ABSTRACT
Even when novel energy technologies have passed through the research phase successfully, it is sometimes hard for them to get support for full-scale implementation. The existing financial and institutional arrangements and priorities often do not favour new technologies. This chapter looks at some of the financial problems that have faced renewables, using tidal power as an example. The difficulty of promoting energy conservation is also examined, using the experience of the UK’s Energy Saving Trust as an example. Finally, the question is introduced of how public acceptance for novel energy technologies can be gained – since this is the ultimate hurdle in the implementation process.
