An Introduction To Environmental Training Courses

In a nutshell, ‘Green Energy’ utilises natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat to provide our daily energy requirement. ‘Green’ basically means that all the energy is renewable. Often, by going back in time, we can see the value of wind power and windmills as modern energy sources. Regardless of this, we are mainly talking about using modern techniques to offer planet friendly and eco-efficient solutions.

Solar Thermal and Solar Water Heating Collectors are examples of what can be used in your house as part of renewable energy technologies. For electricity created through roof-installed panels, you would need Photovoltaic Panels or PV’s. 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. Considering items such as Wind Power and Hydro Turbines, we are finally getting to very old forms of energy production.

Thermal Solar 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. Firstly, there are elements that absorb energy from the sun and create hot water – known as Solar Water Heating Collectors. Solar Electrical panels or Photovoltaic heat collectors transfer 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. With the capacity to deliver 50 percent plus of a household’s hot water requirement annually, Solar Water heating systems are crucial to energy in the UK. There are two options to fit these items. The first is to get a professional fit and the second is a DIY system, the first will cost around 2-5k and the second between 500 and 1500 pounds.

Biomass Energy and ‘Energy Crops’ – Including all natural energy forms derived from plant and animal products – such as wood, straw, poultry litter and ‘energy crops’. Due to its adaptability, it can produce a range of energy forms – from heat and electricity through to combinations of both. Furthermore, within the European Markets, the UK is one of the central producers of Biomass fuels. The lack of C02 given out by this form of energy is another positive element in the whole process. With a new tree being planted as each is felled, you can see how the C02 produced during heating is minimised – and why the system is deemed sustainable.

Fast growing trees such as Willow and Poplar (under the banner of Short Rotation Coppice ‘SRC’) help to meet the need for ‘Energy Crops’ within the UK. Perennial grasses also produce a high yield of dry matter. Equally significant within this practice sit Municipal and Agricultural waste products. Agricultural Waste is commonly formed as a by-product of traditional agricultural work. Because it comes from food or wood, Municipal Waste is also considered a useful biomass product.

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. Heating or cooling properties in the UK can be achieved using the ground source heat temperature of around 12 degrees centigrade. These heat pumps do need some power to operate; but for every one unit of energy they use, they generate four units of energy in return. The energy generated by a heat source pump can in fact be considered 100 percent renewable, if the power to operate the pump comes from solar electrical panels or a wind turbine.

Wind Energy – An Update On Old Technology: The use of wind as a source of energy has been going on for thousands of years, especially in milling grain and pumping water. 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. For the fact remains that, within the UK, we have the ability to generate 10 percent of our requirement from Wind Production – as opposed to the current value of only 1 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. Therefore, recovery of cost takes approximately 6-9 months overall.

Within the UK, Hydropower suits the energy generation model. Energy creation from moving water is very old – although it is now being done in new ways. It is this type of energy production that could meet 2 percent of all the UK’s demand.

A hydropower system uses a turbine to create energy from moving water. It is by either water ‘drop-offs’, or Natural River runs, that turbines can work through this process. Alternatively, ‘Micro-Hydro’ systems use hitherto outdated sluices and dams to generate electricity. Having said that, this process could still generate 200mW of the National Capacity. The capital cost of installing a micro-hydro system can run between 200 and 3000 pounds per kW of energy output.

‘Green Energy’ is growing – mainly due to the demands of the Western World. Within the UK and mainly the domestic sector, we are well placed to take advantage of the schemes above.

With the bulk of development work in the domestic area, both Plumbers and Electricians are set to capitalise in this area. With EEC and UK recognition of renewable energy getting ever-higher on the political agenda, the grants and financial aid for introduction of these systems can only increase. 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.

Written by Scott Edwards. Browse around squidoo.com/PlumbingTrainingCourses or CLICK HERE.