Abstract
In seeking both to tackle climate change and ensure that the UK has a secure supply
of affordable energy, the UK Government is proposing a significant expansion in the
generation of energy from renewable sources. Under the Renewable Energy
Directive, the UK is committed to providing renewable sources for 15% of its total
energy use by 2020. While there is considerable theoretical potential, a number of
socio-economic constraints threaten the achievement of this target. This research
develops a more quantitative understanding of such constraints for two renewable
energy sources with significant potential; perennial energy crops, and onshore wind
power. For perennial energy crops such as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Willow,
and Miscanthus, a major constraint is the extent to which UK farmers will commit
land to the production of these relatively novel crops. For onshore wind power, a key
constraint is that of public perception, related primarily to the visual impact on
landscapes. The research uses a number of approaches, drawing on socialpsychology techniques, mathematical programming, and cost-benefit analysis, to
develop a better understanding of the nature and extent of key barriers. As a result, a
number of policy relevant findings lead to the identification of cost-effective ways in
which barriers to development can be addressed.
