week ending 15 October 2010
Solar Insulation
As the microgeneration sector continues to voice concerns over the potentially catastrophic impact of cuts to the government’s incentive programmes, one British solar firm believes it has protected itself against the worst effects of potential cuts by developing a technology that could qualify for both the feed-in tariff and the renewable heat incentive (RHI). Guildford-based Naked Energy, which was incorporated last year, is poised to launch its new SolarPVT product, a combination of solar thermal tubes and PV panels capable of producing both electricity and hot water.
Low Carbon Economy 15th Oct 2010 more >>
Scottish Hydro
Two renewables trade bodies have launched a joint policy paper calling for politicians to commit to better regulation and stable financial incentives for a “new generation” of hydropower developments in Scotland. Scottish Renewables and the British Hydropower Association (BHA) have also stressed the need for improved access to the electricity grid. The paper highlights that just under 1.4GW of hydropower is currently installed in Scotland and claims that there is 1.2GW of hydro potential left.
New Energy Focus 15th Oct 2010 more >>
Ecologically richer
YOU may think that making your home eco-friendly is the kind of bore only liberal do-gooders relish. Think again. Jumping on the green bandwagon can add up to 5 per cent to the value of your property, make it more competitive on the housing market and help you save on energy bills. CityA.M. has taken a critical eye to the top five ways to turn your home into a green paradise.
City AM 15th Oct 2010 more >>
Solar Charger
The solar-powered lamp and charger got the nod because they were “changing the world now” as they gave people in developing nations control over their lives and their environment by allowing them to move away from kerosene lamps and to study outside daylight hours. He added that they also represent a more sustainable source of power for the future.
Guardian Blog 15th Oct 2010 more >>
Renewable Quangos Axed
Two renewable energy quangos have been axed, with a leaked letter describing the function delivered by one of them as no longer a “priority”.
Guardian 15th Oct 2010 more >>
New Energy Focus 14th Oct 2010 more >>
Fuel Poverty
The number of families and pensioners struggling to stay warm and keep the lights on has more than doubled in five years, according to official figures published today. The amount of households in fuel poverty leapt from two million to 4.5 million between 2003 and 2008.
Daily Mail 15th Oct 2010 more >>
Cornwall Solar
A multimillion-pound solar power farm tipped to spark an energy “gold rush” has been given council backing – and a £14 million loan from the cash-strapped authority. The Kernow Solar Park, earmarked for land in St Mawgan next to Newquay Cornwall Airport, was yesterday approved to receive the millions, funded by prudential borrowing. Council officials say the solar park would harness the sun’s energy to produce approximately 5,000 MWh of electricity annually – enough to power 1,200 homes for a year. It is the equivalent of approximately eight per cent of the council’s electricity usage.
This is Cornwall 14th Oct 2010 more >>
Bbox
A new business based in Cheshire is using its electrical expertise and the power of the sun to bring energy to isolated rural communities in Africa. The men behind the truly international enterprise Bboxx are Christopher Baker-Brian, from Macclesfield, Mohammad Mansoor Hamayun, who is Swedish, and Laurent Van Houcke from Belgium. The Bboxx is a solar powered battery that takes three and a half hours to charge and can store enough electricity to power a radio for 25 hours
Manchester Evening News 14th Oct 2010 more >>
Solar Revolution
WELSH steelworkers could soon be turning out solar energy roofs which will turn buildings into power stations generating over one third of the UK’s requirement for renewable energy by 2020.
Western Mail 14th Oct 2010 more >>
BBC 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Salford Solar
A Salford business is looking to shine thanks to a new government scheme designed to encourage businesses and householders to install solar panels. Jacob Eco Energy says it is the first business in Salford or Manchester to be approved for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, where customers can get cheap power and earn a tax-free income from the renewable energy that they generate
Manchester Evening News 14th Oct 2010 more >>
Oxford PV
A British start-up working on “solar glazing” technology has walked away with a £100,000 grant from the Technology Strategy Board after winning a Dragons’ Den style audition yesterday. Kevin Arthur, founder and chief executive of Oxford Photovoltaics, convinced a four-man panel of experts that his company’s technology, organic compound-imprinted glass capable of generating solar energy, was the most commercially viable proposition among the start-ups on display.
