week ending 17 April 2009
Feed-in Tories
The Conservatives have called for feed-in tariffs for renewable electricity and heat to be brought forward, as part of Budget recommendations they say would unlock £30 billion of investment in “green” technology.
New Energy Focus 17th Apr 2009 more >>
Defining Zero
You might think that it would be relatively straightforward to define a zero-carbon home, but the construction industry has spent the past 18 months tying itself in knots over the issue. The government’s recent consultation provides an insight into where the debate is going; this article provides an overview of some of the key issues.
Building 17th Apr 2009 more >>
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to halve carbon emissions from our homes – if the price can be reduced to less than six figures. Energy company Ceres Power thinks it has got the answer to micro-combined heat and power (CHP). By 2012 it is promising to have two CHP systems on the market that have the potential to halve the carbon emissions from an average dwelling. What is more, they will be affordable and have the same maintenance regime as a conventional domestic boiler. But what is most novel is that they will use fuel cell technology.
Building 17th Apr 2009 more >>
Norwich Solar
More needs to be done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy, according to a leading expert on a visit to a green home on the outskirts of Norwich. Jeremy Leggett, a leading authority on solar energy who runs Solarcentury, the fastest growing provider of energy, paid a visit to a home in Cringleford yesterday which was kitted out with a solar energy system eight years ago. The system, made up of 26 solar panels to create electricity, was one of the first in the country to be installed by Solarcentury and has helped owner Maswood Jalil reduce his energy costs by one third.
Norwich Evening News 16th Apr 2009 more >>
Fife Projects
Fife Housing Association has been given over £35,000 to undertake the Kirkcaldy Community Energy Feasibility study. It will investigate the energy potential from minewater lying below the town. If viable, the latent energy will be developed along with Fife Council and Renew Services Ltd to tackle fuel poverty and provide renewable energy. East Neuk Communities Group was also awarded almost £213,000 for a community-based energy efficiency programme.
Fife Today 16th Apr 2009 more >>
Micro-CHP Competitor Profiles
A report provides readers with a look at the major players in the MicroCHP market space. It profiles 20 key competitors providing information on the company, its microCHP products, target markets, key alliances, and key installations. It serves as a valuable resource for those wishing to track MicroCHP development or compare activities across companies.
Research and Markets April 2009 more >>
Ampair Turbine
Berkshire-based small wind turbine manufacturer Ampair has introduced its latest 6kW wind turbine to the market. The turbine, which has a rotor blade diameter of 5.5 metres, is designed for both a 230V grid connection or for 48V battery charging. And the firm’s chief has reiterated his opposition to government subsidies for renewables.
New Energy Focus 15th Apr 2009 more >>
Beccles and Bungay
Sustainable Bungay is holding its first Big Green Street Market on September 13, where stalls will sell local food and ethical, organic and fair trade goods, and organisations will promote renewable energy and sustainable living.
Beccles and Bungay Journal 14th Apr 2009 more >>
North Norfolk Exhibition
Exhibitors including companies that provide renewable technologies, advisors, conservation organisations and pressure groups with information about everything from solar panels, wind turbines, insulating your home and encouraging wildlife into your garden to organic fruit and veg, composting and many other aspects of sustainable living.
Dereham Times 14th Apr 2009 more >>
Cornwall Event
LAUNCESTON residents have been hearing how they could use renewable energy technologies in their homes. The Energy Saving Trust (South West) joined forces with Regen SW and installers of renewable technologies during an event at Launceston Town Hall.
This is Cornwall 14th Apr 2009 more >>
Dundee Plan
Dundee Industrial Heritage Ltd (DIH), which operates Discovery Point and Verdant Works, are also looking closely at renewable energy opportunities which, in addition to reducing their carbon emissions, would also help reduce utility costs.
Dundee Courier 14th Apr 2009 more >>
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY efficiency just isn’t sexy. There are no new power stations to cut the ribbon for and not many multi-million-pound investments to talk about, yet energy efficiency is the most important part of any energy policy.
Scotsman 14th Apr 2009 more >>
The Scottish Government has announced plans to draw up a draft energy efficiency action plan this summer for consultation. It will be finalised by the end of the year. Ministers say they will welcome all contributions to the debate and that they look forward to receiving the views of interested parties.
Scotsman 14th Apr 2009 more >>
Self-build
One of the most potentially useful up-and-coming technologies is thermal storage, where excess heat generated by solar panels during the day can be stored until it’s required later in the evening. These systems have the ability to make homes almost self-sufficient in water heating and electricity. Gillian has also been researching organisations such as “Good Energy”, who offer cash incentives to people who are producing their own energy. A recent new-build property in Staplehurst, Kent, which uses such a system was recently featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, and is said to be on target to achieve £1800 per year from the scheme.
Mid-Sussex Times 12th Apr 2009 more >>
Scotland and China
As part of his visit the First Minister opened Glasgow-based SgurrEnergy’s new office in Beijing. It is only six years since the company began life as a small business in an attic in Glasgow. Today it is a global leader in the renewables industry, with expertise in hydro, wind, solar, biomass, microgeneration, wave and tidal power.
Scotsman 9th Apr 2009 more >>
Certification
ELECSA has launched a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for contractors installing renewable technologies in domestic properties. ELECSA already runs a successful Part P registration scheme for electrical contractors, and is now extending their straightforward approach to certification for renewables.
Electrical Products and Applications 1st Apr 2009 more >>
Swift
Standing over Auckland, New Zealand, at over 320 meters tall, and with views stretching over 80kms in all directions, the Auckland Sky Tower is not only the city’s most recognisable tourist attraction and entertainment venue (and the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand!), but has become the latest prominent business to join the green revolution, with the breathtaking installation of a SWIFT Wind Energy System.
Renewable Devices 30th Mar 2009 more >>