week ending 11 June 2010
Renewable Heat Limbo
While there are indications that the new government is committed to providing incentives for renewable heat, the industry has called for urgent clarity on its plans for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), to allow companies to prepare for the future.
New Energy Focus 10th June 2010 more >>
Zero Carbon Business Park
Plans to create a zero carbon business park have moved a step forward with an initial planning nod from the local council and official backing from the Environment Agency. The park is planned for the site of a former tin mine called Wheal Jane, near Truro, in Cornwall.
Edie 10th June 2010 more >>
Zero Carbon House
The market for new homes is set for huge upheaval over the next six years. From 2016 all new-build houses will have to reach the sixth level of the Code for Sustainable Homes and be carbon-neutral. The green standard, drawn up by the Government, takes into account everything from water efficiency to whether space is provided for bicycles and recycling bins.
Times 10th June 2010 more >>
Self Sufficient Village?
The green-fingered community of Tatworth are seeking grants to help them build two double glazed greenhouses that will be heated by renewable energy efficient heat sources, such as solar panels, so that they can produce food all the year round and offer a much bigger variety. Councillor Andrew Turpin added: “Another ambition of ours is to run a sustainable green waste collection around the village so that we can supply our own compost for the plot.”
This is Dorset 10th June 2010 more >>
River Power
ALMOST a year on and the ground-breaking hydroelectric power generator that has brought a disused mill back to life is exceeding expectations. Realising an ambition of 10 years, Alhampton resident David Kerr, who has lived at the Old Mill with his family for 14 years, finally unveiled the generator that harnesses the power of the River Alham last July. Combining the ancient technology of the Archimedes screw with modern day application, the 8m long screw turns within a pipe at about 50 revolutions per minute and could supply enough electricity for up to seven houses when the river is full flow, while its design means that fish can pass through it unharmed.
This is Dorset 10th May 2010 more >>
Heat Maps
UK energy and climate change consultancy AEA has developed an industrial heat map for the UK Government. The initiative is part of the Government’s strategy is to help promote decentralized energy for both new and existing buildings. The map has been developed as a successor to the original tool aimed at assisting power station developers consider the opportunities for combined heat and power (CHP) as required under planning policy. However, due to its increased scope, the updated map can now be used by both small and large organizations to help identify the locations where CHP, renewable heat plants and district heating would have the greatest technical and economic potential, and therefore the largest positive environmental impact.
Powergen Worldwide News 10th June 2010 more >>
CHP & Heat Pump Combo
A new UK hospital, scheduled to open later this year, is to use a combination of CHP and ground source heat pumps for its on-site energy supplies. The Malvern Community Hospital will use advanced renewable and energy efficient technologies from Manchester-based ENER-G Powergen to make it one of the greenest hospitals in the country.
Worldwide News 10th June 2010 more >>
FiT Distortion
Microgeneration can make a significant contribution to the overall energy system, particularly as a complementary component supporting other energy sources. In the book on micro CHP the potential to optimise this interaction is discussed, pointing out the risk that ill-considered government interventions, well-meaning, but ill-advised, may result in very poorly optimised systems. As an example the FIT (Feed In Tariff) as a consequence of the quite extreme distortion of value to the microgenerator, may result in a decade of sub-optimal control of microgeneration systems.
Microchap 10th June 2010 more >>
Certification Frustration
Small-scale wind turbine manufacturers have expressed growing frustration over delays to the government-backed certification scheme that is meant to underpin the newly introduced feed-in tariff incentive regime. Under the rules governing the feed-in tariff scheme, only wind turbines that have been independently approved by the government’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) can qualify for feed-in tariff payments.
Business Green 10th June 2010 more >>
Sustainable Education
The Wales Institute forSustainable Education (Wise) specialises in postgraduate courses in renewable energy, green architecture and sustainable land use. It is part of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Machynlleth, which has expanded to meet demand for its qualifications.
Independent 10th June 2010 more >>
Scottish AD Plans
More than two million tons of food waste is produced in Scotland every year, half of which could be used to power a city like Dundee for six months. The average household throws out around £430 worth of food. Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Separating waste at the earliest possible stage will help recover the maximum value from different materials. By separating food waste, we will avoid contaminating other materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as generate more renewable energy.”
Daily Express 10th June 2010 more >>
The SNP hopes the food waste will be used to feed a large number of new “green” power plants, known as anaerobic digesters, which turn the organic matter into energy and fertiliser.
Scotsman 10th June 2010 more >>
Green Gas Incentives
The gas industry is calling on the Government to prioritise action on establishing incentives for generating green gas. Companies such as National Grid and Centrica, which owns British Gas, are lobbying the Coalition Government to not delay plans for the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which is due to come into effect in April 2011. The scheme will guarantee payments for those who install technologies that generate heat from renewable sources, such as biogas.
