Michael Marcello

Basically, the ‘Green Energy’ idea is how our everyday needs are supplied by natural resources such as wind, tides and even geothermal heat. They are considered ‘Green’ because they are environmentally friendly. It’s interesting to note that in some instances we’re actually travelling back in time to utilise some of the older energy skill sets e.g. Wind Power (Windmills etc.) But in the main, this is the process of utilising modern technology to provide eco-efficient and planet-friendly alternatives.

In the home environment, one can see examples such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. To gain electricity from roof panels you would need solar electrical panels (PV’s). Following on from this is a process known as Biomass Energy – which includes Boilers burning wood and other fuels. We now also have Ground Source Heat Pumps – which draw out the heat left 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 Energy Systems: Also known as Solar Energy, this mainly uses two, albeit different types of solar panels to get the desired results. Initially, there is the process of obtaining hot water from the Sun via Solar Water Heating Collectors. Furthermore, there are the Solar Electrical Panels (more correctly known as Photovoltaic heat collectors) which transform solar radiation into electricity. 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.

Within this discipline, Solar Water Power is often regarded as the most popular form of Solar Energy within the UK. These systems are very efficient – and can deliver 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement annually. The typical cost for installation ranges from 500-1500 pounds for a DIY system, all the way through to 2-5k for a professional fit.

Biomass Energy Based Systems: Historically, this has come from plants and animals, though nowadays this also includes new genetcially engineered ‘energy crops’. Considering its ability to produce energy in the form of heat and electricity, this type of energy is extremely flexible. Furthermore, within the European Markets, the UK is one of the central producers of Biomass fuels. Considering all this, and the relative lack of C02 produced, makes the whole process highly green overall. Much of the UK wood crop is sustainable, in order to ensure that C02 produced during any heating process is absorbed.

A process called Short Rotation Coppice (SRC), utilising trees such as Willow and Poplar, is used to meet the demands of such ‘Energy Crops’. Dry matter is also very sought after – and perennial grasses are a good source of this. Within this process also sits the lesser known Agricultural and Municipal Wastes. Agricultural Waste is commonly formed as a by-product of traditional agricultural work. Of equal importance is Municipal Waste, which comes from recycyled wood and food.

Systems Based On Geo-Thermal Energy: Used in the generation of both warm water and electricity, this energy mainly comes from the Sun and heats the Earth. Using the ground temperature of around 12 degrees in the UK – we can both heat and cool buildings. Generally, items such as Heat Pumps are thought of as very effective, as they produce four units of energy for every one that is used for generation. A greate return of energy (sometimes almost 100 percent) is produced – because heat source pumps can operate in-line with wind turbines and solar electrical panels.

Systems Based On Wind Energy: When you consider the milling of grain and pumping of water, it is easy to see how long wind energy has been with us. Whether to your home or to a local grid, when the energy has been generated it must be delivered to a point of usage – and cannot be stored. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource within Europe. Although we only utilise 1 percent of the current electricity capability from wind – we do have the ability to create 10 percent. Overall, electricity could be generated from as low as 2p per kWh – instead of the current 2-10 p per kWh. Because of this, it is estimated that it takes between half a year to three quarters of a year to cover the installation costs.

Finally, we have Hydropower; an area in which the UK does well within Europe. 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.

By using a turbine, a Hydropower system can transfer the kinetic energy of moving water into another form. By using a dam or a natural river drop, 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. 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.

Because of the energy need of the Western World, we are now seeing a rapid rise in ‘Green Energy’. Within the UK and mainly the domestic sector, we are well placed to take advantage of the schemes above.

Once again, it is the Electrician and Plumbing trades that are set to capitalise on the domestic installation process. 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. To cover both ends, you could consider electrical or plumbing training along with green systems.

(C) S. Edwards 2009. Browse around Solar Energy Training or Solar Energy Courses.