One of the reasons renewable energy projects do not appear to be getting the same degree of support (financially) as more well-established forms of energy is that we do not have the infrastructure or the storage ability required to allow renewable energy to take over the bulk of total energy demand.  The transmission grid needs a large expansion and upgrade before we are able to move energy from where it is being generated to where it is needed (Harris, 2013).  More importantly, there is no storage ability with current technology.  Without storage ability, renewable energy cannot be developed beyond the point where such energy’s total share of the market hits its capacity level (Jenkins, 2014).  It is a great deal easier to cycle a nuclear plant during non-peak times than it is to stop a hydro-electric dam during fish migration.  Private equity does back a great many projects in the renewable energy market but a significant return on investment is not yet available because of the enormous amount of money required for research, development and infrastructure.  At this time, non-renewable energy is still less expensive and more lucrative.  Until that shifts, the nuclear and non-renewable energy market will continue to receive more support.

There are a number of niche opportunities in the renewable energy market that come to mind, especially in light of the estimated $100 trillion dollars that will be spent to build the system.  First, because the market is in its relative infancy, we are still developing local, regional, national, and global regulations that will govern this industry.  A company that is well versed on all of the regulations and issues will be of tremendous benefit to government agencies and private industry alike. Another possibility for a niche opportunity is that of recycling.  This may take the form of battery recycling or PV panel recycling.  As we become more reliant on renewable energy, it is important to understand that some of the components that will be used and, ultimately, wear out are going to require special handling and proper disposal.  Of course, it goes without saying that storage development is also another critical niche opportunity as is energy management, including software applications and distribution.

References

Harris, R. (2013, December 02). Slashing fossil fuel consumption comes with a price. NPR. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/2013/12/02/248230187/slashing-fossil-fuel-consumption-comes-with-a-price

Jenkins, J. (2014, April 15). Can nuclear power and renewable energy learn to get along? The Energy Collective. Retrieved from Jenkins, J. (2014, April 15). Can nuclear power and renewable energy learn to get along? Retrieved from The Energy Collective website: http://theenergycollective.com/jessejenkins/368706/can-nuclear-power-and-renewable-energy-learn-get-along