Greenwise Business 9th June 2010 more >>
Stately Heat Pump
Two kilometres of piping that extracts heat from the lake and, using heat pumps, converts it into heat for the house. “Water is the most efficient way of using heat pumps,” says Justin Broadbent of Isoenergy the firm that installed the system at Whithurst Park.
Telegraph 9th June 2010 more >>
Cleaning Green Gas
Chesterfield BioGas (CBG), the operating division of steel gas cylinder manufacturer Pressure Technologies plc, has secured an order worth in excess of £600,000 to supply energy giant Centrica with “one of the UK’s first” biogas upgrading plants. The company announced that it will provide an upgrading plant for the production of clean biomethane from waste for direct injection into the national gas grid.
New Energy Focus 8th June 2010 more >>
Welsh Planning Policy
The Welsh Government has published planning guidance for greener new buildings just as the public sector in Wales comes under fire for failing to minimise the environmental effects of its existing properties. Environment Minister Jane Davidson published technical advice for sustainable buildings on June 4 and a second edition of the Planning Policy Wales framework on June 8. The guidance for planners will require most new buildings in Wales to have 31% fewer carbon emissions than is currently allowed.
Public Finance 8th June 2010 more >>
Cornish Microgeneration
One of the Westcountry’s and UK’s leading providers and installers of renewable energy systems has expanded. Cornwall-based Microgeneration Limited has announced it has acquired building engineering services company H W Smith and Son (Contracting) Limited. The newly-combined business provides customers with a one-stop shop service, with access to qualified advisors on the most suitable renewable energy solution for their premises through to installation and support.
Western Morning News 8th June 2010 more >>
Nottingham Tesco
The Tesco design scheme will be the first to start at Nottingham Eastside and the design brief required that designs had to incorporate sustainable technology and renewable energy.
Business East Midlands 8th June 2010 more >>
Energy Farming
THE Farm Carbon-cutting Toolkit cic (FCCT) is organising an all-day farmer to farmer event, at Westmill Wind Farm, near Swindon, on Thursday, June 10, to explore how to reduce farm greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy resilience and add to business performance.
South West Farmer 8th June 2010 more >>
Devon Biomass
A Devon school has become more environmentally friendly with the installation of a 45KW biomass boiler. The £72,000 project at Torre Church of England School in Torquay has been funded by Torbay Council’s Children’s Services, a grant from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme and a grant from the Co-operative’s Green Energy for Schools Programme and BERR.
Western Morning News 8th June 2010 more >>
Green District
East London is to be the location for a major Green Enterprise District, the flagship of which will be a £30 million low carbon exhibition and conference centre built by Siemens, the global engineering and technology services company. Located in the Thames Gateway, the Green Enterprise District will stretch across six boroughs in East London – Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham and Havering – and will cover 48km2 of land. It will aim to position the capital as a centre for low carbon business.
Greenwise Business 7th June 2010 more >>
Docklands24 8th June 2010 more >>
Green Business Centre
Britain’s first ultra green business park powered by three 50ft wind turbines and underground heating could be built on the edge of Norwich if a new £4m scheme gets the go-ahead.
Norwich Evening News 7th June 2010 more >>
Plans rejected by Planning Committee.
EDP 9th June 2010 more >>
Surrey FiT
1st Solar PV Limited, based in Epsom, said you could receive 41.3p for every unit of electricity you generate, regardless of whether you use it or feed it back to the grid. You are allowed to use this electricity for free, so do not need to pay for grid energy.
Surrey Comet 7th June 2010 more >>
Taunton School
Milverton Primary School, near Taunton, won the Royal Bath and West Society’s region-wide environmental youth award and pupils were presented with their prizes – totalling £750 – by the Countess of Wessex. The school is involved in all kinds of conservation and generates some of their electric power from solar panels. Pupils are so concerned about the environment that they scrutinise everything down to recycling waste from the school fete.
This is Somerset 7th June 2010 more >>
Heat Pump Awards
The National Heat Pump Awards 2011 have been launched to reward and celebrate the best new advances in heat pump technology and outstanding applications in buildings and industry.
National Heat Pump Awards 7th June 2010 more >>
Lancashire Solar
AN EAST Lancashire plumbing company has sealed a £2.5million tie-up with one of Europe’s leading energy firms. The deal will see James Hargreaves Plumbing Merchants offer Austria-based TiSUN products to help householders transfer solar energy into hot water.
Lancashire Telegraph 7th June 2010 more >>
Newcastle School
PRIMARY pupils will have a new school after plans were given the go-ahead. The new Dame Allan’s junior school will be built on the Victorian Hunter’s Moor Hospital site in Spital Tongues, Newcastle.Inside the building there will be ground source heat pumps for heating, solar panels for hot water and recycling of rainwater to flush toilets.