Business Green 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Thin Film PV
General Electric (GE) has beefed up its presence in the solar energy market, unveiling two new thin-film cells that promise to lower the cost of next-generation solar technologies.
Business Green 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Liverpool Solar
Eco Environments estimates that on a typical domestic solar PV installation, the householder could register an income/saving of between £800 and £1,300 every year. The rate is fixed for 25 year, is index-linked and tax-free.
Liverpool Echo 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Gloucestershire School
SOLAR panels at a primary school in Wotton-under-Edge have already smashed energy targets in their first year of operation. Blue Coat Primary School installed the solar panels nine months ago as part of a green energy project, which included installing a wind turbine and encouraging energy-saving behaviour amongst pupils.
Gloucestershire Gazette 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Solar Devon
SOUTH Hams Council is being urged to take up the reins of power – and make a bit of cash on the side to help out the local taxpayers. One Totnes councillor is suggesting the authority starts renting out its roof space for power-producing solar panels to help keep council taxes down. She even suggests the council could persuade local social landlords to put panels on former council homes to raise yet more cash. Anne Ward reckons that fitting solar panels to an average size town hall could raise £10,000 a year for the district council.
Herald Express 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Hydro Search
THE potential for hydro-power projects in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders is being explored by Forestry Commission Scotland.
Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Pinner Project
BUILDING work has begun on a £23-million housing project in Pinner. The 110 flats will be demolished and replaced by 158 flats and houses, with renewable energy generated by a combination of solar thermal panels and photovoltaic panels.
Harrow Observer 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Small Wind
A British start-up that has the license to a new micro wind turbine technology says it is working on a revolutionary new system of installation and maintenance that will make small scale wind power a reality for most small businesses, homeowners and communities. Totempower Energy Systems has spun out of City University London, which has developed a low cost technology that claims to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of turbine blades. Armed with the patented technology, Totempower is promising to create small-scale wind turbines that are cheaper, more efficient, and easier to install and maintain than current models.
Green Wise Business 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Energy Saving
Economic factors rather than environmental concerns are influencing consumers’ attitudes to energy efficiency, new research suggests. The latest Attitude Tracker from The Energy Saving Trust, released this week, found that two-thirds of people are more inclined to try and save energy now that economic times are tough.
Low Carbon Economy 13th Oct 2010 more >>
FIT Expense
Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) are likely to be stopped, as they are a “very expensive” method of promoting renewable energy and will never become competitive in the UK, one industry expert has claimed. Neil McNiven, from Renewable Energy UK, said the FiTs are likely to lead to a short term growth in solar photovoltaic installations, but the initiatives will “probably be stopped”. However, Mr McNiven predicted that solar-water heating is likely to increase, as this can be “price competitive with fossil fuels”.
Low Carbon Economy 13th Oct 2010 more >>
West Coast Energy
West Coast Energy has won planning approval for the 12 turbine Tirgwynt wind farm near Newtown in Powys. The scheme, project managed by West Coast Energy on behalf of a joint venture between local landowners and RDC Ltd, will generate up to 78,000 MWh per annum by 2013 – enough to power around 16,000 homes. On top of this, the income the project produces will help to support many farming families for years to come.
ADF Online 12th Oct 2010 more >>
RHI Campaign
The government will be challenged to prove its support for the renewable heat incentive (RHI) is more than just hot air when MPs and environmentalists inflate a 21-foot solar-powered hot air balloon outside parliament today. A legacy of the Labour administration, the RHI is scheduled to come into force in April, paying businesses and homeowners for the heat they generate from sources such as solar thermal systems and ground source heat pumps. But speculation has been rife that the Treasury spending review would delay or dilute the RHI, prompting a number of calls from industry and the independent Committee on Climate Change for clarification.
