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.
Solar 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. Added to this is the generation of electricity from solar radiation – known as Photovoltaism, or more commonly Solar Electrical panels. Typically, these panels are found on roofs – and need to be away from any light blocks such as trees, chimneys and other buildings.
Within Solar Energy overall, Solar Water Power is most commonly used in the UK. Solar Water heating systems are extremely important – and can provide over half of the hot water needs for houses within the UK. The average cost of installing this type of equipment is expected to range from 500 to 1500 pounds for a DIY system, through to 2-5k for a professionally installed system.
Biomass Energy and ‘Energy Crops’ – Historically, this has come from plants and animals, though nowadays this also includes new genetcially engineered ‘energy crops’. As such, this is a very versatile material and can be engineered to produce heat, electricity and a combination of heat and power in the form of electricity. It is interesting to note that the UK has some of the largest quantities of Biomass material to generate electricity within Europe. One of the main factors of this style of energy is the result without the impact on C02. Much of the UK wood crop is sustainable, in order to ensure that C02 produced during any heating process is absorbed.
To meet the need, fast growing trees, known as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) are utilised. Perennial grasses are also responsible for large quantities of dry matter. Of equal importance, although maybe less well known, are Municipal and Agricultural Waste. To begin with, Agricultural Waste is often produced as part of the agricultural process overall. Because it comes from food or wood, Municipal Waste is also considered a useful biomass product.
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 Programs: As an energy source, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy creation in history. That aside, the ability to generate energy and both transfer this into the home or the local grid has been a relatively new option. The ability to utilise wind generation is considered to be greatest in the UK. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind – we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Instead of producing electricity at a rate of 2-10p per kWh, we could be generating at 2p per kWh. Due to this, we are looking at 6-9 months in total to cover the costs.
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.
It is the growing worldwide energy requirement that is causing the growth in ‘Green Energy’. 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. 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.
Written by Scott Edwards. Pop to plumbingcoursesgb.co.uk/GreenEngineerCareers.html or Solar Courses.