System Sizing: Determining the appropriate scale for renewable energy systems is essential to ensure efficiency and avoid wastage.
-
Power Storage:
- Intermittency: Solar and wind energy are intermittent, necessitating efficient storage solutions.
- Battery Technology: Advances in battery technology can address storage challenges, but cost remains a barrier.
-
Non-renewable Energy Dominance:
- Market Share: Fossil fuels dominate the current energy market, creating a competitive landscape for renewables.
- Government Support: Subsidies and policies supporting fossil fuels can hinder renewable energy growth.
-
Knowledge and Awareness Gap:
- Public awareness and understanding of renewable energy technologies can influence adoption rates.
-
Policy and Regulatory Framework:
- Incentives: Governments can promote renewable energy through subsidies, tax breaks, and favorable regulations.
- Corporate Influence: Lobbying and political pressures from fossil fuel industries can influence policy decisions.
-
Climate Change and Renewable Energy:
- Renewable energy adoption is crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- Cost reductions, driven by incentives and technological advancements, have improved the competitiveness of renewable energy.
Related articles:
- Common Problems with Rooftop Solar Systems: Discusses technical and operational challenges faced by rooftop solar installations.
- Risks of Roof-mounted Solar Panels and How to Avoid Them: Addresses safety, maintenance, and installation risks associated with rooftop solar panels.
The renewable energy sector's complexities require a multi-faceted approach, encompassing technological innovation, policy support, and public awareness to drive sustainable growth.
