The Trend for Clean Energy

Renewable energy has come a long way since its early days.  Climate change which is the better way to describe global warming has been the catalyst as well as souring fossil fuel prices.  This problem has been widely recognised  and has created a whole new batch of industries focussing on how best to shift away from traditional energy sources to cleaner, more sustainable energy technologies.  The Global economy may be still struggling but it appears the the renewable industry is booming and the trend is set to stay.

Renewable energy sources accounted for 47% of the new capacity added to worlds during 2008 and 2009 according to a study by Exim Bank.  An analysis of renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind and biomass indicates a clear shift in global preference towards these green energy technologies.

Because green clean energy is a growing industry it is creating jobs all around the world. In the USA the solar power industry is expected to grow by 26% this year alone.  Jobs for installers have increased and this trend thought to continue over this and the next coming year.

In the UK renewable energy is catching on fast.  Last autumn the UK's renewable electrify supply exceeded 8% of total supply.  This means the EUs target of 15% renewable by 2020 is attainable.

There are currently 34 wind farms under construction in the UK this year and another 274 in planning.   The wind turbine industry is evolving all the time with technologies improving.  A number of new direct drive and hybrid systems have been launched onto the market recently which produces works well in low wind locations.  

One of the predictions from Cascadia Capital which is an investment bank thinks that the waste-to-energy technologies will grow and become part of mainstream society over the coming years.  I think this is great news as we all create waste so to have a system that turns waste into energy is the way forward.  There could well be a time when all our cars and homes are powered by household waste.

Solar power is another industry which is evolving fast. There are new hybrid versions which produces four times the amount of energy for around 25% additional cost.

Currently the world's largest producer of renewable energy is China.  The country currently produces 17.88% of its countries energy with renewable technology.  This is great news for the environment as China used to be criticised for its carbon emission when its industrial sector boomed.  Second in the global list is the USA and third is Brazil.

There are many different resources which can be used to create green energy, sun, wind, water, geothermal heat and plants can all be used.   Many companies around the world are developing these technologies so it won't be long before we can all move away from relying on fossil fuels and generate our own energy.

About the Author

Northern Gas Heating - the UK's local supplier of new cetnral heating including renewable energy systems such as Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV systems.

How air source heat pumps work

An air source heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air in the very same way a fridge does.  The only difference is that it uses an external heat exchanger to heat the refrigerant.   As heat naturally flows from a warmer place to a cooler place, heat pumps use refrigerant that constant evaporates and condenses in a closed circuit.  This closed circuit is controlled by valves and a compressor in order to reverse this natural process. They can be used to heat the radiators and under floor heating systems as well as the water in your home.

Heat pumps are not completely green as they use electricity to run, however the heat that is extracted is constantly being renewed naturally.  Compared to other electrical heating options heat pumps use less electrical energy than the energy they create, so they are still a greener option. Using an air source heat pump can lower your fuel bill, reduce your carbon footprint and there is no need for fuel delivery.  You will be providing space heating and hot water.

There are two types of systems; one is an air to water system which distributes heat via your central heating system.  They tend to work at the most efficient at lower temperatures compared to a standard boiler system. The other system is an air to air system which produces warm air which can then be circulated around fans to heat your home.  However these systems do not provide hot water, so if you want a system that offers both you need to go for the air to water system.

If you're interested in having an air source heat pump installed in your home you need to find a place to store it.  They go outside your house and can be fitted to a wall or can be self standing.  Your home should be well insulated as they work better at low temperatures, keeping a constant temperature.  With homes that are not properly insulated, this heat will not be enough keep your home warm, plus any heat generated will be lost.

You may wonder if you will need planning permission for installing air source heat pumps in domestic homes.  But as with any renewable energy technology you don't need permission.   But it is always best to double check with your local planning department to be on the safe side.  

The costs for installing can be quite expensive.  Between £6000 and £10,000 is about average currently.  They are becoming more and more popular in the UK and have been in other established EU countries for some time. There is plenty of information about heat pumps on the energy saving trust website.  Plus many central heating companies are now turning towards renewable energy and are installing these and other green systems.

About the Author

Northern Gas Heating - the UK's local supplier of new cetnral heating including renewable energy systems such as Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Heating systems.