The remarkable events in the field of alternative energy in 2014
The beginning of 2015 was marked by a restless mood evoked by a fall in prices for oil and by the decreased profitability of the use of renewable sources of energy.
But the market experts believe that the situation is not so hopeless as it may seem at first sight, for a firm foundation for the development of the industry has been laid in the previous years.
In particular, Bangladesh is going ahead to become the first "solar" country. At present 15 millions of persons are provided with the solar energy regeneration systems, and by 2021 it is planned to provide all the households with energy, hitherto they did not have access to it. These results are due to the State Program of Support. Infrastructure Development Company Limited, which is the State Company is engaged in the manufacturing and in the setting up of such complexes. This Company interconnects to the electricity supply network 50 – 60 thousands of households monthly. The program is carried out together with the private investors and non-governmental organizations, the World Bank is the major of them.
Besides, in the framework of this Project, the creation of credit by the state is expected for the companies importing and installing solar panels. Owing to this, the entrepreneurs have a possibility to offer the consumers the reduced tariffs on energy and the payment by installments for the panels.
Besides, the Government of Bangladesh intends to use solar power stations in order to supply the irrigation systems of the country. Presently the very complex works already on Sandwip Island, and by 2017 it is planned to construct another 50 complexes.
The neighboring India does not lack behind. At present the Government of India is negotiating with the investors on possible investments of 100 milliards of dollars on a 7-year term. These means will be directed to the increase of the volumes of solar energy up to 100000 megawatts. The Import-Export Bank of the United States and the American companies such as First Solar and SunEdison Inc may become the main investors. They already carry on business in India and intend to invest another 20 milliards of dollars during the next two years.
According to official statistics, not only the Asiatic countries make their investments in renewable energy sources. The United States and Europe are not going to give up their positions.
In 2014 in Great Britain 125000 solar panels with the total capacity of 700 megawatts have been installed. This tendency is explained not only by an urge towards the ecology improvement but also by the fact that persons using alternative energy have the right to receive considerable breaks in taxation.
Summing up the review, it is essential to mention some promising projects.
- The scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology have made the material capable of processing solar light into vapour, coefficient of efficiency of the material is 85%.
- Solar power station Ivanpah, situated in the Mojave Desert, California has been put into operation. This power station is capable of providing the energy supply of 100000 houses.
- The Dutch Company TNO launched 70-metres cycling track, which consists of solar panels and is capable of providing three apartment houses with energy.
- In Denmark the wind generator has been started up, it provides 7500 households with energy. Its capacity – 8 megawatts.
In the USA the value of energy produced with the help of alternative energy sources is lower than the prices for "traditional" electricity. The solar power stations offer electricity for 72 dollars per megawatt/hour, the wind power stations – 37 dollars per megawatt/hour. For comparison, the tariff of the heat electropower station in the USA is 87 dollars per megawatt/hour.
