Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

Assignment- 02

Course No. ME 413

Course Name: Energy and Environment

Submitted by,
Shaumik Rahman Ayon
Student ID: 201510028
Department: ME
Level – 4, Term -1

Date of Submission: 13-11-2020

 “I have read and understand the Student Pledge of Academic
Integrityand declare to abide by the stated policy”

What are the most important factors holding back the transition of
the existing energy system to renewable energy sources?

1. Power to Space Ratio: Space required for renewable technologies are currently
much higher than fossil fuel alternatives.

2. High Initial Cost: Though renewable power plants are often cheaper to run; they
require a high initial investment. It makes them non favorable from investor’s
perspective.

3. Immature Technology: Renewable technologies are still in their development

phase. Unlike fossil fuel alternatives, often these are not tried and tested solutions.
Moreover, research in renewable technologies is still slow.

4. Uneven Competition: Renewable energy is becoming relevant from last few

decades. The research and development of non-renewable technologies are
substantially ahead in competition and already well established in market.

5. Previous Investments of Big Players: There is a huge investment made in non-

renewable energy sourcing, distribution and marketing. Big companies often try to
hold their market position and continue making profit from their past investments
pushing renewable energy farther back in the race.

6. Politics: World leaders are sometimes seen to deny the existence of

environmental changes. Lack of political support makes the situation unfavorable.

7. Unawareness of Mass People: Still majority of people are unaware of

environmental consequences of fossil fuel and unwilling to shift towards cleaner
technologies by stepping out of comfort zone. This may be identified as the most
important factor against renewable technologies.