‘Green Energy’ is the use of items such as wind, tides and geothermal heating to provide us with our everyday energy fulfillment. Collectively they are thought to be ‘Green’ because they are ecologically sound and easy to replace. If we think of some of the older energy skills e.g. Wind Power then in many ways we are going back in time. However, it is the result of eco-efficient and planet friendly options that this process is maintained.
The simple range of renewable energy technologies utilised within the home environment includes both Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. From this there are the Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) which can generate electricity on the roof. A further factor resolves around stoves and boilers which are known as Biomass Energy. Then we have the ancient energy of the Sun and the heat that come it – now often called Ground Source Heat Pumps. When we think about Wind Power and Hydropower we have two of the more habitual forms of energy generation.
Looking at each area in turn we will consider some of the skills needed by those who want to train in this field. Thinking about the issues already, this is definitely of interest to those in the field namely Plumbers, Electricians and Gas engineers. Certainly by getting information from many sources we can look at the career potential for Electricians, Gas and Plumbers. If you want to come back to check out links and adverts for training organisations then you will need to bookmark this page by using CTRL-D.
Thermal Energy Systems: Often commonly referred to as Solar Energy, this is primarily captured by two types of solar panels; each of which utilises different technologies for the process. Initially there is the process of delivering hot water from the Sun via Solar Water Heating Collectors. Additionally there is the method of converting solar radiation into electricity known as Photovoltaic or simply Solar Electrical panels. Typically these panels are found on roofs and need to be away from blockages such as trees, chimneys and other buildings.
As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy in the UK. 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 be as low as 500 to 1500 in total.
Biomass Energy: Is a capture all phrase including all natural materials e.g. wood, straw and poultry litter but nowadays also includes new items such as ‘Energy Crops’ 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. The lack of C02 given out by this form of energy is another positive element in the whole process. Often it is the process whereby C02 is reduced, by having a tree planted in place of another that is felled for energy production that helps overall.
By the growth of Short Rotation Crops (SRC) the UK is able to maximise the ‘Energy Crops’ return against the plant production overall. Of equal importance is the production of perennial grasses because of their yield of dry matter. Whilst Agricultural and Municipal waste may appear lesser known they are essential to the whole process. 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.
Systems Based On Geo-Thermal Energy: Basically this is the warming of the Earth from the Sun and is often used in the manufacture of warm water and electricity. In the UK we are lucky that we can heat and cool buildings from the ground source temperature of around 12 degrees. Heat pumps are recognised as a very good form of power generation generally giving back four units of energy for everyone used. Without a doubt the energy generated from wind turbines and solar electrical panels alongside heat source pumps can be almost 100 percent renewable.
Wind Energy: Although in forms as milling grain or pumping water, wind energy has been with us for a very long time, its modern uses are complex. More recently there has been the desire to deliver the energy created to the home or to a local power grid. In the European theatre it is the UK which is seen to have the largest capacity. Although we only use 1 percent of the current electricity requirement from wind we do have the capability to create 10 percent. Frankly, electricity can be realised from as little as 2p per kWh as opposed to the current level of 2-10 p per kWh. Recovery of the cost involved is somewhere between 6-9 months.
Within the UK, Hydropower is an energy process that suits the energy generation model. Although new in its approach the act of creating energy from water has been going on for a long time. Within the UK, this form of energy production is responsible for somewhere in the region of 2 percent of all electrical needs.
The method of transforming the energy of moving water into another type with the aid of a turbine is known as a Hydropower system. By using a dam or a natural river process these turbines do not require water storage. ‘Micro- Hydro’ However, uses the dam and sluice systems that have been made redundant by the larger national distributions. Whilst considered a small form of electrical output this system has been thought to be able to give some 200mW of capacity to the UK. The expected cost of installing a system such as this would be between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of output.
‘Green Energy’ is growing mainly due to the demands of the Western World. Needless of this the UK remains one of the main beneficiaries of this technology.
Electrician and Plumbers are thought to be one of the key areas in providing expertise during domestic installations. Grants and financial aid is also set to increase within the EEC and the UK as ‘Green Energy’ gets ever higher status. As a new industry, there are a range of new certificates to gain whether new or coming to this industry from a likeminded source. Consider either plumbing or electrical training programs that highlight the green element and installation.
Written by Scott Edwards. Browse around Solar Courses or CLICK HERE.
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