The Scandinavian Effort to Globalize Renewable Energy

Scandinavia incorporates green energy.

The whole world is going green as attempts to implement the use of renewable energy surface all across the planet. This goal rests most ambitiously in the hands of the Scandinavian countries, which happen to be the leaders of renewable energy projects. These countries have taken positive steps in incorporating various renewable energy methods in hopes of making a global impact.

One of the most common projects revolves around wind power, or more specifically, wind turbines. Wind power is now widely used all across Europe, with many wind farms being based within the borders of Scandinavian nations.

Are Smart Meters the Answer?

Then there is the issue of smart meters. Smart meters are electrical meters that are used to measure the electric energy that is consumed and provide constant feedback on the usage. They are used for the purpose of recording energy consumption and for regulating this consumption. The goals are to limit carbon emissions and to lower energy bills, leading to a greener environment. In the Scandinavian countries, smart meters were introduced following a decision by Sweden in 2003 that required their installation. Other Scandinavian countries followed with their own legislation.

Smart metering solutions are developed by companies such as POWRtec (OTCBB:POWT), based in California. Thanks to these smart meters, companies and individual households can measure their energy in real-time and use their resources more efficiently. According to the company’s website, “POWRtec’s intelligent meters are unique as they can communicate directly with power-draining devices such as air-conditioners and fridges, resulting in huge power savings.” Using smart meters is one method of quickly cutting carbon emissions at low costs, since these meters can be placed anywhere.

The Problems with Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are also an effective method of reducing carbon emissions but they present several problems. There is a limit as to how many wind turbines can be placed in a single area, and which areas they can actually be placed in. Additionally, there is growing concern over their impact on the environment. Wind turbines convert wind energy into rotational energy, and this is a form of renewable energy production. Wind turbines that generate energy are also known as wind turbines.

At some point, there were about 200,000 wind turbines in Europe, but that number decreased significantly after the industrial revolution. However, the number of wind turbines has been increasing since the 1980s, and in the 1990s they popped up like mushrooms after the rain all over Denmark. They are one of the answers to the concerns surrounding energy security, global warming, and the reduction of fossil fuel being that they are a beneficial source of renewable energy. 48 percent of all wind turbines are in Europe.

Wind turbines cause some problems, mainly health problems. Prior to the installation of a wind farm, several steps are taken to ensure that it can be located in the particular environment without having effects on people, plants, animals, and birds in those areas. However, people often complain about body aches, headaches, dizziness, sleep problems, leading to what is known as the Wind Turbine Syndrome. This is caused by the high intensity, low frequency sound of the wind turbines that is found to have an effect on the body, and not just the human body but on pets as well. Wind turbines have also been the cause of several bird deaths.

Renewable Energy – The Best Choice

Overall, wind turbines are beneficial for the environment as long as they are located in deserted areas in which they don’t pose a threat to nature. They help reduce carbon emissions and meet the electricity demands. Scandinavian nations once saw wind turbines as the key to a greener future, but this is changing. One of the reasons is the high cost of wind power. Both offshore and onshore wind farms are costly, but of the two, offshore wind farms, which produce more electricity, are more expensive. Onshore wind turbines are the ones which cause the most concern to local residents.

Therefore, there is a need for cheaper renewable energy methods. Would smart meters be the answer? Possibly, since smart meters are just one of the cheaper alternatives. Although wind energy is expensive, it is less expensive than the costs of fossil fuels, which also happen to create more carbon dioxide. The demand for renewable energy becomes greater each year.

Scandinavian countries were ahead of the game in terms of renewable energy and this is unlikely to change due to their set goals of further reducing carbon emissions. Now all that is left to do is figure out a way to reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy, that is both safe for the environment and fits into the government’s budget. Renewable energy is an idea of the future, and the demand for it will grow as the years progress. Companies such as POWRtec are eyed as potential investments because this industry is expected to grow even more. Keep companies like POWRtec on your radar because not only do they help make the planet more sustainable, but they are also a decent addition to your portfolio.