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An Update On Renewable Energy Careers

February 25th, 2010

It is by using natural resources such as tidal or wind energy - collectively known as ‘Green Energy’ - that we could meet our daily energy needs. When ‘Green’, they are all thought to be replenishable and natural. 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.) Regardless of this, we are mainly talking about using modern techniques to offer planet friendly and eco-efficient solutions.

In the home environment, one can see examples such as Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors. Next on the list you would find the actual solar electricity Photovoltaic Panels (PV’s) - which basically generate electricity through roof-installed panels. 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. At the end there are two of the most mature forms of energy production in the UK - albeit renamed now to Wind Turbines and Hydropower.

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.

As a result, Solar Water Power is often considered the most common form of Solar Energy 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 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 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.

A process called Short Rotation Coppice (SRC), utilising trees such as Willow and Poplar, is used to meet the demands of such ‘Energy Crops’. Also producing high yields of dry matter are the perennial grasses. Within this process also sits the lesser known Agricultural and Municipal Wastes. 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.

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.

Finally, we have Hydropower; an area in which the UK does well within Europe. The field of using moving water to release energy is a very old technique - albeit we now do this in new ways. That said, this type of energy can generate around 2 percent of the total electrical demand for the UK.

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 drop, these turbines do not require water storage. ‘Micro-Hydro’ utilises a chunk of the outdated sluices and dam systems that have been killed off by the large national distribution methods. Although a lesser known form of electricity output, this process could supply 200mW of UK demand. Installing systems like this could cost between 200 pounds and 3k per kW of energy created.

Due to the energy requirements worldwide, ‘Green Energy’ is naturally growing at a fast rate. That said, the UK is well placed - especially in the domestic sector - to take full advantage of the items above.

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. It is by gaining the right certificates that will provide opportunities and job security for the long term. By mixing green training with those of electrical or plumbing, you could cover both angles.

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