week ending 5 February 2010
Low Carbon Community Challenge
Communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have won up to £500,000 each to help install new green technologies such as solar panels, hydro turbines and energy saving insulation. The grants, awarded through the Government’s Low Carbon Community Challenge (LCCC), are set to be spent on a range of measures intended to cut carbon, save money on energy bills, and enable see some communities to generate their own energy and take advantage of the recently announced Feed-in Tariffs
New Energy Focus 5th Feb 2010 more >>
Low Carbon Economy 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Builders’ FiT Reaction
Government renewable energy plans announced this week could create a multibillion-pound surge in demand for construction work. The Government said the level of feed-in-tariff could mean that a photovoltaic (PV) panel could generate £900 a year if all its electricity were sold. David Strong, chair of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, said: “This changes the renewables industry from being marginal to one with a strong business driver.” Companies that supply or fit renewable energy generators such as Eaga and SIG are set to benefit from the tariff; shares in Eaga rose 8% after the announcement.
Building 5th Feb 2010 more >>
Social Landlords
Social landlords have welcomed plans to make the use of renewable energy more financially attractive, despite warnings the rewards are too low to incentivise improved performance. Sustainability experts are concerned feed-in-tariffs - which social landlords can claim for the low carbon energy they produce from renewable energy, such as photovoltaic panels - offer no incentives for reducing energy use.
Inside Housing 5th Feb 2010 more >>
FiTs and RoCs
On February 2 2010, the government announced the finalised Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) scheme - a new renewable energy subsidy - after a three month consultation process. Set to be introduced in April 2010, FiTs will run alongside the current renewable energy financial incentives scheme, the Renewables Obligation - involving the supply of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs). This article aims to shed some light on the two schemes and look at the benefits and drawbacks of each.
New Energy Focus 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Renewable Heat
The renewables industry has warmly welcomed the UK government’s plans to introduce subsidy schemes for the microgeneration of renewable electricity and heat by homes, communities and businesses. The clean energy cash-back scheme, which will introduce feed-in tariffs (FITs) for renewable electricity, will begin this April, while the renewable heat incentive (RHI) will begin 12 months later.
Environment Analyst 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Uganda
Solar panels have now been fitted to the roof of Ojom health centre, in Katine, the result of a collaboration between the community, two NGOs and a rock band.
Guardian 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Solar Feeb-in Tariff
The UK feed-in-tariff announcement has generated a lot of interest in solar energy for homeowners. But what of the interest for organisations such as farms, businesses or local communities? The feed in tariff as it stands applies equally well to enterprises as it does homeowners. Businesses are often able to think longer term about investments. The incentives for installations above 50kW are still attractive for commercial roofspaces, especially if businesses use the electricity they generate for themselves, meaning that installing solar would be a prudent investment to have on a balance sheet.
Solar Feed-in Tariff website 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Good Energy FiT View
Renewable electricity supplier Good Energy has said it will continue to pay its existing accredited small generators £0.15 a unit for all their electricity, well above the rate of £0.09 set by the government in its new feed-in tariff.Under the government’s feed-in tariff announced on Monday, the higher payment rates of up to £0.41 will only apply to new generators who installed their technology after 15 July 2009. The company said that those pioneering generators in the UK who installed their technology before that date will only get £0.09 a unit under the government feed-in tariff.
New Net 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Ayrshire Builder Accredited
Ayrshire-based building contractors William Skinner & Son are proud to announce that they have become one of very few Scottish companies to have gained accreditation under the national Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). The Microgeneration Certification Scheme is an independent scheme that certifies renewable energy products and installers in accordance with consistent standards. It is designed to evaluate renewable energy products and installers against robust criteria, providing greater protection for consumers.
All Media Scotland 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Role of Local Government
Local government’s key role in reducing carbon emissions has been underscored by the announcement of a £3m round of exploratory pilot programmes. Communities secretary John Denham has named nine councils, or groups of councils, that are to come up with firm proposals to reduce local emissions towards 2020 target levels. Themes are expected to include closer working with energy suppliers; ‘greening’ homes and businesses; boosting demand for renewable energy; more use of district heating schemes; and the sale of surplus energy.
Local Government Chronicle 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Royal Academy Attack Repeated
Government proposals to allow homeowners to cash in on smallscale energy generation by selling it on to the National Grid have been slammed by engineers for offering misleading figures.
