week ending 10 September 2010
Community Encouragement
The government’s renewable energy policies should encourage community-owned projects to avoid a concentration of commercial power plants in poorer areas, according to research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
New Energy Focus 10th Sept 2010 more >>
RHI Uncertainty
The Climate Change Committee has urged Huhne to resolve uncertainties over the future of the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which has been the subject of speculation that it may be cut in the up-coming spending review.
Business Green 10th Sept 2010 more >>
Gloucester Generates
AN IDEA for Gloucestershire County Council to generate its own electricity was backed by almost all parties.
This is Gloucestershire 10th Sept 2010 more >>
Edinburgh Community Energy Co-operative
THE Edinburgh Community Energy Cooperative will hold a conference at St George’s West Church on Saturday. The conference, which runs from 10am until 1.45pm, offers the chance to hear updates on the projects of the Cooperative, which helps use renewable energy to combat climate change.
Scotsman 10th Sept 2010 more >>
South West Wales
SOUTH West Wales could become a green gold mine of clean energy, bringing skilled jobs to the region, according to Assembly advisers. A new Low Carbon Routemap for the region has now been launched, with experts the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) saying untapped tidal, wind and solar energy held the potential for high quality jobs. SDC commissioner for Wales, Peter Davies, said: “We are seeing a global ‘gold rush’ to develop the secure, clean energy resources we will need in the future.
This is South Wales 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Historic Buildings
A NEW leaflet has been produced by the Peak District National Park Authority, offering advice on how to insulate historic buildings in the national park. The leaflet, entitled “Sustainability and Historic Buildings”, advises householders on how to improve energy efficiency without harming the character of the building
Yorkshire Post 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Farm Turbine
A STRETTON farmer is hoping to slash the cost of his electricity bills by installing two wind turbines. The application from Tim Blackshaw, a member of Stretton Parish Council, would involve building two wind turbines measuring 34.5m and 24.5m.
This is Cheshire 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Microgeneration Training
Significant changes are going to impact on our industry. Many of these are the result of a significant move towards the use of low carbon and renewable energy technologies during the coming decades as our dependence on fossil fuels is phased out. Companies that cut back on training in the current economic climate are making a big mistake! There are already signs it is picking up as the Feed-in Tariffs are established and there is still the likely prospect of the Renewable Heat Incentive which is due next April.
Heating & Ventilating.Net 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Birmingham Generates
Birmingham City Council has announced a plan to investigate ways of generating electricity to sell to residents as well as to the National Grid, signalling a possible expansion of infrastructure which could benefit the construction industry.
New Civil Engineer 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Scottish Hydro
Scottish Water, the government-owned utility, is to be set the hugely ambitious target of generating enough electricity to pay for the £140 million a year it gets from the taxpayer for building its water works and pipes. Legislation to allow Scottish Water to undertake this work was announced yesterday by Alex Salmond, First Minister, and a Bill to make it possible is to be published within a few weeks.
Times 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Guardian 8th Sept 2010 more >>
Business Green 9th Sept 2010 more >>
International Water Power 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Heat Pump Trials
Techniques for the installation of air source and ground source heat pumps must be improved to make the technology “mainstream”, claims the Energy Saving Trust. The organisation carried out a field trial of heat pumps at more than 80 sites in the UK to establish the efficiency of such devices and areas for improvement. It concluded that many of the systems already installed were performing well, with many offering an overall system efficiency rating of three and above.
Low Carbon Economy 9th Sept 2010 more >>
IBTimes 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Microgeneration Consultation
Baxi Group has hailed the Government’s announcement this week of a root and branch review of the UK’s Microgeneration policy and publication of a new Microgeneration Strategy early next year as a “significant boost for the likely mass market adoption of micro-CHP (Combined Heat and Power) in the home”. Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, MP launched the consultation process at the Micropower Council Summer Reception in Westminster on Monday 12th July. The consultation will look at four key areas for development – Quality, to ensure consumer confidence in microgeneration; Technology, to improve product performance through more trialling; Skills, to develop the microgeneration supply chain and Advice, to provide better information to homeowners, communities and small businesses.
Daily Green News 8th Sept 2010 more >>
Scottish Hydro Consultations
The Scottish government launched two public consultations on Wednesday aimed at bringing its small-scale green project planning and renewable rewards laws in line with those in the rest of the United Kingdom.The energy ministry is proposing to give decision-making for onshore hydro schemes to local authorities, adapting Scottish regulation to the rules already in place in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
STV 8th Sept 2010 more >>
New Energy Focus 9th Sept 2010 more >>
Early Adopters
Over 4,500 pioneering early adopters of solar and other forms of micro-generation technology could be in danger of missing out on the government’s new feed-in tariff incentive scheme. An analysis of the official register of feed-in tariff installations undertaken by the Renewable Energy Association has revealed that of the 6,900 installations entering the scheme since its launch in April, an estimated 1,390 were pre-existing installations that have simply transferred into the new incentive mechanism. However, BusinessGreen.com has learnt that Ofgem originally estimated that around 6,000 installations are eligible to transfer over from the previous Renewable Obligation scheme to the new feed-in tariff.
