Zero-Energy Homes: A Reality with Renewable Energy Retrofits
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) researchers have uncovered a pathway to transform millions of existing UK properties into entirely carbon-free havens through a strategic combination of renewable energy technologies.
A Glimpse into the Study’s Findings
The study, published in Smart Energy, delved into the data of 27 Nottingham homes retrofitted with external wall insulation, effectively reducing energy loss. These homes were further equipped with a suite of renewable energy technologies, including:
– Two small-scale vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) shared among the 27 properties
– Three 41.4kW ground-source heat pumps shared among the 27 homes
– A 40kW shared battery to store excess electricity
– A 12 cubic meters shared water-based thermal energy store to conserve excess heat energy
– 21 photovoltaic solar panels per home, capable of harnessing up to 2.7 kilowatt (kW) per home per day
The Significance of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs)
Professor Anton Ianakiev, from NTU’s School of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment, highlights the advantages of VAWTs in urban settings:
“Vertical access wind turbines produce minimal noise and can harness wind energy from any direction, be it low or high winds, 24 hours a day. This makes them particularly effective during the windy winter months.”
Complementing Wind Energy with Solar and Storage Solutions
To complement the VAWTs, photovoltaic solar cells step in during the milder summer months when wind energy potential is reduced. These cells harness solar energy during the long daylight hours.
Excess electricity from both wind and solar sources is stored in a large, shared battery, ensuring a reliable energy supply during peak demand periods, such as winter evenings.
On the heating front, just three ground-source heat pumps provide year-round warmth, with a shared heat store facility available to meet peak demand.
Implications for Policy and Practice
The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for policy and practice at both national and local levels:
National Level: The government should consider providing financial incentives to homeowners willing to embrace renewable energy technologies. This could include grants, loans, or tax breaks. Additionally, collaboration with energy companies can lead to innovative financing mechanisms, making these retrofits more accessible to homeowners.
Local Level: Local authorities can play a vital role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies by providing information, advice, and support to homeowners. Furthermore, they can collaborate with energy companies to develop community-based renewable energy projects, fostering a collective approach to sustainability.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for Net Zero
The study’s findings illuminate a clear path toward retrofitting existing homes with renewable energy technologies, enabling them to achieve zero-carbon status. However, scaling up these retrofits to a national level demands government support and financial incentives.
By embracing these transformative technologies, the UK can make significant strides toward its ambitious net-zero targets, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.