week ending 14 January 2011
Farmers’ Guide
A new guide has been launched telling farmers how to get the government to pay them to install solar panels that generate green electricity. The guide, released by Kershaw Solar describes how a government grant not only covers the cost of installing the panels, but typically generates a profit for farmers.
Farmers Weekly 13th Jan 2011 more >>
Cambridge Solar
A CAMBRIDGESHIRE solar farm is a step closer after a planning application has been submitted.
Cambridge First 13th Jan 2011 more >>
GSHP
Closed loop water source heat pumps are a tried and tested method in Scandinavia and other Northern European countries, where there are many properties located close to water. With running costs typically 75 per cent that of conventional systems, a heats pump normally pays for itself in between five and ten years. A prestigious waterside property in the South East of England is now benefiting from renewable energy provided by a ground source heat pump system that takes its energy from a nearby lake. The property was being converted into a guest apartment and the owners were looking for a more sustainable way of heating it.
Plumbing Park 13th Jan 2011 more >>
Lancashire Small Hydro
Some of Lancashire’s most historic industrial and agricultural landscapes could hold the key to a water-powered future. The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has plentiful fast flowing streams and rivers and a high rainfall which are deemed to be ideal for the production of hydro electricity. An ongoing study, conducted by Forest of Bowland AONB, with Pendle, Lancaster, Ribble Valley and Lancashire Councils, is assessing the potential of dozens of old mills, as well as reservoir and river intakes to be turned into small scale hydro-electricity plants.
Lancashire Evening Post 13th Jan 2011 more >>
University of East London
THE UNIVERSITY of East London (UEL) has been given a top green award. The University Way site, in Docklands, received the Carbon Trust Standard, demonstrating that it has taken action on climate change by reducing its carbon emissions. Some of the projects include the installation of new heating controls, efficient condensing boilers, better insulation and improved lighting controls. Educating staff and students on how they can make a difference to helping reduce pollution has also played a part.
Yellow Advertiser 13th Jan 2011 more >>
High Peak
High Peak residents interested in generating their own electricity have been invited to a meeting in New Mills Town Hall on Thursday week (January 20). Running from 7pm to 9pm, the event staged by the Borough Council will explain how to make savings - and money too - by investing in renewable energy. John Haken, Executive Councillor for the Environment, said: “The meeting should generate a lively debate about the benefits and potential pitfalls of buying renewable energy systems.
High Peak Borough Council 12th Jan 2011 more >>
Stoke-on-Trent Solar
Solar powered energy generation is to become a reality for social housing tenants and landlords across the country thanks to an innovative renewable energy project, which is soon to be launched nationwide by Kier through its leading social housing repairs and maintenance company, Kier Building Maintenance. Piloted in Stoke-on-Trent, the first stages of the project have already seen Kier Building Maintenance work with energy provider E.ON to retrofit photovoltaic panels onto homes owned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to convert sunlight into electricity. Currently 57 properties with south-facing roofs in the Chell Heath area are being fitted with the panels, which are supplied by E.ON and installed by Kier Stoke, the council’s social housing maintenance provider.
24 Dash 12th Jan 2011 more >>
Bootle Renewables
BOOTLE renewable energy firm Eco Environments has linked up with Scottish wind turbine manufacturer Proven Energy. The company, which last month opened new offices in Darlington, has been granted Value Added Reseller status by Proven for its 35-2 wind turbine. The Bootle firm specialises in providing homes and businesses with renewable energy solutions, including Solar Photovoltaic, wind turbines, solar thermal water heating systems and heat pumps.
Liverpool Daily Post 12th Jan 2011 more >>
Green Technology Trail
An interactive green technology trail featuring a range of micro-scale renewable energy demonstrators - from a mini wind turbine to pedal powered machines - is to be created at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
eGov Monitor 12th Jan 2011 more >>
Leeds Efficiency Scheme
Council buildings across Leeds are to be made more energy efficient in a £1m project that could slash gas and electricity bills. A range of measures including new condensing boilers, solar hot water heating and energy efficient lighting systems will be installed in 10 buildings with total annual gas and electricity bills currently running at nearly £800,000
Yorkshire Evening Post 12th Jan 2011 more >>
Swindon Solar Farm
PLANS to build a £12m solar farm on the outskirts of Swindon went on display yesterday. The project to build a five-megawatt capacity solar farm consisting of about 17,000 solar panels is planned at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, by owners Rupert and Joanna Burr.