Business Green 12th Oct 2010 more >>
New Energy Focus 12th Oct 2010 more >>
The renewable heat industry, supported by a cross-party group of MPs and green campaigners, gathered outside Parliament to call on the Government to safeguard the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Campaigners from Friends of the Earth and the Renewable Energy Association, sent their message via a giant 21-foot solar-powered hot air balloon, bearing the words “heating is half of the UK CO2 problem”. They were joined by MPs including Zac Goldsmith, Caroline Lucas and Alan Whitehead, as well as the new Shadow Secretary of State for Climate Change Meg Hillier.
Green Wise Business 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Alan Whitehead MP joined green campaigners and a solar-powered hot air balloon outside Parliament to show his support for clean, green heat for businesses and homes today.
Alan Whitehead MP 13th Oct 2010 more >>
Microgeneration
Grace Bennett, of Micropower Council, explains what microgeneration means and why it is relevant to you. Microgeneration is the small-scale generation of low carbon heat and electricity by householders, small businesses and community organisations, such as churches and schools. By generating their own heat and power, the ‘microgenerator’ can save money on bills and help protect the environment at the same time. By supporting the Microgeneration sector, the Government can create new jobs, revitalise manufacturing industries, make progress towards renewable energy targets and improve our energy security.
Solar Portal 12th Oct 2010 more >>
Eco Friends News 12th Oct 2010 more >>
RHI to benefit wealthy
Consumers in the UK will be paying for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme through increased energy bills, one green expert has claimed. John Barwise, chairman of the Cumbria Green Business Forum, was commenting on the recent announcement by Conservative cabinet minister Oliver Letwin, who claimed that the coalition will press ahead with plans for the RHI. Mr Letwin said that the initiative will lead to a “huge expansion of anaerobic digestion, enabling us to produce huge supplies of home-produced, low carbon gas”.
Low Carbon Economy 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Aryll & Bute Insulation Money
First Minister Alex Salmond announced a £520,000 grant to Argyll & Bute Council – part of the £10million Universal Home Insulation Scheme - as he unveiled details of Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan.
Argyll & Bute Council 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Berwick Community Turbine
Plans to build a 50-metre wind turbine that will generate enough energy to power 540 homes in Berwick-upon-Tweed have been approved by councillors. The £1 million Berwick Community Wind Turbine will harness the power of the infamous North Sea winds that batter the North East coastline to provide enough energy for local residents and businesses which will also benefit from the £4 million windfall that the turbine will generate over the next 20 years. A new development company established by Community Renewable Energy (CoRE) and Berwick Community Trust will redirect 50% of the profits earned from the extra energy generated by the turbine back in the town during its lifetime.
Morpeth Herald 12th Oct 2010 more >>
Cirencester powered by chickens
A new biogas power station showcases how future cities will be powered by locally produced energy. The future of power is being pioneered near the English town of Cirencester where a biogas power station is being built. Powered by agricultural biomass, including chicken litter and pig manure, residents will benefit from this low cost alternative to oil, coal and foreign gas. Cirencester is one of the first towns in the world to benefit from energy derived from chicken litter and leads the way to a greener future. This sustainable technology allows production of local power, called ‘distributed energy.’ This type of energy production reduces reliance on fossil fuels, fuel imports and international pressures. Additionally, the capture of methane from waste reduces the smells normally generated by farms.
Alfagy 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Staffordshire Wood
A pioneering new company which will cut costs and carbon emissions in Staffordshire has been officially launched. Staffordshire Wood Fuel, which is a trading arm of Staffordshire County Council, will supply high quality, stable and sustainable renewable energy.
