Renewable energy sources: essential for sustainable development

In the first 20 years or so of the new century, the UK could start generating electricity from offshore marine current turbines and new buildings will start to integrate photovoltaics into their roofs and facades.This paper shows how these exciting technologies could enable civil engineers to provide clean, renewable electricity for consumers all over the world—including those currently without electricity. It will also create new jobs—but not in the UK unless the Government's preoccupation with preserving traditional industries is replaced by forward-looking and long-term initiatives.