dgp4indy

Renewables

Could Offshore Energy Become Cheaper Than Onshore?

‘New report from Cornwall Insight suggests plummeting offshore wind costs and strict onshore planning rules could see the cheapest form of new power move offshore. Onshore wind is currently thought to be the cheapest form of new generating capacity available in the UK, but could its crown soon be challenged by its offshore cousin? That is the question posed by a new analysis by influential energy research specialist Cornwall Insight, which suggests offshore wind is likely to surpass onshore wind power to become the new cheapest source of new energy in less than 10 years. The assumption has long been that the costs associated with installing and maintaining turbines at sea will continue to more than offset the higher yields enjoyed as a result of stronger and more reliable winds, meaning onshore wind farms would continue to offer the more cost- effective option. However, Cornwall Insight’s new projections suggest the emergence of a new generation of giant offshore wind turbines coupled with on-going planning restrictions for onshore turbines could see offshore projects undercut their onshore equivalent on a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) basis by around 2028.’
thoughtcontrolscotland.com

Scottish Renewable Energy Supply Up 28% In One Year

In Energy Voice today: ‘Renewable energy is now able to meet more than 70% of Scotland’s energy requirement, according to new stats. The 2017 data, released today by the Scottish Government, shows that renewable electricity sources are now able to meet 70.1% of Scotland’s energy demand, up from 54.4% in 2016. The new figures break previously held records for renewable demand in Scotland. The rise is largely attributed to more wind being used to produce renewable electricity, with an extra 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity coming online in 2017.’ https://www.energyvoice.com/otherenergy/188941/renewable-energy-meets-over-70-of-scotlands-needs/ Remember, this is 2017 data. Given the overall trend, the figure for 2018 will be much higher again.
https://thoughtcontrolscotland.com/2018/12/21/renewable-energy-supply-up-28-8-in-only-one-year/

Scotland's Energy Production To Link To Norway

‘Plans for a giant energy cable linking the north-east with Scandinavia could be given the go ahead this week. The North Connect Project will link Peterhead to Norway with a 415-mile cable, and it is hoped the move can boost the renewable markets in Scotland and Europe. The link will have a capacity of 1400MW and will go under the North Sea from Simadalen in Norway to a site near Boddam.’ The interconnector will allow energy to be shared between Scotland and Norway, meaning hydro power from Norway can be transferred to Scotland when local renewable sources such as wind power cannot meet demand, and vice versa for periods where Norwegian sources are struggling.’
https://thoughtcontrolscotland.com/2019/01/15/scotlands-energy-production-to-link-with-norway/