How to select a renewable energy technology

 

The use of any of the renewable energy technologies requires considerable thought and planning. Renewable energy projects can also take a long time to implement due to the relatively immature nature of the market. However, as already discussed, they can make both environmental and economic sense in the long term.

 

Understand the current usage

 

It is important to identify the appropriate renewable energy technology in the first instance. Factors to consider when deciding which technology to adopt include:

 

• What is the current mix of energy use?

• Is it mainlyelectricity or mainly heat?

• Is energy demand constant or does it fluctuate between night and day and between seasons?

• How much of the energy supply would ideally be replaced by renewables?

 

The energy mix

 

Assessing the energy mix helps a business or home to decide which renewable energy technology may be appropriate for them. For example, some renewables, such as wind and photovoltaics, just produce electricity. Others, such as solar water heating, just produce heat, while biomass, including anaerobic digestion can provide heat and electricity.

 

Consider the limitations

 

While renewable energy has many benefits, you need to be aware that there are limitations to its use. The major limitation is in the intermittent nature of certain renewable technologies. For example, wind turbines will not provide electricity when it is not windy, just as solar electricity cannot be generated at night. For this reason, either a grid connection or a battery bank may be required to provide backup and power storage.

 

Conduct a feasibility study

 

Once an appropriate renewable energy technology has been identified, a feasibility study can then be undertaken to determine the suitability of the technology in terms of its technical, economic and environmental performance. This should include:

 

• Assessing physical constraints (such as space and visual impact).

 

• Providing a cost-benefit analysis to determine the economic viability of the project

 

• Carrying out a risk assessment to address the issues associated with switching to a renewable energy supply.

 

• Consideration of any planning permission issues should also form part of this study. Given the range of issues to be covered, these feasibility studies are usually undertaken by experienced consultants.