Need for Marine Energy
The World's population is expected to grow from 6.1 billion to 8.9 billion by 2050 [1]. The expected growth will result in a significant increase in World Energy demand, placing strain on our current power systems. In parallel with this, there is a developing interest, both governmental and societal in reducing the World's dependence on fossil fuels and producing power with a smaller Carbon footprint. From a European perspective, the latter of these two issues is of more importance since European growth is not expected to be as intense over the given period.
The motivation to produce low carbon Energy has also been accelerated by several factors, aside from Carbon Dioxide emissions. Since the turn of this millennium, Brent Crude Oil prices have risen from around $30 per barrel to over $100 [2]. The expense of Oil has forced governments to look for alternative sources of energy. Another driver in the movement towards low carbon technology is the issue of energy security. Europe has dwindling resources of hydrocarbons and many governments are seeking alternative methods of producing power to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons from unstable or unreliable nations. This issue has been stimulated further by recent events in the Middle East and North Africa.
The motivation to produce low carbon Energy has also been accelerated by several factors, aside from Carbon Dioxide emissions. Since the turn of this millennium, Brent Crude Oil prices have risen from around $30 per barrel to over $100 [2]. The expense of Oil has forced governments to look for alternative sources of energy. Another driver in the movement towards low carbon technology is the issue of energy security. Europe has dwindling resources of hydrocarbons and many governments are seeking alternative methods of producing power to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons from unstable or unreliable nations. This issue has been stimulated further by recent events in the Middle East and North Africa.
Figure 3: Brent Crude Oil Spot Price 1960-2011
[1] United Nations. World Population To 2300. p4, 2004.
[2] BVG Associates. Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters: How the projects could be built. p6, May 2011
[2] BVG Associates. Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters: How the projects could be built. p6, May 2011