Harnessing marine renewable energy from Poole Harbour: a case study

摘要

Global warming and its impact on our environment, society and economy is one of the fundamental concerns of our time. In response, the UK Government has implemented numerous targets including the 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on 1990 levels by 2050, and the increase of renewable energy to 15% by 2020. In order to contribute towards these targets, the government may seek to harness the UK's high marine and coastal renewable energy potential. Located in Southwest England, Poole Harbour provides strong potential for producing reliable tidal and heat energy. However, due to the special nature of Poole Harbour, construction in this area may result in conflicts of a social, economic and environmental nature. The purpose of this article is to examine the Poole Harbour case study in order to provide an analysis of the conflicts that arise between the use of renewable energy and the need to safeguard ecosystems.