Much has happened to change the outlook on renewable energy in the past year. A recession has lowered energy consumption, widening reserve margins for new generating capacity. That factor has probably affected the prospects of new coal, natural gas and nuclear more than it has renewables. Butrnthe financial crisis and lowered economic prospects inexorably entwined with a drastic economic downturn have impaired renewable development. That's because renewables are far more dependent on subsidies than are other forms of power; and even then, produce more expensive electricity than from fossil, hydro or nuclear.
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