It is by using natural resources such as tidal or wind energy – collectively known as ‘Green Energy’ – that we could meet our daily energy needs. When ‘Green’, they are all thought to be replenishable and natural. Often, by going back in time, we can see the value of wind power and windmills as modern energy sources. However, it is the result of eco-efficient and planet friendly options that this process is maintained.
Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors are examples of what can be used in your house as part of renewable energy technologies. Next on the list you would find the actual solar electricity Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) – which basically generate electricity through roof-installed panels. Following on from this is a process known as Biomass Energy – which includes Boilers burning wood and other fuels. There is also the ground heat from the Sun – now known as Ground Source Heat Pumps. At the end there are two of the most mature forms of energy production in the UK – albeit renamed now to Wind Turbines and Hydropower.
Thermal Energy Systems: This technology is based around two core types of system. Making hot water from solar energy is the first stage – and is known as Solar Water Heating Collection. Solar Electrical panels or Photovoltaic heat collectors transfer solar radiation into electricity. To get the best results these panels need to be south facing at an angle of around 30 degrees from horizontal, and away from blockages.
With Solar Power being so common within the UK, it’s Solar Water Power that is most often used. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. Getting a professional fitting will cost around 2-5k, however, doing the job yourself could make it as low as 500 to 1500 pounds in total.
Biomass Energy and ‘Energy Crops’ – In the modern world this now includes genetically engineered ‘Energy Crops’ – but it also takes in natural plant and animal substances. Considering its ability to produce energy in the form of heat and electricity, this type of energy is extremely flexible. It is interesting to note that the UK has some of the largest quantities of Biomass material to generate electricity within Europe. The lack of C02 given out by this form of energy is another positive element in the whole process. 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.)
‘Energy Crops’ trees such as Willow and Poplar play a major part in the process – under the banner of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Also producing high yields of dry matter are the perennial grasses. Other less known materials within this field are Agricultural and Municipal Waste. As a by-product, Agricultural Waste is simply part of the farming process. Of equal importance is Municipal Waste, which comes from recycyled wood and food.
Geo-Thermal Energy Systems… By naturally heating the Earth, the Sun has the potential to generate both warm water and electricity. By using the ground source temperature of approximately 12 degrees, we can either heat or cool buildings within the UK. Although heat pumps require energy to function, their rate of return is superb – being a four-fold benefit over the energy put in. 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 Based Systems – Wind Energy as a sustainable source of energy has been going on for millennia. Recently though, there has been the trend to generate energy and deliver this onto the local grid. The ability to utilise wind generation is considered to be greatest in the UK. Potentially, we can produce 10 percent of our annual energy needs through wind power, although at present within the UK we still only use 1 percent. Frankly, electricity can be realised from as little as 2p per kWh – as opposed to the current level of 2-10 p per kWh. Recovery of the cost involved is somewhere between 6-9 months.
Lastly, we have a discipline that the UK does well – namely Hydropower. Having said that, the art of using energy from moving water (just like wind power) is very traditional. Within the UK, this form of energy production is responsible for somewhere in the region of 2 percent of all electrical needs.
Using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transform the energy of water into other forms. No water reservoirs are required – as the turbines either run through a water drop-off system or the natural power of the river. Alternatively, ‘Micro-Hydro’ systems use hitherto outdated sluices and dams to generate electricity. Having said that, this process could still generate 200mW of the National Capacity. Between 200 pounds and 3k per KW of energy output, is a good estimate of the overall cost of a project such as this.
The demand on ‘Green Energy’ continues to develop – in light of the energy demands worldwide. The UK remains one of the main beneficiaries of this technology.
Electrician and Plumbers are thought to be key in providing expertise during domestic installations. With EEC and UK recognition of renewable energy getting ever-higher on the political agenda, the grants and financial aid for introduction of these systems can only increase. Gaining installation certification across these areas can only provide further opportunity and job security to anyone already in related fields or looking to retrain. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.
Written by Scott Edwards. Browse around Electrical Training Courses or CLICK HERE.