Today, most of our energy
supply comes from centralised generators and fuel refineries.
The distribution of this power and fuel throughout the UK tends
to be inefficient with large transmission losses and high haulage
costs.
Decentralised and integrated electricity along
with fuel production is a new concept for the UK and offers huge
advantages for greater efficiency, cost savings and as a community
resource.
Local communities will benefit from increased employment, better
management of local resources, conversion of waste into energy and
regeneration of the whole community.
Expanded throughout the UK, Community Renewable Energy production
will help to provide power and fuel security and a level of market
control, something that is currently in the hands of multi-national
business and foreign powers.
Great advances have been made with technology
in recent years and it is now possible to integrate different types
of energy production to increase the efficiency of them all.
Technology
Anaerobic
Digestion
Controlled digestion
of organic wastes, such as farm, household and food process
waste along with grass and maize crops, to produce biogas. The
biogas is used to fuel electricity generators and the electricity
is exported back to the community via the national grid system.
Crop fertiliser along with surplus heat is produced as a by-product
for use in other energy processes.
Combined Heat
and Power
By housing generating engines
in an insulated and sound proofed building heat from engine
cooling and exhaust can be captured. This can be exported
via a district heating system to surrounding business or to
local housing
Biodiesel and
Bioethanol
Local biofuel produced from farm
grown oilseed rape and wheat crops. Biofuels replace conventional
fossil fuels and only release the CO2 captured during the crops
growth and are therefore beneficial for the environment. Transporting
fuels around the country by tanker is expensive and unnecessary
therefore by producing the fuel locally saves money, fuel and
the environment. Surplus heat from Anaerobic Digestion is use
in its manufacture and the by- products from the processes are
used in the human food industry, as animal feed or are used
back in the biogas digester.
Biomass
Heat generation from burning of
wood chip, waste wood and combustible waste. Hot water can be
exported via a district heating system or used to superheat
steam and drive electricity generating turbines
Wind-power Generation
Although not a linked technology,
wind turbines can be incorporated where possible, with
other renewable energy technology. This will give savings
in grid connection costs and improve overall viability.
Wind power generation rates vary according to weather
conditions and linking to other electricity generation
allows for a degree of balancing of supply
. At times of peak supply wind energy can be used for electrolysis of water
to produce hydrogen and oxygen for fuel cell technology and to make Ammonium
Nitrate fertiliser.
Combining
the different renewable technology creates a unique opportunity
to produce energy using only energy generated on site. Truly sustainable
electricity, fuel and fertiliser production.
