6) Microgeneration

Question 1

Define Microgeneration

Answer 1

‘The small-scale generation of heat and power’

Question 2

What are Microelectricity Technologies

Answer 2

Small devices capable of producing electricity, like Solar PV, Wind

Question 3

What are Microheat Technologies

Answer 3

Small devices capable of producing heat, like Solar Thermal, Ground source heat pump, Biomass.

Question 4

Benefits of Homes/ communities using microgeneration:

Answer 4

Reduced costs,
Contribution to environmental targets,
Enhanced security of supply,
Financial incentive.

Question 5

Reduced costs:

Answer 5

Amount of energy used from fossil fuels decreases, which leads to:
-Less electricity used on the national grid,
-Less heating oil used to heat a building,
-Less natural gas used if pipeline is local,
-Less fossil fuels purchased for heating.

Question 6

Contribution to environmental targets:

Answer 6

The use of microgeneration technologies reduces the use of fossil fuels and so reduces the emissions of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, which can help a home/ community reach environmental targets.

Question 7

Enhanced security of supply:

Answer 7

When a house/ local community installs microgeneration systems, they:
-Require less electricity from the National
Grid
-Require less natural gas
-Require less heating oil
-Require less miscellaneous fuels such as
turf, logs and coal

Question 8

Financial incentives:

Answer 8

The installation of a microgeneration system by a home/ community has been made viable with a financial incentive and repayment periods are reduced considerably.