Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group services

Interesting Facts- A wind turbine generates electricity from the power of the wind. When the wind blows, the turbine blades turn a generator inside the turbine that converts the movement into electricity. That power is then transmitted through underground cables.So a wind turbine is rather like a giant fan in reverse!, Wind turbines generate electricity from wind speeds of 4 to 5 metres per second (10 miles an hour) upwards. They only stop working when wind speeds reach severe gale force, at about 25 metres per second (50+ miles/hour). Currently the fastest growing source of renewable energy in the world.

Interesting Facts- Wave and tidal devices convert the energetic movement of the waves, and the rise and fall of the tides, into electricity via internal generators. The electricity is transported to shore via underwater cables. Wave devices are either floating or fixed to seabed or shore. Tidal projects use tidal barrage (similar to hydro dam or underwater turbine generators) Scotland has more than a quarter of Europe’s potential wave and tidal resources! Some of the best resources are located off the north-west coast and northern tip of Scotland, Around the coast of the UK the sea levels rise and fall twice daily. The Pelamis Wave Device was developed & manufactured in Scotland, Pelamis is greek for sea snake!.

The movement of water flowing down a river or hill powers a turbine which creates electricity.

Biomass is natural material such as wood, plants and animal waste which is used to create fuel, heat and energy. Plant waste can be burnt to produce heat and electricity or used to produce gas which can then be burnt to create electricity or run a vehicle. Food and farm waste produces methane which is collected and burnt to produce energy. It is also used to heat water to produce steam to power a turbine which generates electricity. Bio-fuels are produced from processing different energy crops such as oilseed rape and sugar beet.

Hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into water by reverse electrolysis. They rely on a store of hydrogen but take oxygen from the air. The reaction creates electricity and heat.

Special light sensitive surfaces called photovoltaic cells are arranged in a grid over a large surface area of a panel. These cells capture the energy from sunlight and convert this into electricity. The sun also radiates heat which can be captured by heat absorbing panels and used to heat water.