Renewable energy source in the future

After the earthquake and Tsunami disaster in 2011, Japan had to face a serious shortage of electricity due to rising criticism against atomic power plants. Citizens nearby power plants opposed to restarting plants. As a result, many fire power plants had to be worked with enhanced magnitude. It caused deteriorated air pollution with no doubt.

Renewable energy was also focused in Japan. But Jpan has not enriched the utilization of renewable energy sources yet, compared with some European countries. While there are some reasons, narrow lands seem to be the dominant factor against broadened renewable energy. Few houses in Japan can equip solar panels. Windmills can be built in limited coasts. Ground heat is promising since there are many volcanoes in Japan. But most of the candidate areas are designated as a national park in which artificial buildings are prohibited.

Most of all, the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy sources is inferior to the conventional energy sources. Companies do not believe they are worthy of investment.

However, the balance will be amended. Innovation is expected in this region, whereas the potential of fossil fuels is exhausting. I have heard that the quality of solar panels is hardly improved any more. But according to the article below, there seems much room of enhancement.

The Conversation: Renewables will be cheaper than coal in the future. Here are the numbers

At least until the mid 21st century, fossil fuels will not be exhausted yet. On the other hand, renewable energy will be used more dominantly. And atomic power plants will still face broad criticism, I guess.