Renewable and low carbon energy in new developments Will Rivers The Energy Saving Trust
Overview Technologies for use in domestic Code for Sustainable Homes / Merton % reduction from each technology Main issues / planning considerations Percentages are indicative and show potential reductions (2006 base case) Regulated / unregulated emissions (Code 6)
Renewable and low carbon technologies Renewable electricity generation: Solar photovoltaics (PV) Wind turbines Hydro Renewable heat generation: Solar water heating (SWH) Ground/Water source heat pumps Air source heat pumps Biomass boilers Communal heating and CHP (biomass)
Solar photovoltaics (PV) Cost 8,000-20,000 Average size 1.5 2.5kWp (10-15m 2 ) kgco 2 / year Approx 700 % reduction (2006 whole house) 20% - 30%
Planning considerations solar PV Orientation Optimum tilt 30-40 degrees Avoid overshadowing Grid connections Different types of cell
Micro/small wind turbines Micro-wind 1,500 1.5kW Small wind 11,000 2.5kW Small wind 6kW 18,000 kwh / year 2,500 5,000 kgco 2 / year 1,250 2,000 % reduction (2006 whole house) 30% - 60%
Planning considerations - small wind Specific location crucial Wind speed crucial (64 times more power at 8m/s than 2m/s) Bigger the better (blade diameter of 4m has 16 times more power than 1m) BWEA wind speed database Planning considerations Permitted development? Noise Vibration EST wind trials - May 2009
Micro - hydro Good potential in Wales Surprisingly low amounts of water can generate electricity Reliable technology Large quantities of electricity Volume / Head / Efficiency Cost 5kW - 5,000-20,000
Appropriate locations micro-hydro Planning permission Environment Agency license Early consultation recommended Talybont on-usk reservoir 36kW turbine 240,000kW/year 70 homes
Renewable heat generation
Solar thermal System size 4m 2 Cost 3,000-5,000 Kg CO 2 / year 230 250 (gas) % reduction (2006 whole house) 350 400 (electric) 7% - 14%
Planning considerations - solar thermal Different types of collectors -Flat plate - Evacuated tube Orientation and shading Occupancy and demand Summer: 80-100% Year round 30 50%
Ground source heat pumps System size 8kW 100% space and water heating Cost 6,000-12,000 CoP 3 4 (space heating) kgco 2 / year 750-1,250 (electricity) % reduction (2006 whole house) 30% - 50% (electricity)
Ground source heat pumps Best with under floor heating and energy efficiency Space required for ground loop Bore holes can be problematic Low carbon technology still need electricity (very carbon intensive) Electricity allowed higher CO 2 under Building Regulations Loophole in meeting Merton + Code Water source heat pumps slightly less efficient
System size Air source heat pumps 6kW 100% space heating Cost 7,000-10,000 CoP 2.5 3 (space heating) kgco 2 / year 450-850 (electricity) % reduction (2006 whole house) 15% - 20% (electricity)
Planning considerations - Air source heat pumps Same considerations as GSHP Significantly less efficient than GSHP preference for GSHP Top up heating may be required in winter Only recommended off gas grid or with good energy efficiency Refurbishment projects EST heat pump trials ongoing results 2010
System size 15kW Biomass 100% space and water heating (2-4kW available) Cost 5,000-14,000 Reduction in CO 2 / year % reduction (2006 whole house) Fuel cost 900 1,200 (gas) 40% 45% (compared to gas) Marginally higher than gas
Planning considerations - Biomass Different forms of fuel Pellets Chip Logs Storage capacity Pellets 3 x oil Chip Approx 5 x oil Storage options Access for delivery Regular maintenance Planning permission - urban www.nef.org.uk/logpile/
Biomass community heating and CHP
Biomass community heating and CHP Size of development (Community heating) Size of development (Community CHP) % reduction in CO 2 / year Communal boiler % reduction in CO 2 / year Communal CHP Capital cost CHP inc distribution network Limiting factor presence of an ESCo Site by site basis. Feasibility study. Large consistent heat demand. (4,500 hours/year) 50% - 60% 60-70% 3,000-8,000 per dwelling
Questions? Contact Practical help: 0870 241 2089 practicalhelp@est.org.uk