At present nearly three quarters of our energy comes from non renewable fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Burning these fuels releases gases into the atmosphere which are responsible for climate change and acid rain.
Fossil fuels are a finite resource which means they will eventually run out. Energy demand is growing rapidly worldwide and statistics show that we will require 50% more energy by 2025. As the availability of fuel decreases, the price will increase. This coupled with the health related problems and environmental damage caused by the burning of fossil fuels, means it is increasingly important that we consider other sources of energy.
Renewable energy is energy derived from renewable resources such as wind, water, sun and biomass. These resources will never run out and produce little or no harmful emissions thereby providing us with a sustainable option for our future energy needs.
Renewable energy has the potential to supply 100% of the UK’s power but currently only provides 4%. The Government has set a target to increase this to 20% by 2020. In Hertfordshire we are aiming for renewable technologies to supply 3% of our predicted energy consumption by 2010.
The main types of renewable technology considered at national level are listed below.
Wind - With a 1,000 mile coastline, Britain has the greatest potential for off-shore wind energy generation in Europe. There are currently 2,636 operational wind turbines across the country (both on and off shore) providing electricity for over 2,142,200 homes. This is increasing rapidly as large scale investment is made to increase our offshore wind capacity.
Wave and Tidal - Energy can be harnessed from the motion of ocean waves and tides. The UK currently leads the world in marine energy technologies. The Carbon Trust estimates that we could meet up to 15% of our electricity needs from marine sources.
Biomass - Renewable fuel can be derived from a wide range of crops including forestry, agricultural residues and other organic waste.
Micro-generation in St Albans - generating your own energy
Micro Wind Power
Whilst there is little potential within St Albans District for large-scale wind turbines, there are many opportunities for small scale domestic turbines, called micro-turbines. These can be fitted to the roof or on a mast.
Micro-turbines can cost from £1,500-£20,000. The effectiveness of micro-turbines is highly dependent on wind speed and the surrounding land-use so are most suitable for properties in a rural location, where there is open exposure free from turbulence and obstructions from surrounding buildings or trees.
If you are considering a wind turbine it is advisable to have a professional assessment of wind-speed in the exact location of the turbine over a year. An accredited installer will be able to advise you further.
Solar Power
Solar power is ideal for urban living since solar energy systems can be easily integrated into the existing structure of a building, such as a domestic dwelling.
Solar energy can be collected by two types of systems: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels and Solar Thermal Panels.
Solar Pholtovoltaic Panels convert sunlight to electricity. Contrary to popular belief they do not require direct sunlight to generate electricity and are therefore suitable in our northern climate. Some systems allow the householder to connect a two-way meter so that any excess electricity can be sold to the grid.
Solar Thermal systems absorb heat from the sun to heat water used for showers and washing etc. When the sun shines, the temperature of the fluid in the collector system rises. It is then circulated to the tank, where it transfers its heat to the water via a heat exchanger.
There are two different types of solar thermal collectors – either evacuator tubes or flat panel collectors. Vacuum tube collectors are the most efficient, providing almost as much energy on a cold sunny winter's day as on a warm summer's day, but they are more expensive.
A typical solar thermal system, when fitted to a south-facing roof, will provide 72% of a household’s hot water over the course of a year. They are probably the most cost-effective renewable energy technology that can be installed in a domestic situation in this country, with the shortest payback time.
Wood Fuelled Heating
Wood fuelled heating systems burn wood pellets, chips or logs to power central heating and hot water boilers or to provide warmth. This system of heating may either consist of a standalone stove which may also be connected to a back boiler to provide hot water or a wood burning boiler connected to a central heating and hot water system.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps transfer heat from the ground into a building to provide space heating and in some cases pre-heat domestic hot water. Some electricity is used to power the pump but for every unit of electricity used, 3-4 units of heat are produced, making it an efficient way of heating a building. The system is ideal for new build homes and there are no planning issues given the underground nature of the system. You will need space outside for the ground loop and the heat generated can be linked to existing systems, though it is ideally suited to households with underfloor heating.
To find out about whether any of the above renewable technologies are right for you please visit the Energy Saving Trust website or the Renewable Energy Centre.
Planning Applications for Renewable Energy Installations
Planning applications will need to show, as with satellite dishes, that any renewable technology installation is positioned with minimum visual impact on the external appearance of the building. Potential noise disruption from micro-wind turbines to adjoining occupiers will also be a consideration.
Special considerations will also apply to listed buildings or those sited within the green belt or conservation areas. Within conservation areas inconspicuous positions for installations are encouraged however this may mean that solar panels cannot be placed on the south facing slope of the roof. Unsympathetic alterations that damage the historic street scene should also be avoided.
Please note that the planning rules are changing over the next year so that some small-scale renewable energy installations may be fitted without the need for planning consent.
Switch on to Renewable Energy
If you want to see renewable energy make a difference, changing your electricity supplier to one that sells energy from renewable sources is a great start. More and more energy suppliers in the UK are offering consumers the opportunity to buy ‘green electricity’. If you were to switch to a renewable energy tariff, the electricity you receive will arrive through the same cables and wires, but for every unit of electricity you use your supplier will plough an equal amount of green energy into the National Grid.
Switching is FREE and there are websites to help you do this, such as uSwitch.com and Energywatch.org.uk. Remember to tell your old supplier why you’re switching!
Grants for Renewable Technologies
Low Carbon Buildings Programme
The Department of Trade and Industry Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides grants for microgeneration technologies to householders, community organisations, schools, the public sector and businesses. Grants are given to the following renewable energy installations: Solar thermal panels, micro wind turbines, small-scale hydro turbines, ground source heat pumps, Room heaters/stoves with automated wood pellet feed and wood fuelled boiler systems
For more information visit the Low Carbon Buildings Programme website, e-mail info@lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk or call the free phone helpline on 0800 915 0990.
Herts and Essex Energy Partnership
Through the Herts and Essex Energy Partnership (HEEP) you could be eligible to recieve an interest-free loan to cover the cost of installing renewable technology measures to your home. This loan is placed as a charge on your property so you will only need to pay it back when you sell your home.
Visit the Energy Efficiency Grants and Advice page to find out more.
Date of last review: 10 May 2009