Osmosis power generation plantDomestic energy consumers are aware fuel bills are set to soar in future. Unfortunately, fuel poverty is already a term used to describe countless homes throughout the UK, which is bracing itself for one of the leanest winters in living memory as the effects of the recession and higher fuel costs combine to reduce the affordability of central heating.

One of the key reasons why domestic energy bills are expected to rise in the near future is the UK Government’s heavy reliance on wind farms, solar energy and nuclear energy is likely to be subsidised by both taxpayers and energy users. In other words, almost everybody.

Environmentalists and other such lobbyists are constantly in search of greener and cheaper ways in which energy can be produced in the UK. However, it may be worth looking at a European neighbour for inspiration, as Norway has recently established the world’s first prototype Osmosis power plant. Osmosis refers to a process that occurs naturally in plant organisms, which describes the diffusion of water particles through semi-permeable membranes.

The Osmosis test plant near Oslo works using an artificial membrane that separates fresh and salt water, the former of which is drawn towards the latter to create a pressurised flow on the seawater side. This pressure is then used to drive a turbine, which in turn produces electricity. In theory, the Osmosis facility in Norway represents an ideal green technology, as it produces zero carbon emissions. Furthermore, around 25 megawatts of electricity can be generated in a relatively small Osmosis facility. Unfortunately, as with most other methods of harnessing renewable energy, the costs associated with Osmosis are extremely high in terms of generating a profit. Indeed, as the world nudges closer and closer to an environmental catastrophe, humanity’s best efforts to avoid it are facing the highest financial penalties.

According to the organisation behind a £5 million social housing project that is due for construction in East Belfast, Northern Ireland, the prospective new homes will be so energy efficient that central heating will become completely redundant.

Indeed, Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland is keen to stress the environmentally friendly aspects of its project, which is scheduled for completion in the next three years.

Specifically, the houses will be constructed using advanced technologies from Tyrone Timberframes, which is a local firm that specialises in domestic energy efficiency. In fact, each house in the project is expected to offer 75% more energy efficiency than the average home.

The Madrid Street development is thought to be the first social housing project in the UK that precludes the necessity of central heating systems. Indeed, the houses will feature completely air-tight designs that are made possible by triple glazed windows throughout. Each of the houses will also comprise a “whole house ventilation” system, which, according to a report published by the BBC, will recover up to 80% of the heat from stale air by filtering and redistributing it throughout the home. Tyrone Timberframes will also employ energy efficient timber frames, whilst the homes are expected to feature sufficient loft insulation in addition to many other basic measures.

If the project proves to be successful, the energy efficient houses may become standard as the world continues to battle against the looming threat of global warming. Furthermore, the Madrid Street development offers additional benefits to those who take up residence in the properties, which are expected to cost around £100,000 each, although are likely to end up in the hands of tenants rather than homeowners. Indeed, by removing domestic central heating systems, the project serves to combat fuel poverty, which is likely to become a more significant issue over the coming years.

Research undertaken by the New Policy Institute (NPI), an independent think-tank, has uncovered an alarming truth relating to trends in domestic energy bill savings in the UK. According to the ‘Missing Millions’ research, up to 3.6 million domestic energy consumers are missing out on potential savings because they are neglecting to claim for insulation grants.

It is thought that average annual savings of around £250 could be achieved by insulating a typical property. However, the financial cost and perceived time involved in ensuring that cavity walls are filled and lofts are insulated can seem overwhelming for many homeowners. In fact, where the cost of such measures is relatively high, the £250 average annual saving, which has been endorsed by research for the Home Heat Helpline, does not always appear to make sound financial sense to property owners.

In practice, research suggests that £150 per year can be saved by loft insulation and a further £115 per year can be saved by undertaking cavity wall insulation. Furthermore, the Missing Millions research claims that millions of people on working tax credits, pension credits, disability or unemployment benefits are missing out on opportunities to secure one of several home insulation grants that are provided under the Carbon Emission Reduction Target scheme. Moreover, those aged 70 or over are eligible for the free home insulation grant, which means that approximately 1.3 million households can apply for the grant. In light of increased fuel poverty, a lingering economic recession and rising energy bills, there is arguably no better time than the present to insulate the home. Indeed, ensuring that loft and cavity wall insulation is carried out in the home can lead to savings that can help to soften the blow of further energy bill rises, so it really is advisable for homeowners to find out whether they are eligible for a home insulation grant.

