Wondering what you can do? |
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Many of us want to tackle the energy problem in our own way. Envocare aims to provide information but technology moves so fast and commerce and the administration move the goal posts so frequently that it is difficult to stay current. Below, are a couple of leading edge energy-focused links (quite different from each other) with ideas and information on how to participate in renewable energy generation. |
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Paul Norris, on his Alternative-Energy website,
is creating a personal record of two ordinary people, with modest incomes,
living in a medium sized town, trying to achieve self-sufficiency in terms
of their energy needs. Started late 2005 it has developed and contains a lot of down-to-earth information for householders in the UK. While Paul is mainly concerned with domestic micro-generation the site has been augmented with a section on alternative Transport which is collated by Deb. Returning to the site in Q1 2008, we are pleased to see that it has been updated and contains practical information which gladden the heart of any individual who wants to power their home with green energy (using PV batteries) and get an idea of the economics. |
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The Energy Project is run by Robert Rohatensky (Regina, Canada) and comprises the development, design and manufacture of a new major system for clean, location independent and renewable electrical power generation that can be built from common materials.
The system design is managed in an nfp and open manner applying the same methodologies and principles that have made Linux and other Open Source Software projects such a success. So you can become involved: if you have an interest in donating some of your time and skill, the project is looking for resources that see the merit in the system and want to help. |
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Energy Trace are educators who aim to provide current information about energy and its application in the world and to educate as many people as possible on the importance of energy conservation and efficiencies. |
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Click the star to go up to Alternative
Sources Index  |
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| Overview
of Alternative Energy Sources |
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The majority of existing
fuels produce carbon compounds as a by-product of burning and it is broadly
accepted that the carbon emissions contribute to global warming. A natural
consequence is to seek out alternative energy and renewable energy sources
which emit less carbon. For our main reference page on Alternative Energy,
Renewable Energy and other 'Clean' Energy sources click here  . |
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The UK Government DTI site is one of
the most interesting government sites we've seen. It covers most A &
R energies with some illustrations. |
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The Government is introducing a new Renewables
Obligation as part of its revised policy for new and renewable energy
in the UK, to succeed the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO). Click the button
or ball for more info  . |
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Alternative Energy News Source is designed to help entrepreneurs who are interested in alternative energy breakthroughs, and to provide an alternative energy news source for investors and the general public. |
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The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT),
an educational charity, works for a sustainable future, seeks co-operation
between natural, technological and human worlds and developing strategies
and tools to achieve this . |
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Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology's
(CREST) stated remit is to advance renewable energy technology to provide
substantial and benign energy options, mainly through research and education
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DTI has developed Renewables
for Schools programmes for primary and secondary schools to provide
information and teaching resources about eight key renewable energy sources,
as part of the It's Only Natural Programme, This has been distributed
to schools in the UK. Materials cover:how each renewable energy technology
works; why renewable energy is so important for the UK; which locations
are suitable for each kind of renewable energy. |
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The Low-Impact Living Initiative (LILI),
a non-profit organisation based in Bucks UK, offers residential courses
on practical environmental practices. Subjects include, alternative energies
but there are other topics as well . |
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The independent, UK, Network for Alternative
Technology and Technology Assessment (NATTA) publishes a bimonthly journal,
"RENEW" with topical news. It can be obtained from NATTA, c/o
EERU, Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA or Tel: 01908 65 4638. Subscription
is £18 pa (unwaged £12, institutions £50). A text only
version is on the web; click on the ball. |
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Click the star to go up to Alternative
Sources Index |
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| Overview
continued |
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The National Energy Foundation (NEF)
is an independent educational charity, based at Milton Keynes. It works
for more efficient, innovative, safe use of energy, increasing public awareness
of energy. The site gives much information and advice about the NEF
and better use of energy . |
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NEF Renewables is a department of the
NEF whose aim is to encourage sustainable and green sources of energy,
eg wind, solar, biomass & hydro. Their Web site promotes renewable energy,
giving information, advice and details of their projects, research, educational
and training activities . |
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The NEF's National Energy Centre is
intended to be a focus for Sustainable Use of Energy in the UK. The building
was designed to show that high energy efficiency can be integral to a building
without extra costs . |
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The Open University (OU) site is one
of the most informative sources on renewable energy, to see their newcomer's
NATTA guide, click on the ball. |
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The Safe Energy Handbook aims to oppose
nuclear power generation, however, it contains information on alternatives
with a wealth of relevant references and you can buy printed copies of the
handbook, T-shirts, Art and Videos from Berkeley, CA. Click on the ball
for the Internet edition. |
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The Sainsbury's superstore on the Greenwich
Peninsular is described in the IEE Review (March 2001, p8) as the world's
first low energy supermarket, requiring about half the normal energy of
a store that size. It features wind turbines with photovoltaic panels to
power signage and artificial lighting; earth banks, insulated roof to reduce
heating; and naturally lit sales floor. |
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Stewart King Environmental Engineers Ltd, a Scottish
firm, operate a comprehensive service to help businesses and consumers to
save energy and save money. They have an awareness of many of the alternative
energy sources shown on this page and a visit to their site is recommended. |
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Biomass and other Biofuels |
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Biomass
fuels are traditionally derived from young plants which are harvested
and suitably processed. The concept becomes attractive only when the plants
are replaced at a rate equal to the rate at which they are harvested.
