Swift Croydon
Croydon was the first council to require new developments to incorporate renewable energy, and the second in the country to require this of non-residential buildings too. As a result, in the past five years or so there have been over 150 developments in Croydon, which have to include things like solar panels, wind turbines, and ground-source heat pumps.
On Track Oct, Nov 2008 more >>
The photo shows one of the most recent projects - the installation of two Swift Turbines on an office block in Croydon. Photo thanks to Andrew Lyle of RD Energy Solutions.
week ending 7 November 2008
FiTs
The Government has tabled an amendment to the Energy Bill which makes provision for the introduction of a feed-in tariff (FiT) for all small-scale micro renewable technologies. It has also tabled an amendment to make way for the introduction of a production-based FiT for renewable heating technologies such as solar hot-water, bio gas and micro combined heat and power (mCHP) technologies.
H&V News 6th Nov 2008 more >>
Angus Heritage Plan
THE BIG Lottery Fund has smiled on an Angus heritage group to help it take a big step forward with plans to give a 200-year-old mill a 21st century future. The aim of the group, formed three years ago, is to have a permanent but changing exhibition of working renewable energy appliances contained within a building of outstanding architectural merit.
Dundee Courier 6th Nov 2008 more >>
Tesco CHP
A MAJOR supermarket chain is hoping to be given the green light to install environmentally-friendly power stations at two local stores. Tesco has submitted plans to Huntingdonshire District Council to build a combined heat and power station at one branch and micro wind turbines at another.
Hunts Post 6th Nov 2008 more >>
Feed-in Vote
A coalition of trade bodies, unions and charities is calling for Government plans to introduce a feed-in tariff into its Energy Bill to be significantly strengthened so that households, businesses, communities and local authorities are given real financial incentives to install small-scale green energy systems such as solar panels, wind generators and water turbines. The House of Lords will vote on amendments to the Bill later today (Wednesday 5 November 2008).
FoE Press Release 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Another Barrow Supermarket Turbine
Another supermarket – Asda - is to put up a wind turbine at the site of its Barrow store. Tesco already has one.
North West Evening Mail 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Another Tesco Turbine
TESCO in Thornbury is making sure every little helps in the fight against climate change. The supermarket giant has recently made an application for a wind turbine to be built at its Thornbury store.
Thornbury Gazette 5th Nov 2008 more >>
And another ..
TRURO supermarket hopes to build a wind turbine to provide renewable energy and encourage shoppers to go green. Tesco Stores has applied for planning permission to erect a 10-metre high, six kilowatt micro-turbine in its car park at Garras Wharf.
This is Cornwall 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Cornish School
A Cornish school has gone green and installed a wind turbine to reduce energy usage and teach pupils about renewable energy. The project at Roseland Community College in Tregony has taken more than two years to achieve, but the 12-metre high turbine is now installed at the top of the sports field, to catch the full effect of the winds.
This is Cornwall 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Wind Co-op
Members of a Sutherland community have been celebrating after taking a major stake in a local wind farm. The Kilbraur Wind Energy Co-operative has raise just over £1m, more than four times its target for the share offer.
BBC 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Engineers
The lack of political leadership on renewables has fed into a shortage of suitable incentives that could shepherd new technologies into the crowded energy market. The engineers highlighted the example of feed-in tariffs, which pay electricity generators a guaranteed premium price for the power they produce from renewable sources. While these tariffs have accelerated the introduction of solar technology in Germany and wave power in Portugal, the same is not true for the UK.
Guardian 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Microgeneration Targets
Setting targets for the number of household solar panels and wind turbines in Britain could undermine a commitment to cut carbon emissions, Energy Minister Mike O’Brien said. Insisting on how many people should install microgeneration equipment would promote the cheapest goods rather than the greenest or most cost-effective, Mr O’Brien argued. Ministers will draw up a “renewable energy strategy” early next year in place of the targets, which were required under the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006, he added. The Tories described the move as “very disappointing” and accused the Government of “failure” with regards to microgeneration
AOL News 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Portsmouth Hotel
The planned 188-bedroom Portsmouth Hotel would boast a raft of stylish energy-saving measures such as a wind turbine and a twin-skin glass design.
Portsmouth Today 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Forests Consultation
INNOVATIVE plans could see areas of privately owned woodland leased and used to build renewable energy projects such as wind farms and biomass plants. Under the proposals, outlined in a consultation launched yesterday, money raised by Forestry Commission Scotland would then be pumped into paying for new areas of forest to be planted.
Scotsman 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Lords & FITs
The government last week introduced an amendment to its energy bill going through parliament that would bring in a feed-in tariff (FIT). But a number of organisations including the British Retail Consortium, the Home Builders’ Federation, the Co-operative Group and Friends of the Earth have written today to every member of the House of Lords expressing disappointment with the government’s amendment. They are disappointed that it contains no timetable for the introduction of a FIT, does not even firmly commit the government to introducing one and has too low a cap on the amount of energy the projects could produce.
Guardian 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Heads of Valleys
Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews AM said: “The Assembly Government is supporting, promoting and encouraging the use of micro generation and renewables. We want the Heads of the Valleys to be a model of good practice in sustainability and this project is an excellent example of how the latest technologies can be used to fight fuel poverty and improve quality of life.”
