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. But in the main, this is the process of utilising modern technology to provide eco-efficient and planet-friendly alternatives.
The range of renewable energy technologies utilised within the home environment includes both Solar Thermal, and Solar Water Heating Collectors. For electricity created through roof-installed panels, you would need Photovoltaic Panels or PV’s. Another key element is that of Biomass Energy, which relates to Stoves and Boilers burning Wood, Fuel and Pellets. Then there are the Ground Source Heat Pumps, which is simply the ground heat created by the Sun. When we think about Wind Power and Hydropower we have two of the more common forms of energy generation.
Thermal Solar 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. Additionally, there is the method of converting solar radiation into electricity known as Photovoltaic – or simply 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. With the ability to provide almost half the annual need for hot water in the house, Solar Water heating systems are very important. Typically, to fit this type of equipment will cost between 500 and 1500 pounds for a DIY kit – all the way up to 2-5k for a full professional fitting.
Biomass Energy Based Systems: This term encompasses all forms of natural products – such as plant and animal material. Due to its adaptability, it can produce a range of energy forms – from heat and electricity through to combinations of both. Indeed, within the European Markets, the UK has some of the leading levels of Biomass material at hand. Added to all this, is the lack of C02 produced as a by-product of the whole process. As each tree felled, it is replaced by another. This helps to reduce the overall effect on C02.
A process called Short Rotation Coppice (SRC), utilising trees such as Willow and Poplar, is used to meet the demands of such ‘Energy Crops’. Also producing high yields of dry matter are the perennial grasses. Within this process also sits the lesser known Agricultural and Municipal Wastes. Agricultural Waste is naturally formed as a by-product of conventional agricultural activity. Whereas Municipal Waste is derived from wood or food – and can be used for biomass energy.
Geo-Thermal Energy Technology: Basically this is the warming of the Earth from the Sun – and is often used in the manufacture of warm water and electricity. Using the ground temperature of around 12 degrees in the UK – we can both heat and cool buildings. With four units replaced for every one unit of energy used, these heat pumps are very effective. This system can go even further – if energy efficient items such as wind turbines or solar electrical panels are used.
Wind Energy Based Systems – Without a doubt, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy production known to man. More recently, there has been the desire to deliver the energy created to the home – or to a local power grid. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource within Europe. It is interesting to note that whilst we can produce 10 percent of our entire power requirement from wind power, at present we only produce 1 percent. Although electricity is still being produced from between 2-10 p per kWh, it could be generated from as little as 2p per kWh. From this, the estimation of the cost recovery period is around 6-9 months overall.
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. In total, this could produce something like 2 percent of all electricity required in the UK.
A hydropower system uses a turbine to create energy from moving water. Utilising natural river runs, or water drop-offs (through dams,) the turbines can work without a reservoir of water. It is by using the eroded national distribution systems, that allows for outdated sluices and dams to be used by techniques known as ‘Micro-Hydro’. This smaller form of electrical output has been recently reviewed and could allocate some 200MW of capacity to the UK system. 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.
‘Green Energy’ is growing – mainly due to the demands of the Western World. 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 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. As a new industry, there are a range of new certificates to gain. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.
(C) 2009 S. Edwards. Pop over to CLICK HERE or Green Engineer Careers.
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