New Civil Engineer 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Chicken Shed Power
An application has been lodged to build a chicken shed with solar panels on the roof, a feed silo and a wind turbine on agricultural land near Bishops Nympton.
North Devon Journal 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Devon AD
THE UK’s first anaerobic digestion power station in Holsworthy could soon be heating premises on the town’s industrial estate. The biogas plant, run by Andigestion Ltd, has been given the go ahead to build two new storage tanks at the site at Higher Manworthy. The move means the company will be able to export low grade heat and lift restrictions it had to impose on the amount of material being brought to the site. The plant already takes waste from Heinz, pasty maker Ginsters and gum manufacturers Wrigleys, as well as West Devon, East Devon and Somerset councils.
North Devon Journal 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Security of Supply
Further ways of minimising and mitigating energy security concerns could be through managing consumer demand and diversifying supply. Energy efficiency measures in homes and businesses can lead to reduced consumer demand and less price spikes. Diversifying supply can be met through macro and microgeneration from renewable energy, as well as ensuring that any imported gas is not dependent on one particular source.
Better Generation 3rd Feb 2010 more >>
Income Generators
Following the governments announcement of the feed-in-tariffs (FITs), a leading green expert has claimed that the adoption of solar panels and wind turbines is a “realistic proposition” for homeowners and businesses. Andrew Moore, managing director of British Eco Energy, believes that the technology is no longer the preserve of the rich and a few committed greens and that microgeneration could provide a viable source of energy and income for many homes.
Rapid 3rd Feb 2010 more >>
Scottish Insulation Deal?
A deal is also expected with the Greens on insulation, meaning that Mr Swinney appears to have succeeded in his goal of leaving Labour isolated as the only party expected to oppose the budget today. The two Green MSPs, whose votes were crucial in bringing down last year’s budget, want the Scottish Government to put more money into insulation and make it free for homeowners. Mr Swinney has already said he will put £10m into a marine renewables fund requested by the Greens, and it is expected they will not vote against the budget.
Scotsman 3rd Feb 2010 more >>
Liberal FiT View
Simon Hughes: Today, after many months of delay, the government finally announced its detailed plans for the feed-in tariff. It is a huge disappointment for all of us who want to see communities taking control of their energy production. The announcement could have heralded a new age in British energy policy, where a large proportion of our energy is produced by individuals and communities through microgeneration, solar panels on the roofs of our schools and homes, small scale hydropower and wind.
Guardian 3rd Feb 2010 more >>
Solar Thermal Disappointment
Plans for the Renewable Heat Incentive that would see solar thermal technologies rewarded with a rate of return half that of other renewable heat energy sources have been branded “disappointing” by the Solar Trade Association.
New Energy Focus 2nd February 2010 more >>
No Planning Delays
Energy minister Lord Hunt expressed confidence that the UK’s planning system would not prevent households installing micro-renewables in order to benefit from Feed-in Tariffs.
New Energy Focus 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
Ceres View
Ceres Power has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the UK Government of a Feed-in Tariff from April 2010 for residential micro Combined Heat and Power (mCHP), including the company’s own fuel cell mCHP products. Ceres Power reckons the introduction of the new tariff will help to accelerate the sale of its fuel cell products, which are used in the residential sector and in energy security applications.
Small Cap News 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
NFU View
THE Government’s Feed-in Tariffs or ‘Clean Energy Cashback’ schemedoes not go far enough to attract farmers and growers, the NFU has claimed.
Farmers’ Guardian 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
South West Farmer 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
Scottish Scrappage
SNIPEF (The Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation) which represents nearly 700 plumbing and heating businesses in Scotland (employing nearly 3500 operatives) has set up a Public Petition through the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce a ‘Boiler Scrappage Scheme’ in Scotland.
New Statesman 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
Dover Biofuel
REG have constructed a combined heat and power plant at the docks that runs on fuel produced from used cooking oil. They are set to install a 150KW engine generator set to supply around 6-8MW of the dock’s annual heat and electricity.
National Non Food Crops Centre 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
Biomethane
British Gas has announced it is to go ahead with five biomethane demonstration projects that are likely to be the first in the UK to inject green gas into the grid.
Build.co.uk 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
New Civil Engineer 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
New Energy Focus 4th Feb 2010 more >>
Clean Energy Cashback
New subsidies to encourage millions of British families to install roof-top wind turbines and solar panels were unveiled by the Government yesterday, but were criticised as too low to help to meet its ambitious targets for low-carbon energy production. Dave Timms, of Friends of the Earth, said: “Ministers have been far too timid with a policy that could make a significant contribution to cutting emissions and boosting energy security.”