News Wales 5th Nov 2008 more >>
Green New Deal
MINISTERS will today unveil a multi-million pound fund to retrain workers who lose their jobs in the recession. Cornwall in particular has been singled out for extra help in recognition of it being especially vulnerable to the economic slowdown. It will include a major drive to expand the number of “green collar” jobs in the region in a bid to tap into the potential of the renewable energy and eco-lifestyle sectors.
This is Cornwall 4th Nov 2008 more >>
Devon’s New Deal
COUNCILLORS will decide today whether to respond to the economic downturn with a £5 million capital investment in the local economy. The proposal, which goes before Devon County Council’s executive, is aimed at encouraging economic growth by supporting key projects, and includes £450,000 for Renewable Energy for Devon.
Plymouth Herald 4th Nov 2008 more >>
Housing Policy
Tim Yeo: The government now has the opportunity to strengthen the environmental credentials of its housing policy. For example, the government’s target for 3m new homes is split; 2m homes are to be built before the zero carbon target comes into effect in 2016, and 1m are to be built afterwards. Changing the balance, so that more homes are built after the zero carbon target comes into effect, could help to limit emissions from a growth in housing. The government could also accelerate the development of district renewable energy sources to ensure that new developments can source their heat and power from renewable sources.
Guardian 4th Nov 2008 more >>
Micro-CHP
CHP (combined heat and power) is an extremely efficient technology for generating electricity and heat simultaneously. This process is often referred to as “cogeneration”. Micro CHP systems can use a variety of generation technologies, including fuel cells, Stirling engines, or conventional means like gas and oil. Simply put, the heat generated in the process of creating electricity is recovered in a manner than allows it to be used to heat the home. These systems are very simple to install and can take the place of a conventional boiler or furnace. A micro CHP system can be as much as 90% energy efficient.
Energy Power Alternatives 4th Nov 2008 more >>
FITs
Letter: As companies active in manufacturing, designing and installing community-scale solar PV installations, we applaud your paper’s campaign for a UK feed-in tariff (People power a step closer, October 31). This sector has been held back by a succession of stop-start grant programmes. FITs would provide the long-term certainty and incentives that our customers and investors need. On the eve of the crucial Lords votes on FIT amendments to the government’s energy bill, it is therefore vital that the government introduces a FIT that actually delivers a rapid increase in the uptake of community-scale renewable energy schemes and to a quick timescale.
Guardian 4th Nov 2008 more >>
Hydro Power
Powered by the water tumbling over the weir, the ‘‘Reverse Archimedean Screw” makes enough electricity to supply 70 homes. At present a private line provides the New Mills Co-Operative supermarket with electricity and any surplus is sold to the grid.
Telegraph 4th Nov 2008 more >>
Heat Pump Certified
BRE Global is delighted to announce that Mitsubishi Electric has become the latest manufacturer to gain Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Product Certification for its range of Ecodan Air Source Heat Pumps.
Azo Building 3rd Nov 2008 more >>
Anaerobic Digestion
Shropshire-based environmental pioneer Greenfinch has been acquired by BIOGEN (UK) in an £18 million move which bosses claim will change the face of the UK’s anaerobic digestion industry. The new firm, BiogenGreenfinch, will hold a unique position in the UK as a business with the capability and capacity to deliver a fully integrated anaerobic digestion solution to the agricultural, food, waste and water industries and to local authorities.
Shropshire Star 3rd Nov 2008 more >>
Another Tesco Turbine
TESCO has applied for permission to install at wind turbine outside a Derbyshire store.
Derby Evening Telegraph 3rd Nov 2008 more >>
Haringey
Haringey’s new Sustainable Design and Construction policy requires developers to take, where appropriate, a number of environmental sustainability considerations into account. These include energy efficiency, renewable energy, pollution effects, recycling facilities, use of environmentally friendly materials, water conservation, sustainable drainage systems, and enhanced wildlife. Meanwhile, the policy on Mitigating Climate Change – Renewable Energy requires energy assessments for major development schemes and the incorporation of on-site renewable energy systems where feasible.
Haringey London Borough Council 3rd Nov 2008 more >>
Suffolk Village to cut bills for all
A village which has won awards for its energy-saving projects is set to spend more than £90,000 on reducing fuel bills for the whole community. £70,000 from the East of England Development Agency (Eeda) will be used to refurbish the village hall and another £22,000 grant from Suffolk County Council, will be used for a village insulation project to offer money for householders who want to improve their wall and loft insulation.
East Anglian Daily Press 3rd Nov 2008 more >>
Scottish Health Boards
Health boards are to receive £15 million to help them go green and cut soaring fuel bills, it has been announced. Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon revealed the Scottish Government was providing direct grants to NHS boards to allow them to invest in new technologies, including renewable energy technologies.
Galloway Gazette 3rd Nov 2008 more >>
Hydro Restoration
A 100-year-old hydro-electric power plant at Linton Falls, near Grassington, is to be restored. When the work is completed, electricity from the River Wharfe-driven power station will be lighting the way in the Yorkshire Dales National Park for the first time in 60 years.
Craven Herald 1st Nov 2008 more >>
Sailing
THE Princess Royal officially opened the new £1.2m headquarters of Liverpool sailing club yesterday. It boasts a wind turbine, rainwater collection system and security moat and, seen from the River Mersey, it resembles two sails rising from the ground.
Liverpool Echo 1st Nov 2008 more >>