When our daily energy requirements are met by ‘Green Energy’, then we are using resources such as wind, tides or geothermal heat. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. 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 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.

Within Solar Energy overall, Solar Water Power is most commonly used in the UK. Solar Water heating systems can meet the need for more than half of all hot water needs in the domestic market. The cost of fitting depends on whether you do it yourself (500 to 1500 pounds) or whether you get a professional fitter – in which case it will cost between 2-5k overall.

Biomass Energy Based Systems: This is a ‘capture all’ phrase which includes all natural materials. e.g. Wood, straw and poultry litter – but nowadays also includes modern ‘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. Furthermore, within the European Markets, the UK is one of the central producers of Biomass fuels. It is the minimal C02 produced, alongside the actual energy production, that makes this attractive to the markets. To that end, many wood crops come from sustainable sources (as one tree is felled, another is planted in its place; thus the new tree absorbs the CO2 produced during the heating process.)

Within this field is the need for the use of ‘Energy Crops’, such as fast growing trees, e.g. Willow and Poplar or other entities grown on a Short Rotation Coppice (SRC). Of equal importance is the production of perennial grasses – because of their yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may be lesser known, they are essential to the whole process. Agricultural Waste is commonly formed as a by-product of traditional agricultural work. Whereas Municipal Waste is derived from wood or food – and can be used for biomass energy.

Geo-Thermal Energy Systems… By naturally heating the Earth, the Sun has the potential to generate both warm water and electricity. Heating or cooling properties in the UK can be achieved using the ground source heat temperature of around 12 degrees centigrade. With four units replaced for every one unit of energy used, these heat pumps are very effective. 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 Systems: Without a doubt, wind energy has to be one of the oldest forms of energy production known to man. Recently though, there has been the trend to generate energy and deliver this onto the local grid. 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. Although electricity is still being produced from between 2-10 p per kWh, it could be generated from as little as 2p per kWh. Therefore, recovery of cost takes approximately 6-9 months overall.

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.

By using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transfer the kinetic energy of moving water into another form. Turbines use either a water drop (e.g. through a dam) or by a natural ‘run of the river’ – thereby having no water storage reservoir. 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’. Although a lesser known form of electricity output, this process could supply 200mW of UK demand. A micro-hydro system like this would be expected to cost between 200 and 3,000 pounds per kW of the energy.

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.

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.

(C) 2009 S. Edwards. Check out Solar Training Courses or Click HERE.

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