Business Green 8th Sept 2010 more >>
Whole Home Efficiency a CERT
In response to the latest figures released on the Government’s Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme, Baxi Group is calling for more focus on co-ordinated, whole home efficiency solutions to deliver carbon savings and alleviate fuel poverty.
24Dash 8th Sept 2010 more >>
Baxi Fuel Poverty Trial
A1 Housing, the Nottinghamshire-based ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation), is trialling the Baxi Ecogen micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) appliance in a bid to reduce fuel poverty and lower carbon emissions.
24 Dash 8th Sept 2010 more >>
EST Heat Pump Report
The Microgeneration industry today welcomed the first stage findings of the UK’s first domestic heat pump field trial report by the Energy Saving Trust’s (EST). The report is an overview of findings from phase one of the trials and some initial conclusions. Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower Council said, “We welcome the first stage conclusions of the report which are broadly in line with the trial’s expected outcomes. They confirm that all types of heat pump, when correctly used, specified, and installed in properly insulated homes can deliver substantial cost and CO2 savings, particularly in homes not connected to the gas grid. “Half way through this important trial, there are also some useful lessons for the industry to learn from those installations that have performed less well. These reinforce the need to ensure the certification process is robust for both products and installers, and that proper training is provided for installers”.
Oilfiredup.com 8th Sept 2010 more >>
Government plans to subsidise green heating are challenged today by the largest ever field study of “heat pump” devices in the UK, which reveals 80% perform so badly they would not qualify as renewable energy under proposed European standards. The report, from the Energy Saving Trust, reveals the prevalence of badly installed heat pumps that are consequently under-performing. The controversial report could affect the government’s plans to launch its Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) next April to pay householders for generating heat from such “green” ground and air source heat pumps. There are already fears the RHI could be a victim of spending cuts announced next month.
Guardian 8th Sept 2010 more >>
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has revealed the initial findings from the first stage of a Department of Energy and Climate Chnage (DECC) supported field trial into heat pumps, which highlights the need for improved training for installers.
New Energy Focus 8th Sept 2010 more >>
Self Healing Solar Panels
For years scientists have managed to develop solar cells that are highly efficient in laboratory conditions, but quickly deteriorate when asked to cope with direct sunlight – which constitutes something of a drawback for a solar panel Now a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reckon they may have found the solution to the problem of deteriorating solar cells following the demonstration of a new cell design that manages to repair itself.
Business Green 7th Sept 2010 more >>
Feed-in boom for PV
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has published its analysis of figures obtained from energy regulator Ofgem, which show that 6,930 solar PV panels serving the domestic sector have been installed since the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) was introduced in April this year.
New Energy Focus 7th Sept 2010 more >>
Low Carbon Economy 6th Sept 2010 more >>
East Riding goes Solar
COUNCIL-owned buildings across the East Riding are to be used to generate green energy. All but 10 of 331 new homes being built by the authority will have solar panels on the roofs and a study is under way to see if they could be put on other council buildings
Yorkshire Post 7th Sept 2010 more >>
Derby Zero Carbon
Shine-ZC is a joint project between East Midlands Renewable Energy, Aggregate Industries, the Litchfield Group and Loughborough University. It has involved building nine “zero-carbon” homes in Woods Lane, Derby, at a cost of £1m. The homes aim to demonstrate cutting edge technology such as electricity generated from chip fat, solar panels and hardcore heat storage. The six terraced houses and three apartments are expected to be ready for people to move in by autumn this year. According to East Midlands Renewable Energy, residents can expect their power bills to be around 30 per cent of the national average.The aim of the project is to show that producing commercially viable zero-carbon homes is possible.
Derby Evening Telegraph 7th Sept 2010 more >>
Totnes Plan
A TOTNES group which has spent the last three years investigating eco-friendly ways of powering the town will be going public on Friday in more ways than one. Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) will launch a share issue aimed at businesses and residents who want to invest in the organisation. At the same time the society will be unveiling details of a key project when it comes to a sustainable scheme to supply electricity to the town.
Herald Express 7th Sept 2010 more >>
Oxford School goes Solar
PUPILS took a green leap into the future when solar panels were installed at their school – thanks to a project launched by a parent. Edward Feild School in Kidlington has installed 22 panels in time for the new school term. The project, brainchild of parent Alan Asbury, will save the school £350 a year in fuel costs and teach youngsters about renewable energy.
Oxford Times 7th Sept 2010 more >>
DIY Energy (1)
HOUSEHOLDERS keen to cut their carbon footprint and make money from producing green energy are being urged to seek professional advice before investing in new technology. The Norfolk Climate Change Task Force, which brings together representatives of Norfolk County Council and the district councils, is advising people to call the Energy Saving Trust before investing in a system.
Yarmouth Mercury 6th Sept 2010 more >>
DIY Energy (2)
DIY retailer B&Q has taken steps to help its 30,000 employees lower their carbon footprints with a new eco incentive. Over the next three months all staff members will be able to take advantage of energy-saving incentives, such as discounts on insulation and energy-saving light bulbs and thermostats.
