Is Green Energy a Worthwhile Investment?

With fossil fuels running out and petrol, oil and gas prices rising as a result, many people are striving to find a replacement energy source. Some favour the use of hydraulic fracturing, better known as fracking, which could open up access to vast resources of previously inaccessible natural gas and oil, but is not without its safety concerns. Others prefer to invest in nuclear energy, though it too has concerns about plant safety, waste disposal and the obvious link to the nuclear weapons industry. Finally, there is green energy: clean, renewable sources such as wind, solar and wave power. These are unlimited, safe to use and do not harm the environment.

Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, although a world powered entirely by renewables is the dream, achieving it is far easier said than done. The installation of wind and water turbines and solar panels – not to mention their maintenance and the methods of storing and distributing the energy they harvest – has traditionally been an incredibly expensive process. This, coupled with the limited power they produce in comparison to burning fossil fuels has historically made them an unattractive prospect for potential investors. Which brings about an important question: is green energy a worthwhile investment? 

The Turning of the Tide?

However, in recent years, these costs have plunged significantly, as technological advances have facilitated easier and cheaper construction methods. When viewed alongside the rocketing prices of fossil fuel energies, renewables suddenly don’t seem such a bad idea. This is especially true when we take into account the fact that the EU has imposed strict regulations on all member states, indicating that the UK, among others, will be obliged to employ green energy in the immediate future in order to reduce their carbon footprint. In order to reach targets for 2020, a further £200 billion of investment will be required.

Though the figure itself seems astronomical, studies show that the tide of opinion regarding green energy is turning. The article Green Energy is a Favoured Investment in the UK discusses how a poll conducted in December 2013 found that renewables were the second favourite investment industry, after property, amongst Britons – and were the top choice among 19-24-year-olds. Such figures, especially from the youth of the UK, are promising for the future of renewables in Britain.

Environmentally Conscious Trailblazers

Furthermore, with conscientious companies like the Leo Group doing their bit to raise awareness in renewables and leading by example, it can be hoped that other corporations will sit up and take notice, and desist from viewing green energy as a high-risk and low-return investment choice. Indeed, figures show that investors rarely make a loss on renewables – and the potential returns are increasing all the time. For more information on the pioneering work done by the Leo Group, check out the article £250,000 Invested into New Wind Turbine at Bradford Site from April of this year.

Green energy is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment in terms of ethics and the care of our planet. Now, with reducing costs in installation and improved projections of returns, it can also be a worthwhile financial investment.