Britain has been late in introducing sustainable heating and cooling systems. While most north European countries are buzzing with activities to replace oil fired heaters with heat pumps, solar panels, wind power etc, Britain seems largely to ignore the absolute necessity to change from fossil fuels to sun generated energy.
The Scandinavian countries with their colder climate, has a 30 year experience of heat pumps and around 95% of all new houses and 70% of the old ones are heated by sustainable systems. Either heat pumps, wood pellets or wood chips. Several Swedish heat pump manufacturers are world leaders in their field and are gaining export market shares.
IKEA of Sweden are systematically switching to Ground source heating and cooling of all their stores worldwide and are saving around 80% of their previous energy costs. Consider how their competitors will fare - paying 80% more for energy!
Germany is the leading country in solar panels development and the German government has introduced a system of favorable grants to stimulate the heating consumers to turn from oil heating to sustainable sources. In the process Germany has developed a very successful Sustainable Heating industry which is well prepared to conquer export markets.
The Government is supporting local production of electricity which can be sold to the Grid at favorable price. This has stimulated a lot of property owners to generate power from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and wind. Such a system is a money spinner for the investor and a contributor to the electricity balance sheet of Germany.
Denmark is the world leader in Wind Power. They were pioneers in developing commercial wind power during the 1970s, and today almost half of the wind turbines in the the world are produced by Danish manufacturers such as Vestas. It is a huge, lucrative industry in Denmark with the enviable win-win situation of offering clean, abundant energy to its citizens whilst selling any excess energy to neighbouring countries such as Norway and Sweden.
Austria has specialized in biomass heating systems and has some excellent producers of biomass heaters. They are expensive to buy and install but produces heat at a very low cost per day once installed. Biomass heaters may be the best solution for heating a whole village or a building complex.
France, Switzerland and Sweden have practically no power stations fueled by oil or gas. They have a ratio of about 70% hydro power and 30% nuclear. These countries are well prepared for the future and their population can rely on their electricity generation, especially as hydro and nuclear power sources are complemented by Sustainable Heating Systems.
From firewood to coal to oil – to what?
In the world, we have had several thousand years of wood fire heating – from simple wood fires to more sophisticated stoves. Then we had coal fires for some 50-100 years until the air around us became so polluted by coal smoke that restrictions had to be made. For the last 100 years we have happily been burning oil and gas and enjoyed very reasonable oil prices which has developed our industries to depend on cheap oil.
Oil is not cheap any longer and competition for oil from billions of Asian countries dreaming of adopting our life style, will push up demand for oil and thus increase the price.
But the real threat to reckless burning of fossil fuels is the green house gases which is changing our climate. It really is!! Do not believe in false gurus claiming that we can continue to burn oil without restrictions. The vast majority of all scientists are convinced that the climate is changing rapidly due to massive emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gases.
Believe me – the faster you can switch to sustainable heating of your property the more money you will save. We are not talking pennies here. We are talking of heating cost reductions of up to 70%. In the process your family will become Green Energy Pioneers. In 30 years, people will remember when Grandpa switched to Green energy just like older people remember their first TV.
Britain – with its proud history as industry leaders and developers must make a kick start to prevent being left behind the rest of the world as to Sustainable Energy. We have been fast asleep in Britain while the active part of the world has adjusted to greener heating and cooling systems.
Britain – on its way towards a serious shortage of electricity
Britain depends on old gas fired, coal fired and nuclear power stations. Many of these outdated plants will be closed down in the coming 7-10 years in accordance with Environmental laws and technical requirements. They should be replaced by modern nuclear power plants as an interim solution until more sustainable systems can be introduced at the necessary scale. For nuclear is not the answer. Nuclear fuel is a commodity in demand and the price is expected to increase in line with oil as more and more countries increase their demand of nuclear power production.
A combination of increased demand for electricity simultaneously with a phase out of say 30% of Britain´s power generation will lead to black outs for you and me. Not for hospitals, schools and other essential buildings. But for you and me – sitting in our Sustainably heated homes, saving oil but consuming electricity for our pumps, fridges and all our other necessities, we will face a very uncomfortable situation. Our homes will get black and cold.
What can we do to keep our homes functioning?
In our opinion: Do not trust the government to supply electricity. Oh – they will do that most of the time but during periods of increased demand for electricity it may simply not be available to all of us. Especially on cold winter days demand for electricity may outstrip supply. Then decisions have to be made by the power companies: “Which areas do we black out? Because we have not have enough electricity for everyone who just switched on their electric heaters”.
Generate your own Sustainable heat. But you should also generate your own power to run the heat pumps and your other appliances.
The Combined Heat and Power Systems (CHP)
There are Sustainable heating systems generating heat and also simultaneously electricity. Yes – the generation of electricity is less efficient than in the big power stations but the main thing point is that the electricity is produced for your home and at your home. It will be available to you and your family when you press your button in your garage.
“England expects every man to do his duty”
It is time for Britain to catch up with our neighbours in Europe with regards to energy, heating and power. We can all do our share and we have to do our share as no Energy Package Solution will be handed to us by Downing Street or any other street.
You and I – can learn as much as possible about sustainable heating systems and consider what changes we may introduce in our homes, businesses and public building close to our hearts and jobs.
We may listen to independent Energy consultants to gain vital and unbiased knowledge before making major decisisons.
The Society, politicians and rulers, should facilitate a transition to Green, Sustainable Heating and Cooling of our buildings. Do not for a moment believe that the changes will come from above. It will come from the grassroots – just like it did in Sweden in the last 30 years. A million home owners gradually found out that an energy well drilled into their garden could reduce their heating bill by 70%. The Swedish Government created momentum by offering grants for Sustainable heating systems.
The Media – can report positively and with good fact finding on every little new achievement in every little town or village where the inhabitants are switching to Sustainable Heating. There is nothing like a strong popular movement to change the world. And that is what we are doing. We are changing into a better, more sustainable world.
And in the process – you and I will save some thousands of pounds in heating cost. This year and every year.
The Industry and the Investors
Invest in Green Energy. Do not look at profitability based on the present energy prices of the old fossil fuels. Invest in energy sources which will be extremely profitable once the current energy prices have doubled, quadrupled or increased even more. Tidal Power. Wind Power. Solar Power. Efficient Heat Pumps - they will all play a part.
The Future
The world has been turned upside down by the financial crisis and by the strong industrial development in Asia. Hardly any commodity can be produced profitably in Europe any longer.
I believe that Green Energy is the future of Europe. If we Europeans could get together and develop Sustainable Energy Systems for our own markets, I have no doubt that our experience and skill will lead to strong export sales in the future. Especially if we do this on the basis of Constant Innovation.
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