Times 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
One in 10 households are likely to install small-scale renewables under the new cash-back scheme. Under the deal, which will start from April this year, households will be paid for electricity fed into the grid from renewable technologies such as solar, wind or energy from waste. The most attractive rate of return will be on solar panels, which for an average sized three bedroom home could earn households £25,000 over 25 years. John Sauven, Executive Director of Greenpeace UK, welcomed the scheme but said rates are still too low for communities to invest in expensive long term schemes like hydro electric on rivers or larger turbines. “For many families, generating their own clean electricity will be an attractive investment,” he said. “However, the level of ambition set by the government’s Feed-in Tariff is still far too low if we are to reach the full potential of small scale renewables.”
Telegraph 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
24 Dash 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Unveiling the feed-in tariffs (FITs) energy secretary Ed Miliband said the government still only intended that the sector would supply 2% of the country’s electricity by 2020 – the same figure he proposed last summer. Some technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels on household roofs will get a higher feed-in tariff, and, importantly, all tariffs will be uprated with inflation each year. But large-scale community wind turbines will get a lower tariff than proposed last year, leaving the overall level of support to the industry little changed. The FITs for new projects will be held at the current rates for two years but then cut by 8.5%, more than originally planned.
Guardian 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
FT 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
Homeowners will soon be able to take out “solar panel loans” to cover the high costs of renewable energy. Solar panels typically cost up to £12,000 to install yet take decades to pay for themselves in energy savings.
Independent 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
Families and businesses that generate their own energy from devices such as solar panels and wind turbines will be able to claim money back from April under the feed-in-tariffs (FiTs) scheme.
Low Carbon Economy 1st Feb 2010 more >>
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has published the finalised version of the Feed-in Tariff scheme, showing strengthened tariffs for wind, solar PV and hydro technologies.The announcement came as plans for a “world first” Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme were also unveiled by energy and climate change secretary, Ed Miliband
New Energy Focus 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Energy Efficiency News 1st Feb 2010 more >>
24 Dash 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Scotsman 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
Daily Mail 2nd Feb 2010 more >>
BBC 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Environmental Finance 4th Feb 2010 more >>
The renewables industry has widely welcomed the Government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme as a means of boosting jobs in the sector as well as reducing carbon emissions. However, the Liberal Democrats have dismissed the scheme to pay a premium rate for electricity fed back into the grid from designated renewable generation sources as, “too little, too late,” while Friends of the Earth said the Tariff was “lacking in ambition”.
New Energy Focus 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Reactions
Jeremy Leggett, Executive Chairman, Solarcentury: “Home energy generation and associated jobs have been given a huge boost today. The Government’s financial incentives for homes, communities and businesses to generate clean electricity marks the start of a solar revolution in the UK. For the UK to reach its carbon reduction targets, people have to be given the opportunity to generate their electricity in a rewarding and accessible way, this makes it possible.”
Business Green 1st Feb 2010 more >>
MicroCHP disappointed
Baxi Group welcomes the Government’s recognition that micro-combined heat and power (mCHP) technology will play an important role in reducing the carbon footprint of homes. However Baxi Group is disappointed that the generation tariff for mCHP is set at a lower level than expected, 10p/kWh*. While this is a valuable contribution, it will not generate the same level of take up as the industry has been hoping for.
24 Dash 1st Feb 2010 more >>
The Combined Heat and Power Association said the inclusion of microCHP was a “step in the right direction.” Graham Meeks, Director of the CHPA, commented: “Support under the Feed-In Tariff is vital in the early stages of commercialisation for microCHP. It will help secure the UK’s world-leading position in this exciting low-carbon technology, whilst giving householders a cost-effective choice in cutting their carbon footprint.”
H&V News 1st Feb 2010 more >>
The UK’s renewable energy industry today offered a cautious welcome to the announcement of the final version of the government’s Clean Energy Cashback, arguing that it will provide a boost to domestic energy generation but still does not go far enough to support businesses keen to install renewable energy systems.
Business Green 1st Feb 2010 more >>
PV Tariffs
From 1 April householders and communities who install solar photovoltaic panels of up to 5MW will be paid for the renewable electricity they generate, even if they use it themselves. The level of payment depends on the technology and is linked to inflation. These levels can be seen in the table below.