Low Carbon Economy 6th Sept 2010 more >>
Ideal Thermasol
Ideal Heating is set to strengthen its renewables and sustainable energy offering through the acquisition of solar thermal and photovoltaics (PV) specialist Thermasol.
Heating & Plumbing Monthly 6th Sept 2010 more >>
Heat Pump Reliability
A leading green energy product manufacturer says leaked findings of an incomplete study into the effectiveness of heat pumps must be treated with the ‘utmost caution’. Stiebel Eltron’s UK operations director, John Felgate, said the heat pump industry is determined to set the record straight on leaked findings of a report by the Energy Savings Trust (EST) which suggest the performance of heat pumps is ‘unreliable’.
Heating & Plumbing Monthly 6th Sept 2010 more >>
Flextricity
A Scottish start-up believes private industry can make millions of pounds annually, and help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint, by selling spare electricity to the National Grid. Flexitricity has patented technology that brings together the capabilities of standby generators, combined heat and power units and heavy users of power such as commercial greenhouses, cold stores and distribution centres.
FT 6th Sept 2010 more >>
Solar Technology
Researchers have demonstrated tiny solar cells just billionths of a metre across that can repair themselves, extending their useful lifetime. The cells make use of proteins from the machinery of plants, turning sunlight into electric charges that can do work. The cells simply assemble themselves from a mixture of the proteins, minute tubes of carbon and other materials. The self-repairing mechanism, reported in Nature Chemistry, could lead to much longer-lasting solar cells.
BBC 5th Sept 2010 more >>
Biofuel
Selby people wanting to recycle their cooking oil can now take it to the waste site and pour it into one of the containers provided. It will then be refined into biofuel and used to create green electricity by renewable energy provider, Living Fuels which has provided the containers for the recycling centres.
York Press 4th Sept 2010 more >>
M&S goes solar
Marks & Spencer (M&S) is launching a range of Solar PV and Solar Thermal water heating solutions to “help customers cut their carbon emissions and reduce their energy bills”. M&S is one of the first retailers to offer solar energy packages that enable customers to take advantage of Feed-in-Tariffs.
Talking Retail 3rd Sept 2010 more >>
High street retailer Marks & Spencer has teamed up with Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to offer two new solar energy packages. The solar photovoltaic and solar thermal packages will include installation of roof-mounted solar panels by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme-approved installers.
Energy Helpline 6th Sept 2010 more >>
Solar Focus
Energy Management takes a look at the Solar Power UK Conference, taking place in October, that will focus on the key issues facing the future of the UK solar market. The Solar Power UK Conference 2010 is a two day conference and exhibition to be held on October 18th and 19th. It follows on from the successful ‘Doing Solar Business in the UK’ event held in Munich in June, where members of the UK solar industry and the international solar industry came together to discuss this burgeoning market.
Connecting Industry 3rd Sept 2010 more >>
Smart Research
Over a dozen new research and development projects now underway will aim to show how smart meters can be integrated with communications technology to make homes more energy-efficient, and consumers more energy-aware. Thirteen major new projects are to receive support from the Technology Strategy Board which, in partnership with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), will invest £3.8 million in the innovative research and development. The projects will integrate ‘smart’ meters with communications technology to make a ‘smart’ system that will have an impact on the demand for energy in the home.
Process & Control Today 3rd Sept 2010 more >>
Formby Eco Day
Energy Saving Trust advisors will be on hand to provide free and impartial advice on anything from cutting the cost of your energy bills, insulation grants and offers, smarter travel options and generating your own energy through microgeneration technologies. Local Microgeneration Certification scheme (MCS) registered installers will also be there to answer questions about renewable energy and the Government’s feed in tariff.
Southport Visiter 3rd Sept 2010 more >>
PV Recycling
Solar modules contain some of the same potentially dangerous materials as electronics, including silicon tetrachloride, cadmium, selenium, and sulfur hexafluoride, a potent greenhouse gas. So as solar moves from the fringe to the mainstream, insiders and watchdog groups are beginning to talk about producer responsibility and recycling in an attempt to sidestep the pitfalls of electronic waste and retain the industry’s green credibility.
Guardian 3rd Sept 2010 more >>
Green Deal Extended
The coalition government is set to extend a planned domestic green retrofitting scheme to cover up to 3 million business premises, in a move which could provide a huge boost for the £10bn commercial refit market. Plans for a “pay as you save” scheme to persuade householders to install energy-saving measures in their homes were announced by the previous government in March this year and endorsed by the coalition under the “green deal” banner.
Building 3rd Sept 2010 more >>
Clarence House
THE Prince of Wales hopes to make his 180-year-old London residence Clarence House “carbon negative” after planners gave the green light to install solar panels on the roof. Builders will fit 32 panels at a cost of £150,000, a project estimated to take 10 years to recoup the investment.
West End Extra 3rd Sept 2010 more >>
Home Generation
Government legislation and incentives mean that with a little investment, you could turn your home from a fossil fuel-dependent space into a green energy palace – and save money in the long run.
Worcester News 3rd Sept 2010 more >>