Those of a certain age will remember the many problems caused when the coal industry was effectively brought to an end in Britain, although today’s reduced domestic output offers a number of advantages insofar as the environment is concerned. However, domestic and imported coal continues to fuel much of the UK’s electricity demands and the fossil fuel is also important for those consumers who rely on central heating systems that are fed by natural open fires with back boilers.

As the world’s governments continue to thrash out plans to reduce global carbon emissions, the importance of coal has been undermined by green lobbyists but remains central to energy production throughout the world.

Fortunately, it seems that the dirty business of generating biofuel from coal is set for a green makeover. Indeed, scientists working at the Columbia University have developed a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to go about gasification, which refers to the process of producing syngas – hydrogen and carbon monoxide – from heated organic matter. The production of biofuels through gasification, however, emits vast quantities of carbon dioxide as a by-product and large amounts of solid waste materials are also produced.

However, Marco Castaldi’s team of researchers has discovered a more efficient way in which to go about gasification: an approach that could have a hugely positive effect on meeting energy efficiency targets. Indeed, the team has discovered that adding carbon dioxide to the gasifier at the steam heating stage produces more useful syngas from the same quantity of coal. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide that is required to improve efficiency in this way can be sourced from that which is given off by the gasification process. In short, it is estimated that the refined process could eliminate 437 tonnes of greenhouse gases, which is the equivalent of removing 308 million vehicles from the roads.

British Gas is introducing an innovative new service, called British Gas EnergySmart, to enable customers to monitor the energy they use, and reduce bills. Householders using the scheme will save an estimated £110 per year on utility costs, and will also qualify for a £40 introductory rebate.

Instead of receiving estimated bills once a quarter, the new British Gas EnergySmart service will enable customers to log-in online to view their energy bills and pay monthly statements via the Internet. They will also be able to monitor usage, and set targets for energy reduction, as well as a host of other functions. Using an electricity monitor provided free by British Gas, householders will be able to assess how much energy their appliances are using and then cut down where required. This puts customers in control – rather than waiting for a dreaded bill to arrive, they can take steps to save on costs. It is estimated that by using this system householders will save approximately £110 per year on utility bills. They will also receive an introductory rebate of £40 from British Gas.

Under the scheme customers submit their own meter readings online and will receive reminders when a meter reading is due; this means accurate bills rather than estimates. Because bills are online rather than paper statements, it is also kinder to the environment. Using the Internet service consumers can choose from a range of payment options including direct debit and online payment by debit or credit card. The sophisticated online tracking tools also enable them to easily keep a check on the amount of energy used and the cost.
Signing up for British Gas EnergySmart is straightforward both for existing and new customers and can be done via the British Gas website.

Adair Turner, Chairman of the UK Government’s Climate Change Commission, announced on Wednesday the recent fall in carbon emissions must not be seen as a sign that everything is on course, as the economic recession is thought to be chiefly responsible.

Moreover, Adair Turner suggested in order to meet the UK Government’s plans to reduce carbon emissions by 34% (from 1990 levels) by 2020, homes across Britain must be given a total eco-friendly makeover. However, according to Lord Turner, investment in appropriate environmentally friendly measures at home are likely to cost up to £15,000.

Exactly what constitutes an environmentally friendly home makeover will vary between properties. Indeed, new build houses are subject to clear regulations governing energy efficiency and the so-called ‘green houses’ are designed with zero carbon emissions in mind, so these properties will require only minimal changes if any. In contrast, housing more than a decade old will often comprise elements that are anything but environmentally friendly, such as archaic central heating systems and single glazed sash windows. Thus, Adair Turner has warned homeowners must brace for significant change over the coming years.

Specifically, Lord Turner was quoted by the Guardian newspaper as suggesting that after “home insulation and more efficient boilers”, homeowners ought to consider “more intrusive things – double glazing, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation”. Lord Turner then added that people must adopt a “whole house approach” but that it “may be expensive – between £10,000 and £15,000″. Whilst a bill of £15,000 to makeover the home might seem exceptionally high for most people, the Climate Change Commission is anticipating that a large proportion of these costs will be subsidised by the Government. However, the Commission also believes that the UK Government will fund any such scheme through various indirect mechanisms, such as those that will stimulate higher domestic electricity bills.