Newcastle Journal 7th June 2010 more >>
Heat Pump Suppliers
Vent-Axia and Daikin UK have established a supply agreement to deliver renewable energy heat pump systems, as an extension to Vent-Axia’s already product portfolio. The Daikin Altherma range of renewable energy heating systems will now be available from Vent-Axia, bringing Daikin’s heating range to an even wider audience.
Plumbing Park 7th June 2010 more >>
Does FiT Deliver
For most of us, micro-generation means solar PV – so you need a south-facing, non-shaded roof. You also need a lot of cash for the initial outlay. Much-trumpeted loans by the previous government appear to have been put on ice, and George Monbiot suggests this is an indirect and expensive way of reducing a tiny amount of carbon emissions. Feed-in Tariffs will not save the planet.
Observer 6th June 2010 more >>
Solar Panel Threat
Solar panels could wipe out fragile populations of insects, according to a new study that raises fresh doubts about the ecological impact of some forms of renewable energy. Scientists have discovered that aquatic insects such as the mayfly can mistake shiny photovoltaic panels for pools of water, which they rely on to reproduce. They urge caution on the increasing use of panels until experts work out how they could affect insects and other creatures that feed on them.
Observer 6th June 2010 more >>
Farming Wind
Two farming brothers on the Black Isle are optimistic that a handful of 50ft-high wind turbines will save them thousands of pounds a year on their electricity bills. William and Donald Campbell have applied to Highland Council for permission to plant three of the 15kilowatt machines at Newton Farm, Cromarty – and another at Resolis Mains at Balblair, near Dingwall.
Press & Journal 5th June 2010 more >>
Derby Turbines
WATER giant Severn Trent is preparing to submit a planning application for two wind turbines that could be the tallest structures in Derby. The company wants to build the turbines at its Spondon plant to increase the amount of energy it generates from renewable sources.
Derby Telegraph 5th June 2010 more >>
Mini Hospital
A leading Kent medic has designed a hospital in a box so well he has won a major national award. And it comes with its own solar system. You can use wind turbines or pedal power.
Kent News 5th June 2010 more >>
Builder Certified
Construction company Frank Haslam Milan is aiming to helping householders achieve a cleaner, greener future after successfully gaining Microgeneration Certification Scheme accreditation.
Sheffield Star 4th June 2010 more >>
Swift Reno
Using federal stimulus funds, Reno will install a total nine turbines of several different designs around town. It will then publish data to its website on wind conditions and energy generated at each site. The website will emulate San Francisco’s solar map. (Swift Turbine pictured)
San Francisco Chronicle 4th June 2010 more >>
Zero Carbon Houses
The new UK housing minister Grant Shapps this week pledged to uphold the previous Labour government’s target for all new homes to be zero-carbon by 2016. He promised that the Coalition Government will release a final definition of ‘zero-carbon’ in the next few weeks, bringing to an end years of consultation.
Energy Efficiency News 4th June 2010 more >>
Buiding Boost
Small-scale renewable energy specialist Microgeneration Limited yesterday announced it has acquired building engineering firm HW Smith & Son in a deal designed to create a “one-stop shop” for installing renewable energy systems.
Business Green 4th June 2010 more >>
Free Boiler
Anyone who thinks they might put a steady two megawatts of steam heat to good use is invited to apply for a free trial of a wood-fuelled boiler commissioned by a Yorkshire Forward subsidiary promoting renewable energy. CO2Sense offers free fitting and removal of the £300,000 machine, from Byworth Boilers of Keighley, which will run on wood pellets and should qualify for payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive
Yorkshire Post 4th June 2010 more >>
Green Library
The council is aiming for the Library of Birmingham to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating, the highest national standard for sustainable construction. The building is set to feature an aquifer ground source cooling system, an innovative energy saving heating system utilising a renewable energy source. Other environmental features include a brown roof and two green outdoor terraces to support biodiversity, combined heat and power technology to reduce waste, and energy efficient lighting systems and controls.
Birmingham Post 4th June 2010 more >>
Renewable Heat Incentive
That this House notes the major contribution that renewable heat can make in meeting the UK’s legally binding renewable energy target, creating green jobs and reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels; further notes the Coalition Agreement’s statement of intent to increase this target; supports the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI); further notes that current Ministers voted in the previous Parliament in support of the RHI and that industry confidence in the RHI has led to considerable investment in green jobs, manufacturing and installation capacity; and believes it is critically important for the Government to move quickly to maintain this confidence by making clear its intent to proceed with the RHI broadly in line with the recent consultation, subject to further consideration of the details and after full consideration of the consultation responses.
EDM 143 6th June 2010 more >>