Staffordshire County Council 11th Oct 2010 more >>
RHI decision has to wait
Farmers will have to wait until after the coalition government’s spending review before learning the fate of a long-awaited support system for renewable heat. Speaking at the Renewable Energy Association’s bioenergy conference last week, Greg Barker, Minister for climate change and decentralised energy failed to quell fears that the comprehensive spending review would impact on the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive, due to come into effect in April 2011.
Farmers Weekly 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Cambridgeshire Low Carbon
Cambridgeshire has banked £430,000 of Government funding for a new exhibition space and passenger building at the Busway Park & Ride site in Longstanton. The low carbon building will have a ground source heat pump for environmentally friendly heating and hot water, top specification insulation made of natural materials on the roof and walls, and there are plans for solar panels to generate electricity.
Cambridgeshire County Council 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Coventry Savings
COVENTRY council says it is saving a quarter of a million pounds each year by cutting its carbon footprint. A series of green schemes have cut the council’s annual spend by £250,000 and officers claim future projects could boost the yearly savings to more than £770,000 by 2012. But further planned savings of more than £400,000 a year have been lost because the government has axed a city-wide scheme to rebuild and refurbish Coventry schools.
Coventry Telegraph 11th Oct 2010 more >>
East Yorkshire Solar
HISTORIC East Riding buildings could have solar panels installed on their roofs. County Hall in Beverley is among the locations up for discussion at next week’s meeting of East Riding’s full council. Schools, leisure centres and council houses are also proposed as likely installation points. Other notable council-owned buildings
Hull & East Riding 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Biomass Support
Climate change minister Greg Barker has described biomass as the UK’s “single most important” renewable energy resource on account of its versatility in producing heat, electricity and transport biofuels.
New Energy Focus 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Incentives needed
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West’s recent State Of The Nation – Infrastructure 2010 report found that to ensure we have a secure energy supply in the future we must reduce demand, increase efficiency and speed up the up-scaling of green technologies which can help us become more self-reliant while keeping our carbon emissions down. ICE believes that encouraging our communities to be more energy efficient and promoting home electricity generation such as solar power and domestic personal wind turbines is extremely important to address the longer term need to shift to a low-carbon society.
This is Devon 11th Oct 2010 more >>
Early Adopters
David Cameron has reneged on a pre-election promise to reward early adopters of solar panels and other domestic green energy generation, it has emerged.
Guardian 10th Oct 2010 more >>
Adnams Heat
A pioneering renewable energy system which generates gas from Adnams’ brewery and food waste delivered power to the National Grid for the first time yesterday. The Adnams Bio Energy plant in Reydon, near Southwold, will generate enough biogas to heat more than 230 average family homes for a year when it is running at full capacity, and the first pipe fulls of biomethane were injected into the grid yesterday afternoon.
Lowestoft Journal 9th October 2010 more >>
BBC 8th Oct 2010 more >>
24 Dash 8th Oct 2010 more >>
Centrica 8th Oct 2010 more >>
New Energy Focus 12th Oct 2010 more >>
Training
TRAINED and qualified professionals are being offered a fully financed four-week training course to get them up to speed with renewable energy technology. The course, which starts in November, is in Germany and is fully funded by the European Commission’s Life Long Learning programme. There are 10 places left on the course which will deal with the design, installation and maintenance of technology such as solar roofs, heat pumps and domestic wind turbines. People from the plumbing, heating and ventilation, electrical, roofing and associated trades can apply.
This is Local London 8th Oct 2010 more >>
A1 and Baxi
Nottinghamshire based Arms Length Management Organisation called A1 Housing is trialling a new unit from boiler manufacturer Baxi. The Baxi Ecogen micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) appliance is the latest thing in eco heating and is designed to reduce both carbon emissions and fuel poverty. A1 Housing, who manage 7000 properties across North Nottinghamshire and for the Bassetlaw District Council, are pressing on with their target to get all of their housing in line with the Decent Homes standards by 2013. On top of this, A1 Housing want to reduce the carbon emissions of their homes by 20% by 2020.
Buyability 8th Oct 2010 more >>