Louise and Nik
It is universally acknowledged that fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, will be
exhausted in the future and the utility of these fuels results in global warming and
climate change. Therefore, it is urgent to switch our energy options to a more
renewable way. However, the transition of energy sources is confronted with various
challenges. High costs of construction and installation of renewable energy impede
entering markets. Compared to market challenges, however, social acceptability of
renewable energy projects is the most significant obstacle to facilitate the
development of renewable energy.
The high upfront capital costs remain the most remarkable obstacle hindering the
adoption of renewable energy projects on a commercial scale. Kariuki (2018), Smith
and Mackay (2014) point out that the high construction costs in comparison with
existing energy sources result in relatively expensive and unaffordable energy prices
to consumers. Due to the high price of renewable energy, consumers are highly
likely to choose cheaper energy options such as fossil fuels. More importantly, fossil
fuel energy technologies are more competitive in terms of price because of
considerable subsidies from government and advantages brought by current
infrastructure and energy-related policies (Kariuki, 2018; Union of Concerned
Scientists, 2017).
Government strategies can be implemented to tackle the market barriers and
promote the transition to renewable energy. Appropriate approaches can formulate a
friendly market condition to reduce the risk of investments (Kariuki, 2018). In
addition, financial support would encourage further research and development, and
facilitate the breakthrough of technologies which may lead to a reduction in the cost
of renewable technologies (Smith and Mackay, 2014).
Although policies and regulations seem to overcome market barriers, social
acceptability remains a more complex obstacle to the adoption of renewable energy.
The construction of renewable energy infrastructure often causes the alteration of
landscapes and land usage. For example, according to Pasqualetti (2011), these
abrupt changes may cause damage to the local environment and even stir up
resistance from the the local residents (Kariuki, 2018; Smith & Mackay, 2014).
Improving the social acceptance of renewable energy infrastructure seems
complicated and unachievable. The key to increasing public awareness and
willingness of adopting renewable energy is that the investors need to cooperate with
local communities to reduce misconceptions of renewable energy and alleviate the
negative influence of changing lifestyle and landscapes (Pasqualetti, 2011).
Additionally, applying this approach needs to take local conditions into consideration
and addressing local communities’ concerns.
Transitioning to renewable energy is inevitable and through the course of energy
transformation, appropriate policy strategies could play a significant role in
addressing market and social obstacles. Even though policies and regulations
facilitate the development of sustainable energy sources, improving the social
acceptability of renewable energy and solving misconceptions needs joint efforts
form legislators, developers and local community so that conflicts and
misunderstandings can be reduced when implementing renewable energy projects.
Overall, an excellent effort, even clearer in places than the original! However, do look
at the minor grammar and vocabulary points raised.