5 common misconceptions about Renewable Energy

by Johanna Fernandez

Renewable energy (RE) has certainly been getting more global attention now than in past decades. There’s been a massive volume of success stories surfacing, on small- and large-scale renewable energy projects all around the world.

But for all its recent feats, it has yet to become a household word, particularly here in Southeast Asia. In my opinion, this is because many are still wedged on their initial impressions of RE, when it has already proven to be cost-effective, if not the only practical choice.

I’m saying that just as there are climate deniers, there are also RE doubters, and perhaps this is what’s keeping this promising technology from entering the mainstream consciousness.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions espoused by some sceptics I know, and my answers to each one.

1. “Renewable Energy is unaffordable.”
From the get-go, the statement that Renewable Energy is expensive is flat out incorrect, because hydro, geothermal, and biomass are already cheaper than fossil fuel-fired power. And unlike coal-fired plants and others, clean energy sources like solar and wind don’t have input costs–sunlight and wind are free.

Moreover, our region is lucky to have abundant natural resources. This means that Southeast Asia is in the best position to lead a global clean energy revolution.

2. “Renewable energy is new and unreliable.”
It might be interesting to note that before the expansion of coal during the industrial revolution, nearly all energy used was renewable. And now that we’re realizing the negative impacts of fossil fuels to our environment, health, and economy, clean energy is making a hopefully permanent comeback.

It’s true that most renewable energy systems rely on the weather for their source of power. The key to this is getting a constant supply of electricity from renewable energy is to have a mix of sources: solar and wind power, natural gas, and anaerobic digestion plants. By having a mix of sources which are spread over a wide area, we ensure there will always be a supply of energy.

3. “It’s not a realistic choice for developing countries.”
This misconception may be derived from the first—that RE is expensive—though it may also have to do with the fact that most of the recent breakthroughs come from developed countries. But just because advances in our region get limited global hype doesn’t mean we have none.

For instance, it’s not very well known that the Philippines is the world’s second largest generator of geothermal energy, or that Singapore aspires to become the RE research and development hub for the region and beyond.

Aside from the vast renewable resources, Southeast Asian nations also possess an amazing quality: innovativeness. From music to architecture, to language and lifestyle, we’re known to always find ways to pick up the most useful advancements from the West, and turn them into something better and unique. So why can’t we adopt this highly beneficial technology?

4. “They should do it first.”
It’s not a secret that some of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters are the same nations that are refusing to do their part in the global fight against climate change. But this shouldn’t hinder us from parting ways with fossil fuel energy for our own good.

Asking other countries to abandon their dirty ways while we stick with ours is ironic and hypocritical. It’s as ridiculous as claiming you’re vegetarian before ordering a steak, or calling someone “judgmental” at first meeting.

To convince the worst GHG emitters to shift to RE, we need to show them that we—the countries that are the least able to cope with climate impacts—want actual change. And if we want actual change, we don’t just ask them. We show them how it’s done and say, “if we can do it, so can you.”

5. “My say in this doesn’t count.”
Climate change and renewable energy are still intimidating topics for many. Often, this causes them to take on a passive attitude, leaving the debating and deciding to those attending the international climate talks.

But this all-encompassing issue affects our region in so many ways. And because we’re the ones who would inevitably suffer its impacts, we should be the ones leading the discussions. We need to speak up and convince our leaders to take concrete actions for our future.

There’s no shortage in the means by which we can get our voices out there. The internet, for instance, has levelled the playing field and democratized our capability to engage with people in power. The only question is how we’ll make use of them to take part in the defining struggle of our time.

About the author:
Johanna writes online content for Greenpeace Southeast Asia-Philippines. She is also a poet and independent musician.