When our daily energy requirements are met by ‘Green Energy’, then we are using resources such as wind, tides or geothermal heat. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. When considering elements such as Wind Power and Windmills, in many cases we are looking back at the history of energy production. Regardless of this, we are mainly talking about using modern techniques to offer planet friendly and eco-efficient solutions.
In the home environment, one can see examples such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. For electricity created through roof-installed panels, you would need Photovoltaic Panels or PV’s. Equally important is that of Biomass Energy – which includes Stoves, Fuel, Pellets and Boilers burning Wood. Then we have the ancient energy of the Sun and the heat that comes from it – now called Ground Source Heat Pumps. Finally, we have two of the most traditional forms of energy generation that have gone through some resurgence over the last few years; these being Wind Power, Wind Turbines and Hydropower (including Water Wheels.)
Solar Energy Systems: Typically referred to as Solar Energy this is mainly made up of two types of Solar Panels – each using different methods to achieve similar results. As a first strategy, we have Solar Water Heating Collectors – which basically creates hot water from solar energy. Added to this is the generation of electricity from solar radiation – known as Photovoltaism, or more commonly Solar Electrical panels. Obviously situated away from blockages such as chimneys etc., these Solar Panels need to be mounted on south facing roofs at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal.
With Solar Power being so common within the UK, it’s Solar Water Power that is most often used. Solar Water heating systems can meet the need for more than half of all hot water needs in the domestic market. The average cost of installing this type of equipment is expected to range from 500 to 1500 pounds for a DIY system, through to 2-5k for a professionally installed system.
Biomass Energy: This is a ‘capture all’ phrase which includes all natural materials. e.g. Wood, straw and poultry litter – but nowadays also includes modern ‘Energy Crops’. It is by using these materials in new ways to create energy that makes it so exciting. Furthermore, within the European Markets, the UK is one of the central producers of Biomass fuels. One of the main factors of this style of energy is the result without the impact on C02. To that end, many wood crops come from sustainable sources (as one tree is felled, another is planted in its place; thus the new tree absorbs the CO2 produced during the heating process.)
To meet the need, fast growing trees, known as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) are utilised. Perennial grasses are also responsible for large quantities of dry matter. Within this process also sits the lesser known Agricultural and Municipal Wastes. To begin with, Agricultural Waste is often produced as part of the agricultural process overall. However, waste derived from food or wood is another biomass entity – called Municipal Waste.
Systems Based On Geo-Thermal Energy: The constant energy of the Sun heating the Earth results in both warm water and electricity being produced. Using the ground temperature of around 12 degrees in the UK – we can both heat and cool buildings. Whilst these heat pumps require energy to operate, their rate of return is excellent – being four units produced for every one unit used. A greate return of energy (sometimes almost 100 percent) is produced – because heat source pumps can operate in-line with wind turbines and solar electrical panels.
Wind Energy Programs: Without a doubt, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy production known to man. Whether to your home or to a local grid, when the energy has been generated it must be delivered to a point of usage – and cannot be stored. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource within Europe. The fact remains that in the UK, there exists the ability to realise 10 percent of our electricity requirement from wind power – as opposed to the current value of just 1 percent. Instead of producing electricity at a rate of 2-10p per kWh, we could be generating at 2p per kWh. Because of this, it is estimated that it takes between half a year to three quarters of a year to cover the installation costs.
Within the UK, Hydropower suits the energy generation model. Just like a thousand years ago, we are utilising the energy from water. That aside, it is fair to say that some 2 percent of the UK’s electrical load could come from this source.
A hydropower system uses a turbine to create energy from moving water. By using a dam or a natural river drop, these turbines do not require water storage. A ‘Micro-Hydro’ system creates energy through the use of dams and sluices (that are no longer a part of the national distribution system.) Although a lesser known form of electricity output, this process could supply 200mW of UK demand. When considering the installation cost of items such as this, we’re looking at somewhere between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.
Due to the energy requirements worldwide, ‘Green Energy’ is naturally growing at a fast rate. The UK is very well placed to provide most of the schemes set out above, and the UK domestic market again is one of the key beneficiaries of this technology.
With the bulk of development work in the domestic area, both Plumbers and Electricians are set to capitalise in this area. It is the political view of this type of energy generation that results in grants and financial aid becoming ever-more prevalent. It is by gaining the right certificates that will provide opportunities and job security for the long term. You could consider either plumbing or electrical training programs that highlight green installation.
(C) S. Edwards 2009. Try Click HERE or Renewable Energy Certification.