When our daily energy requirements are met by ‘Green Energy’, then we are using resources such as wind, tides or geothermal heat. Collectively they are thought to be ‘Green’ because they are ecologically sound and easy to replace. 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. Equally there is electricity that is generated through roof-installed panels. Equally important is that of Biomass Energy – which includes Stoves, Fuel, Pellets and Boilers burning Wood. Then there are the Ground Source Heat Pumps, which is simply the ground heat created by the Sun. 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 Thermal Energy – This technology is based around two core types of system. To begin with, we have the concept of drawing energy from the Sun to heat water – known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Secondly, Photovoltaic heat collectors – often simply referred to as Solar Electrical Panels – which transform the solar radiation into electricity. Across the board, Solar Panels should be mounted on a south facing roof, at an angle of 30 degrees away from horizontal – and to some extent away from blocking trees, surrounding buildings and chimneys.
As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy in the UK. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. 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: Historically, this has come from plants and animals, though nowadays this also includes new genetically engineered ‘energy crops’. 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. Considering all this, and the relative lack of C02 produced, makes the whole process highly green overall. As each tree felled, it is replaced by another. This helps to reduce the overall effect on C02.
By the growth of Short Rotation Crops (SRC), the UK is able to maximise the ‘Energy Crops’ return overall. Perennial grasses are also responsible for large quantities 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. Whereas Municipal Waste is derived from wood or food – and can be used for biomass energy.
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. Although heat pumps require energy to function, their rate of return is superb – being a four-fold benefit over the energy put in. By using energy from solar electrical panels or wind turbines to power them, heat source pumps can be almost 100 percent renewable in energy production.
Wind Energy: Wind Energy as a sustainable source of energy has been going on for millennia. That aside, the ability to generate energy and both transfer this into the home or the local grid has been a relatively new option. To be fair, the UK has the highest level of wind generation 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. Overall, electricity could be generated from as low as 2p per kWh – instead of the current 2-10 p per kWh. Recovery of the cost involved is somewhere between 6-9 months.
Hydropower is a method that suits the UK energy production system. 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.
Using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transform the energy of water into other forms. By using a dam or a natural river drop, these turbines do not require water storage. ‘Micro-Hydro’ however utilises old outdated sluices and dams. This smaller form of electrical output has been recently reviewed and could allocate some 200MW of capacity to the UK system. Installing systems like this could cost between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.
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. To be fair, the UK domestic market is actually leading the resurgence, with a variety of schemes.
With the rise in demand for domestic installations, both Electricians and Plumbers are well placed to take advantage of this technology. Not only in the EEC, but also in the UK, ‘Green Energy’ is rapidly gaining ground as the way forward – and a range of financial incentives are in place to support this. Getting the right qualifications can often provide job security in a new field such as this. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.
Copyright Scott Edwards 2009. Check out squidoo.com/ElectricianTrainingCourses or HERE.
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