PV International 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Royal Academy of Engineering attack again
Government proposals to allow homeowners to cash in on small-scale energy generation by selling it on to the National Grid have been slammed by engineers for offering misleading figures. Feed-in tariffs will set the level of payment depending on the technology. The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) claimed a typical 2.5kW photovoltaic installation could pay a homeowner up to £900 and save £140 a year on electricity bills. But the Royal Academy of Engineering said the return was likely to be far below headline figures.
New Civil Engineer 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Micropower Council
Policy and communications manager of the Micropower Council Grace Bennett argued that the benefits of microgeneration adoption include “reducing energy bills, cutting carbon emissions and creating green collar jobs”. She added: “We hope that clean energy cashback will help make this a reality and create a real mass market for microgeneration. “I think that the government is obliged to put money behind financial incentives for consumers because its a now or never situation and we need these ambitious incentives if we are to meet these 2020 targets.”
Rapid 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Renewable Heat Revolution
Families will heat their homes using gas brewed from animal manure, food waste and sewage sludge, under plans to be unveiled by the Government today. The plans include financial incentives to encourage utilities to build fermentation plants that process waste material into “biogas” for injection into the national gas network. National Grid, the network’s operator, has estimated that biogas could supply 18 per cent of total UK demand for gas, which is approximately 100 billion cubic metres a year. The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive will set a premium that energy companies will be paid for producing biogas from 2011, potentially flushing out a wave of investment in the industry.
Times 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Britain plans to expand its feed-in tariff system for small renewable power generation, such as solar panels and small wind turbines, to include the world’s first incentive scheme for renewable heat.
Reuters 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Plans for a pioneering Renewable Heat Incentive scheme have today (February 1) been published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
New Energy Focus 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Wind Turbine on every farm
WIND power expert Mark Newton believes every farm in the UK will have a wind turbine in five years’ time. Commenting on the announcement of a free guide from Farming Futures, Mr Newton said the guide outlined how landowners could assess their wind resource, what they need to consider when putting together a planning proposal, and where they can go for advice.
Farmers Guardian 1st Feb 2010 more >>
FARMERS can apply for interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to buy energy efficient equipment from February 1. The Defra scheme, launched in conjunction with the Carbon Trust, will provide around 1,000 farmers with the opportunity to upgrade old equipment or purchase renewable energy technologies. Defra says the loan scheme will slash on-farm energy bills by £4 million and save 25,000 tones of carbon annually.
Farmers Guardian 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Forth Biomass
Forth Ports and Scottish Southern Energy, working together as Forth Energy, are aiming to build biomass plants in Rosyth and Dundee, as part of an overall £360 million project. There will also be plants built at Leith and Grangemouth.
Dundee Courier 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Feed-in Tariffs
Feed-in tariff for small scale low carbon electricity finalised for 1 April introduction: Power from solar panel could earn £900, on top of £140 reduction on household energy bill; Blueprint published for world first incentive scheme for renewable heat; Tariff levels index linked; Micro combined heat and power piloted in the scheme to kickstart the industry in the UK.
DECC Press Release 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Those buying and installing solar panels, wind turbines or biomass processing equipment from April will receive a set rate for the electricity they create that is almost three times the current market rate and is guaranteed for 20 years. Any excess electricity can be sold to the grid, again for a set price.
Telegraph 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Independent 1st Feb 2010 more >>
FT 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Click Green 31st Jan 2010 more >>
Scottish AD
LABOUR’S UK environment secretary Hilary Benn has urged the Scottish Government to do more to tackle waste. An Audit Scotland report earlier last month warned Scotland’s recycling targets were at risk of not being met. He said it was “not sensible” to put food waste into landfill, where it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, when it could be put into special “anaerobic digester” waste disposal units and generate clean, renewable energy.”
Scotsman 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Renewable Energy Village
A £250, 000 grant means in depth investigations and studies, essential to the development of the first phase of the Eastgate Renewable Energy Village (EREV) in Weardale, can now move forward.
