Energy : betting on a greener future

Security and fossil volatility are fundamental challenges to the energy industry, particularly when combined with growing energy poverty and emerging demand. These issues, as well as environmental concerns, were discussed in this paper as potential reasons why the energy industry infrastructure may need to be reconsidered. A review of global supplies of coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, petroleum, biogas, geo-thermal, solar and wind power was provided. Developing new products, upgrading existing equipment, researching alternate fuels were presented as possible options. It was also suggested that globally, governments are enabling greater development of renewable energy by providing incentives, at a faster rate than was anticipated, largely due to the Kyoto Protocol. It is in this environment that wind energy is presented as an energy option for the future. A 1.5 MW turbine family was presented as having added performance reliability. The hybrid generators at Arklow Banks Wind farm in the Irish Sea were also discussed. Common perceptions about wind energy were examined, such as potential trips from the grid, issues concerning stability and system voltage and voltage flicker. The paper concluded by stating that grid integration, policy stability, sound economics, financing and insurance as green credit monetization were all important enablers to the wind power industry. tabs., figs