The answer to the above is of course: “Somewhere else!”
Those desirous of “renewable energy” should take note of tidal power. It is reliable! You see, the Sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow, but the Moon always orbits the Earth!
Twenty Seven Gigawatts (27GW) is the amount of electricity generated were the following tidal barrages constructed (https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/19283/pdf/):
– The “Outer Barrage” proposal (https://www.greatwesternpowerbarrage.com/) in the Bristol Channel (15GW)
– The Solway Firth Barrage (6GW)
– The Morecambe Bay Barrage (4GW)
– North Wales Barrage (https://www.northwalestidalenergy.com/concept) (2GW)
Of course, these projects have not and will not be built!
Reason #1: The political costs borne by the politicians starting the project and the political benefits borne by the politicians taking the credit for the ecological/economic benefits when the project is completed years later. NB: The politicians reaping the rewards can often be the same politicians who campaigned against the project years before!
Reason #2: Private and Institutional investors do not think ultra long term. They want a rapid ROC (Return on Capital) which is why they like wind turbines and solar panels!
Reason #3: Delays due to public objection and the political compromises and delays (leading to massive cost overruns) – see HS2!