Durham County Council 1st Feb 2010 more >>
Scottish Permitted Development
Botched attempts by Scottish ministers to cut the red tape that is preventing people from fitting clean, green technologies in their homes have descended into chaos. The Scottish government will this week complete consultations on plans that put barriers in the way of energy-saving heat pumps and small wind turbines. But - amidst a welter of bureaucratic confusion - it will then launch contradictory proposals to remove the barriers. Ministers have been accused of making a “shambles” out of a crucial initiative to cut climate pollution and heating bills. According to opposition politicians, they have managed to make a U-turn within a matter of days
Sunday Herald 31st Jan 2010 more >>
HOMEOWNERS in Scotland may soon be allowed to put wind turbines on their roofs without planning permission. Climate change minister Stewart Stevenson said the proposals were “not a vision of unrestricted development” and are designed to help people cut energy bills “and play their part in reducing emissions”. The proposals are due to be launched on Friday as part of a consultation on renewable energy, and would give “permitted development rights” to homeowners to install turbines and air-source heat pumps, except in conservation areas and World Heritage Sites. Wind turbines could be put on roofs, with a maximum three metres height and 3.5 metres diameter.
Scotland on Sunday 31st Jan 2010 more >>
Homeowners in Scotland may soon be allowed to put wind turbines on their roofs without planning permission. Turbines with a maximum 3m height and 3.5m diameter would be permitted under the plans. Free-standing wind turbines as tall as 11m and at least 100m from neighbouring properties would also be allowed.
BBC 31st Jan 2010 more >>
IC West Lothian 31st Jan 2010 more >>
Stirling Observer 29th Jan 2010 more >>
More householders will be able to power and heat their own homes without needing planning permission under plans set to be unveiled this week by the Scottish Government.
Scottish Government 31st Jan 2010 more >>
Energy Efficiency
The era of the ‘on-all-night’ illuminated high street could end, the Environment Agency is predicting. The agency says new rules will force businesses to switch off lights and displays at night to meet new limits. The Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme requires businesses to cut consumption or face stiff fines.
BBC 31st Jan 2010 more >>
Micro CHP vs PV
Did I dream that the PV industry is whinging about only getting 35p/kWh and is lobbying against the inclusion of more worthwhile Microgeneration technologies such as micro CHP on the basis that, unlike PV, they might actually deliver significant carbon savings? Even with a proposed tariff of 15p/kWh, they fear that everybody will rush out and invest in micro CHP, and that would mean there would be less left in the trough for them.
Microchap 31st Jan 2010 more >>
Wrong FiT?
Dave Elliott: Eligible technologies include micro wind turbines, photovoltaic modules, micro hydro plants, and biomass-fired units. In the domestic sector, PV solar seems likely to dominate- micro wind is only really viable in a limited number of places and micro biomass units for electricity generation (usually micro CHP) are still relatively novel.
Environmental Research Web 30th Jan 2010 more >>
Sheffield Solar
SOLAR panels worth £12,000 will be fitted to the roof of the Energy Centre at Heeley City Farm, saving nearly a tonne of carbon emissions a year. The panels, which will cover 14 square metres of the roof, will generate the equivalent of half the consumption of a typical Sheffield home.
Sheffield Star 30th Jan 2010 more >>
Scrappage Delays
Thousands of householders who have applied for the government’s boiler scrappage scheme are facing long delays for the vouchers needed to give their installers the go ahead. The scheme, which was launched about three weeks ago, is designed to cut carbon emissions and help people save money on energy bills by offering householders a £400 voucher to replace their old G-rated boiler with an A-rated one. It has received such an enthusiastic response from consumers that the Energy Saving Trust, the organisation that administers the scheme, has admitted it is battling to clear a huge backlog of applications. By the beginning of this week it had received 160,000 calls, and around 36,000 people had applied for one of the 125,000 available vouchers.
Guardian 30th Jan 2010 more >>
FiT Soon
The Government is set to announce its finalised Feed-in Tariff policy, offering guaranteed income to small-scale renewables generators, as well as proposals for the Renewable Heat Incentive, early next week.
New Energy Focus 29th Jan 2010 more >>
Nottingham
NOTTINGHAM has been chosen to work with the Government on tackling climate change. Over the next 12 months, city officials and local energy suppliers will study ways to make homes, business properties and other buildings greener by reducing carbon emissions.
Nottingham Evening Post 29th Jan 2010 more >>
Burton Hydro
David Kidney MP, a minister in the department of energy and climate change, was welcomed by members of the Tutbury Hydro Electric Project (THEP) yesterday. He was shown round the village’s Mill Fleam, which the group hopes to transform into a £300,000 community-owned hydro-electric plant by 2011.
Burton Mail 29th Jan 2010 more >>