For a brief discussion of biomass click here .
Ethanol and methanol can be biofuels
(they can also be produced from fossil fuels but that negates the green
benefits). Not intended for drinking but primarily to power motor vehicles
in place of the conventional fuels. To learn more click here .
Biodiesel is an important renewable
fuel which has application in the context of motor vehicles. For more
information click here .
An important caveat: it has become increasingly clear that there are major downsides to the use of biofuels. The problem lies with the enormous size of the demand for energy. The disadvantages include deforestation (loss of carbon sinks and risks of environmental catastrophes), loss of arable land (hence food), reducing biodiversity (extinction of flora and fauna) and social disruption. Even organic waste removal can deplete the land of essential fertilisers. However there are instances where waste can be put to beneficial use; for example agricultural waste that otherwise may be burnt, oils and fats from cooking that currently go into landfill, sawmill, building and municipal waste etc. Grasses and wood are also abundant and place less stress on food sources but new developments are needed to produce improved yields. Therefore it seems to be realistic that, on environmental grounds, at the moment (Q2 2008), the use of bio-energy can only contribute modestly to the reduction in the use of fossil fuels. Nevertheless this modest contribution can be valuable in the context of the diverse use of true renewables and there is the potential for substantial expansion in the future. |
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For more detail on the use of ethanol, methanol and biodiesel in motor vehicles, see our Motor Vehicles page. |
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Biomass Energy Research Association (BERA)
is an association of biofuels researchers, companies and advocates that
promotes education and research on renewable biomass energy and waste-to-energy
systems . |
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The British Association for Biofuels and
Oils (BABFO) is dedicated to and campaign for promotion of transport
fuels and oils from renewable sources. Members interests span most disciplines
involved in biodiesel production . |
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CAT have installed a Woodchip Boiler
which uses surplus brash from nearby tree-felling as its fuel and provides
about 80% of central heating and hot water load of their buildings . |
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Dry Fermentation has a web site, created and maintained
by a team of consultants dedicated to green energy creation, specifically
by a dry fermentation process for converting biomass to biogas. |
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EcoGen are specialists
who develop and support clean, renewable energy projects. EcoGen Consultants Ltd
offer support services for renewable initiatives mainly in the areas of wind, solar and biomass energies . |
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JS Power Limited supplies generators and UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems for both prime and standby applications. Recently they have been focusing on designing and supplying generators in their Eco-Gen range that are more eco-friendly and run on 100% Bio Diesel. |
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NEF Renewables run a Wood Fuel Information
Service, aiming to encourage use of wood as a heating fuel by supporting
suppliers of sustainable wood fuel and promoting efficient, clean burning
appliances. It provides information and advice about the best way to buy,
store and burn wood. The newsletter GoodWood is published quarterly. |
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PelHeat aim to promote the use of all biomass, including energy crops and waste biomass. They explain the advantages of biomass and pellets and provide affordable small scale mobile and stationary pellet production units. |
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Click the star to go up to Alternative
Sources Index |
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