When our daily energy requirements are met by ‘Green Energy’ then we utilise items such as wind, tides or geothermal heat. ‘Green’ basically means that all the energy is renewable. 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.) Overall, this is the method of using modern techniques to provide areas such as eco-effiency and planet friendly options.

Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors are examples of what can be used in the house as part of renewable energy technologies. Following on it is items such as the 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. There is the old heat from the Sun now known as Ground Source Heat Pumps. When we think about Wind Power and Hydropower we have two of the more habitual forms of energy generation.

For those wanting to train in this area we will expand on each section and cover off some of the skills required. Thinking about the issues already, this is definitely of interest to those in the field namely Plumbers, Electricians and Gas engineers. Checking out the pages on Electricity, Green and Plumbing careers would also help gather as much information as possible. CTRL-D this site now so that you can come back later and look at the links and adverts of relative training providers.

Thermal Energy Systems: Often called Solar Energy, this is fact based on two types of solar panels each using different ideas to get their results. Making hot water from solar energy is the first stage and is known as Solar Water Heating Collection. 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.

Within Solar Energy overall, Solar Water Power is now commonly used in the UK. Solar Water heating systems can provide over 50 percent of a household’s hot water requirement during the year. 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.

Systems Utilising Biomass Energy: Although in the modern world this now includes ‘Energy Crops’ it also takes in suitable plant and animal substances. Due to its adaptability it can produce a range of energy forms from heat and electricity through to combinations of both. 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. With each tree being planted as another is felled you can see how the C02 produced during heating is minimised and why the system is deemed sustainable.

A process titles Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) such as Willow and Poplar are used to meet the demands of such ‘Energy Crops’. Perennial grasses are also responsible for large quantities of dry matter. Of equal importance, although maybe less well known are Municipal and Agricultural Waste. Using normal agricultural activity, Agricultural waste is a natural by-product. Another biomass element is that called municipal waste and this comes from wood or food goods.

Geo-Thermal Energy Systems… This is where both warm water and electricity can be produced as by products of the natural heating of the Earth by the Sun. By using the ground source temperature of approximately 12 degrees we can either heat or cool buildings within the UK. 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 Based Systems – The use of wind as a source of energy has been going on for thousands of years, especially in milling grain and pumping water. That aside the ability to generate energy and transfer this onto homes or the local grid has been a relatively new option. In fact, the UK has the largest wind resource 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. Although electricity is still being produced from between 2-10 p per kWh it could be generated from as little as 2p per kWh. Due to this we are looking at 6-9 months in total to cover the costs.

Finally, we have Hydropower; an area in which the UK does well within Europe. Just like a thousand years ago we are looking utilising energy from water. That aside it is fair to say that some 2 percent of the UK’s electrical load comes from this source.

A hydropower system transforms the kinetic energy of the moving water into another type of energy by means of a turbine. The important thing is that without relying on water storage the turbines can generate electricity. ‘Micro-Hydro’ utilises a chunk of the outdated sluices and dam systems that have been killed off by the large national distribution methods. 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 capital cost of installing a micro-hydro system can run between 200 and 3000 pounds per kW of energy output.

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 leading the resurgence with the variety of schemes detailed above.

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. It is by gaining the right certificates across the board that will help opportunities and job security for the long term. To that end it may be worth thinking about combined training where you can get plumbing or electrical training along with green knowledge.

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