Basically, the ‘Green Energy’ idea is how our everyday needs are supplied by natural resources such as wind, tides and even geothermal heat. Collectively they are thought to be ‘Green’ because they are ecologically sound and easy to replace. The older energy skill sets have had value for years, especially when we think of wind power and windmills. However, it is the result of eco-efficient and planet friendly options that this process is maintained.
It is the use of simple renewable energies such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors, that suits the home environment. Next on the list you would find the actual solar electricity Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) – which basically generate electricity through roof-installed panels. A further factor revolves around stoves and boilers – which are known as Biomass Energy. Then there are the Ground Source Heat Pumps, which is simply the ground heat created by the Sun. 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.
Solar Thermal Energy Systems – Also known as Solar Energy, this mainly uses two, albeit different types of solar panels to get the desired results. First, we have Solar Water Heating Collectors, which absorb energy from the Sun and transfer this into hot water. Furthermore, there are the Solar Electrical Panels (more correctly known as Photovoltaic heat collectors) which transform solar radiation into electricity. Solar Panels themselves need to be away from all light blocks, and should be on south facing roofs at angles of 30 degrees from the horizontal plane.
As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy in the UK. With the ability to provide almost half the annual need for hot water in the house, Solar Water heating systems are very important. 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 Systems – Including all natural energy forms derived from plant and animal products – such as wood, straw, poultry litter and ‘energy crops’. Considering its ability to produce energy in the form of heat and electricity, this type of energy is extremely flexible. The ability to generate electricity is one of the UK’s main green strengths – as it has one of the larger Biomass legacies within Europe. It should be borne in mind that the whole process is designed to produce energy without an impact on CO2. Having a tree planted in place of another (that is felled for energy production) helps overall.
A process called Short Rotation Coppice (SRC), utilising trees such as Willow and Poplar, is used to meet the demands of such ‘Energy Crops’. Perennial grasses also produce a high yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may be lesser known, they are essential to the whole process. One natural offshoot of agricultural work is Agricultural Waste. Municipal Waste such as food or wood can also be utilised as a biomass product.
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.
Systems Based On Wind Energy: As an energy source, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy creation in history. However, in more recent times there’s been the option to recover the energy for its own sake – and deliver this either to a home unit or to the local power grid. To be fair, the UK has the highest level of wind generation within Europe. Although, within the UK we currently only utilise 1 percent of electricity from wind, yet the potential rests at a surprising 10 percent. Rather than electricity production running at 2-10 p per kWh, it could be run at 2p per kWh. Recovery of the cost involved is somewhere between 6-9 months.
Last of all there is Hydropower – an area of especial importance to the UK. The ability to utilise energy from moving water, much like wind power, has been going on for thousands of years. That said, this type of energy can generate around 2 percent of the total electrical demand for the UK.
By using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transfer the kinetic energy of moving water into another form. The important thing is that, without having to rely on water storage, the turbines can generate electricity. ‘Micro-Hydro’ however utilises old outdated sluices and dams. This process alone could meet 200mW of the UK requirement. 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.
With the rise in demand for domestic installations, both Electricians and Plumbers are well placed to take advantage of this technology. With ‘Green Energy’ rising up the political agenda in Europe, a range of financial aids and grants are becoming available. It is important to gain the correct qualifications to install these items. Electrical or plumbing training that incorporates green technology could be very useful for the future.
Copyright Scott Edwards. Visit Renewable Energy Certification or Green Engineer Certification.
