Renewable Energy Report 2010 Highlights World Growth In Solar Heating.

The recently published Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century 2010 Global Status Report highlights the increased power capacity across Europe of renewable energy sources compared to conventional coal, gas and nuclear power.Of relevant interest to trainee electrical and plumbing candidates, from 2005 to 2009, the annual average rate of growth in solar hot water capacity increased by 21 per cent while the use of biomass for power and heat also grew strongly.As is often reported here at AbleSkills, the renewable energy sector survived the economic downturn better than many other sectors. An estimated 3 million people are employed in the Renewable Energy industries worldwide, of which, around a half are in the biofuel industry.In the UK, officially released figures from Ofgem show the success of the UK Feed in Tariff since the launch of the scheme on the 1st April 2010. The first four months of the scheme saw a spike in installed systems from approximately 1MW during the month of April, to over 4.5MW during July, an increase of 450%.The UK Feed in Tariff provides an attractive incentive for homeowners and businesses to become self-sustainable in energy generation whilst also earning a Return on Investment. The first four months of the scheme saw a jump in installed capacity from approximately 1MW during the month of April, to over 4.5MW during July, an increase of 450% in the respective periods.PV solar heating is becoming a significant source of alternative energy supply. An estimated 40,000 systems are already installed in the UK alone, providing nearly three quarters of annual domestic hot water needs. The prediction for installed solar PV capacity in the UK by 2014 is 500MW, with an anticipated huge reduction in the cost of solar electricity.At AbleSkills newly built Renewable Energy Training Centre, with dedicated classrooms and workshops for separate renewable technologies spread over two floors, the business of training today's generation of green electricians and plumbers to take a decisive role in the vital energy emission reduction plans over the next 20 years plus, is established at the highest skills training level.To be a plumber or electrician from now on involves knowing how to work with the installation of renewables , such as heat pumps or biomass, within the home or workplace. Energy efficient heating and lighting technology is now an urgent priority and it's clear that accredited NICEIC or BPEC qualification training is going to directly boost trainee electricians and plumbers in their future careers.For those who wish to enter the electrical or plumbing industries, entry level training without any prior knowledge or experience, begins on a City & Guilds NVQ Electrical 2330 Level 2 course for trainee electricians, or NVQ Plumbing 6129 Level 2 - for trainee plumbers. Both courses provide the necessary foundation knowledge and introduction to the required practical skills before qualifying to progress onto the next knowledge and skills learning units.