Introduction
Rural locations, by their very definition, provide a unique challenge in the provision of energy. The remoteness, difficult terrain and exposed nature of many rural locations make the supply from conventional energy sources, such as mains gas and electricity, both difficult and expensive.
Many rural locations depend upon the delivery of bulk fuels for both heating and electricity generation. With the additional cost of delivery and storage of these fuels - as well as the greenhouse gas emissions produced when they are consumed - the potential for alternative, clean sources of energy which make full use of local resources and climatic conditions is of great significance.
The use of small scale renewable technologies in rural locations is not only applicable to the UK and other developed countries; but is of great benefit in developing nations around the world as well. The opportunity to make use of ones surrounding environment in order to produce energy could prove to be one of the most important factors in achieving improved standards of living around the developing world. Hopefully, as small-scale renewable technologies continue to mature, prices will come down and their utilisation can become more widespread.
We believe strongly in the benefits that small scale renewable technologies bring to rural locations and hope this website can make a positive contribution towards their use.
| MSc: Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment | © University of Strathclyde 2010 |