British Gas are offering their customers the chance to take advantage of one months free Homecare Cover, if they sign up to the scheme before the 31st December 2009. There are several different Homecare plans to choose from – suiting all budgets and needs.

As the weather turns inevitably colder we all live in fear of our boilers breaking down and are all fully aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and therefore, the importance of a yearly boiler check. However, with so many other bills to pay, this necessity can easily find itself continuously being slipped into the pile of ‘deal with next pay cheque’ chores. British Gas Homecare Cover, offers customers the chance to spread the cost of an annual checkup, as well as including cover for any problems that may occur within the year.

Choose from four different Homecare cover plans, ranging in price and benefits from £13 per month to £29 per month. You can choose just to have cover for your boiler and its controls (Homecare Cover 100), or choose the top package (Homecare 400) which covers your boiler and its controls, your central heating, plumbing and drains and your home electrics as well.

Packages include unlimited call outs from Gas Safe Registered engineers. Indeed, since British Gas have access to nearly seven thousand Gas Safe Engineers, you are sure to have the job done promptly! You can also choose from a fixed fee, or non fixed fee coverage. Fixed Fee Coverage will mean you have to pay the first £50 of the repair, whereas full coverage includes parts and labour.

Simply contact British Gas before the 31st December 2009 to start your coverage, or visit their website for full details, terms and conditions.

The Reheat Britain Campaign is an initiative devised by Mick Williams of Williams and Co., a plumbers’ merchant in the South of England, aiming to scrap old and inefficient boilers in Britain. Inspired by the UK Government’s car ’scrappage’ scheme, Reheat Britain hopes to turn British domestic central heating into an altogether more efficient and environmentally friendly industry.

Indeed, the Reheat Britain Campaign claims around 4.5 million old and inefficient boilers are in active service throughout the UK. Such boilers are thought to be rated at less than 70% efficiency, although the precise figures are significantly skewed by various factors, including service history, condition and state of installation and maintenance.

It is thought millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be eliminated by replacing these 4.5 million old boilers with modern condensing gas boilers and controls. Furthermore, old boilers are notoriously fuel hungry, so domestic energy users living with such dinosaurs, which were built in an age that did not fully recognise the importance of global warming, will most likely be losing considerable amounts of money on them. The Energy Saving Trust has argued that around £200 could be saved each year on annual fuel bills by upgrading to condensing boilers offering an efficiency rating of 90% or more.

Although the Reheat Britain Campaign is not officially endorsed by the Government – nor is it backed financially by large corporations or energy companies – it essentially aims to raise sufficient awareness in order to bring about change. Any political development of the campaign would likely result in a cash incentive for those replacing old boilers. Promisingly, ministers are beginning to warm to the idea of Reheat Britain, which has attracted the approval of some 53 MPs, one of whom includes the current Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Joan Ruddock MP.

A petition for the scrappage scheme has been created at www.number10.gov.uk here so please sign-up here

UPDATE: The Boiler Scrappage Scheme has been announced.

Every so often, a thick and expansive cloud of sand whips up in the Sahara and travels in a north easterly direction towards Europe and the Atlantic Ocean. Rarely, people in the UK will notice the occasional deposit of African sand on their cars, driveways and lawns.

Whilst the thought of something so far away making its way to the UK is remarkable enough, the idea that the Sahara Desert may also supply the nation with green renewable energy is bordering on the far-fetched. However, plans are in transit to turn the Sahara, which covers more than 9,000,000 square kilometres and experiences massive quantities of sunlight each year, into an enormous solar power farm.

Obviously, the Sahara Desert is too vast to be completely filled with solar panels and, in fact, many parts of the desert have experienced ‘greening’ over the last couple of decades as the climate has become marginally wetter. Nevertheless, the world’s largest hot desert offers a unique opportunity for truly massive amounts of electricity to be generated via solar panels. The plan to harness Saharan solar power is spearheaded by a German-led consortium of twelve companies, which includes Siemens, ABB and Deutsche Bank, in addition to one of the UK’s largest domestic energy suppliers, E.ON.

The so-called Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII) plans to invest some £240bn in developing Saharan solar panel farms to provide Europe with approximately 15% of its total demand for electricity by 2050. One of the driving factors behind the plans is obviously to help Europe achieve its green energy objectives, which aim to lower carbon emissions. North African countries and those in the Middle East will also likely avail of the DII’s plans, which include the rollout of one gigawatt power stations in the desert within the next five years.