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Micro-generation

The production of heat or electricity on a small-scale from a low carbon source. Various technologies can be used for micro-generation: Air source heat pump - A heat pump that uses the air as a heat source for heating a building.

Ground source heat pump - A heat pump that uses the Earth as a heat source.

Ground-water source heat pump - Uses a surface or underground water source (e.g. a lake, river or well) as a heat source and sink. Fuel cells - Produce electricity through the electrochemical conversion of energy.

Fuel cells differ from batteries in that they consume reactant, which must be replenished, while batteries store electrical energy chemically in a closed system. A hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen as fuel and oxygen as oxidant. Other fuels include hydrocarbons and alcohols.

Micro-Combined Heat and Power (CHP) - Typically operates in homes or small buildings and is driven by heat demand, delivering electricity as the by-product. Larger CHP systems in offices or industrial sites primarily generate electricity with heat a by-product.

Micro-hydro - Small hydroelectric power installations that typically produce up to 100 kW of power.

Micro-wind - Small wind turbine generator used for generating a couple of kW of electricity power. Most common where National Grid electricity does not reach or used to supplement National Grid electricity.

Bio-energy - Energy or fuel derived from biomass (e.g. chipped wood). Solar - Typically involves a photovoltaic (PV) cell used to directly convert sun's rays to electricity. Alternatively, buildings can be designed to take advantage of natural sunlight for lighting and heating.

The Merton Rule is the term sometimes applied to the UK Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22), Planning Guidance on Renewable Energy, issued in 2004. The policy requires the use of renewable energy production onsite to reduce annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the built environment, pioneered by the London Borough of Merton.

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