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. They’re all considered naturally able to replenish - and thereby ‘Green’. When considering elements such as Wind Power and Windmills, in many cases we are looking back at the history of energy production. However, it is the result of eco-efficient and planet friendly options that this process is maintained.
The home can use a range of new ideas to help with energy usage - including Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. It is equipment such as Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) that develop electricity through suitable roof-panels. Another key element is that of Biomass Energy, which relates to Stoves and Boilers burning Wood, Fuel and Pellets. What shouldn’t be forgotten is the heat stored in the ground from the Sun - often simply referred to as Ground Source Heat Pumps. Not all ‘Green Energy’ is new - by considering Wind Power and Hydropower we are looking at some of the oldest forms of energy production.
Thermal Energy Systems: Also known as Solar Energy, this mainly uses two, albeit different types of solar panels to get the desired results. As a first strategy, we have Solar Water Heating Collectors - which basically creates hot water from solar energy. Then we have the work of the Photovoltaic Heat Collectors, often called Solar Electrical Panels - which transform solar radiation into electricity. Typically, these panels are found on roofs - and need to be away from any light blocks such as trees, chimneys and other buildings.
With Solar Power being so common within the UK, it’s Solar Water Power that is most often used. Solar Water heating systems can provide over 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement during the year. 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.
Systems Utilising Biomass Energy: This is a general term for all forms of plant and animal material e.g. wood, straw, poultry litter and ‘energy crops’. It’s the ability of this power source to generate diverse forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, that makes this so adaptable. It is a useful point to make that the UK is one of the major producers of Biomass fuels within Europe. Added to all this, is the lack of C02 produced as a by-product of the whole process. With a new tree being planted as each is felled, you can see how the C02 produced during heating is minimised - and why the system is deemed sustainable.
By the growth of Short Rotation Crops (SRC), the UK is able to maximise the ‘Energy Crops’ return overall. Also producing high yields of dry matter are the perennial grasses. Equally significant within this practice sit Municipal and Agricultural waste products. As a by-product, Agricultural Waste is simply part of the farming process. However, waste derived from food or wood is another biomass entity - called Municipal Waste.
Systems Based On Geo-Thermal Energy: This is primarily the heating of the Earth (mainly from the sun) and can be utilised in electricity and warm water production. In the UK, we are lucky that we can both heat and cool buildings from the ground source temperature of around 12 degrees. 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: In use for milling grain or pumping water, wind energy has been with us for a very long time, although its modern uses are complex. Where the local power grid demands it, energy can be diverted and sold there. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource within Europe. 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. Instead of producing electricity at a rate of 2-10p per kWh, we could be generating at 2p per kWh. Recovery of the cost involved is somewhere between 6-9 months.
Then there is Hydropower - something within Europe that the UK excels in. The field of using moving water to release energy is a very old technique - albeit we now do this in new ways. In total, this could produce something like 2 percent of all electricity required in the UK.
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. ‘Micro-Hydro’ however, uses the dam and sluice systems that have been made redundant by the larger national distributions. Having said that, this process could still generate 200mW of the National Capacity. The capital cost of installing a micro-hydro system can run between 200 and 3000 pounds per kW of energy output.
It can be seen that the route to ‘Green Energy’ is growing considerably, especially in light of the need for increasing energy outputs throughout the Western World. The UK domestic market appears to be one of the core beneficiaries of this technology.
Electricians and Plumbers in particular are expected to provide the main thrust of domestic installation expertise. It is the political view of this type of energy generation that results in grants and financial aid becoming ever-more prevalent. This is a new industry - but getting the right certification can only improve job security and opportunities for the future. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Try CLICK HERE or Solar Training Courses.
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