Swindon Advertiser 12th Jan 2011 more >>
West Cumbria AD
DESIGNS for an ambitious project that could transform a village into an eco hub – creating West Cumbria’s first five-star hotel – have been revealed. The plans for the former Ministry of Defence site in Wellbank, Bootle, include a hotel, leisure facility, eco-homes and an anaerobic digester. The anaerobic digester would allow the community to generate energy by harnessing energy released by the breakdown of slurry, contributed by nearby farmers. The project, first outlined as part of Bootle’s community plan early last year, has received the backing of Copeland Council and the Lake District National Park in a rare coup.
Whitehaven News 12th Jan 2011 more >>
Jargon Buster
2011 is set to be a key year for microgeneration and to ensure you don’t get lost in a world of ‘tech talk’, NICEIC has launched its own jargon buster. The guide provides clear definitions of the key terms commonly used within the industry and is a useful tool for those considering installing renewable energy devices on their homes. “More than 100,000 homes in the UK currently have microgeneration installations,” said NICEIC’s chief operating officer, Emma McCarthy. “We expect this number to rise rapidly in 2011 as homeowners take advantage of the opportunity to produce their own ‘free’ energy. We predict that it won’t be long until private residential homeowners learn about the benefits of Feed-in-Tariffs and the incentives available.
Heating & Plumbing Monthly 11th Jan 2011 more >>
H&V News 13th Jan 2011 more >>
Swansea Efficiency
HUNDREDS of households in Clydach, Pontarddulais and Hafod can access energy efficiency improvements to their homes thanks to an investment worth up to £2.5 million. The improvements will include internal and external insulation measures, draft proofing, gas central heating installations, upgraded heating systems and the installation of renewable energy measures. Works will help make the homes warmer and will reduce heating costs. The funding is part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s ARBED scheme which is a key part of its ambitions to reduce climate change, eradicate fuel poverty and boost economic development and regeneration.
Swansea City Council 11th Jan 2011 more >>
Bicton Earth Centre
A renewable energy project in East Devon has been awarded £30,000 from EDF Energy. The grant comes from the EDF Energy Green Fund and will help pay for an array of photovoltaic solar panels at the Bicton EaRTH centre, part of Bicton College. The Bicton EaRTH project provides a new dedicated training centre and conference space for renewable energy, which will be a sustainable building in itself, designed as a working facility to showcase and demonstrate the most up-to-date renewable technologies.
EDF Energy 11th Jan 2011 more >>
Farm-based Renewables
Interest in farm-based renewable energy has surged in the past year, and 2011 is set to see more exciting developments. In our first weekly renewable energy section, Paul Spackman examines the big issues facing the sector.
Farmers Weekly 11th Jan 2011 more >>
Solar Booming
Global investment in clean energy saw a 30 per cent surge in 2010, helped in large part by a massive uptake in rooftop solar generation in Europe, latest figures reveal. Investment in microgeneration projects almost doubled to $59.6 billion (£38.9 billion) last year, largely driven by Government-subsidised small-scale solar projects in Europe, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. This 91 per cent increase on 2009 helped overall investment in clean energy around the world soar to $243 billion (£155 billion) in 2010, up from $186.5 billion (£119.4 billion) the year before.
Green Wise Business 11th Jan 2011 more >>
Scottish Solar Farms
PLANS have emerged to instal almost 2,000 solar panels across Buchan. Five applications for solar farms, each with 350 solar panels, have been put before Aberdeenshire Council. Newcastle developer TNEI Services is behind three of the proposals while Edinburgh-based architect David Gauld is steering the other two. The P&J had revealed Mr Gauld was working on solar projects in the north-east including one at the proposed site of Aberdeenshire’s first crematorium, the old Crimond airfield. His other project would be near Aldie Farm, Cruden Bay.
Press & Journal 11th Jan 2011 more >>
Low Carbon Economy 12th Jan 2011 more >>
Eco Fire Station
HORNCASTLE could soon have a more eco-friendly station. An application has been submitted seeking planning permission to install 18 solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of the existing fire station in Foundry Street. The proposed work is part of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s ongoing eco-friendly fire station project which has already seen other stations such as Wragby and Bardney undergo various improvements.
Horncastle News 11th Jan 2011 more >>
Ecobuild
NIBE Energy Systems, one of the country’s innovators in the development and supply of domestic and commercial renewable energy heating systems, will be showing a wide range of its products on Stand S2010 at Ecobuild 2011 on 1st to 3rd March at EXCELL, the new location in docklands. With the sharply rising interest in energy conservation from the public, the industry and from Government, Ecobuild is expected to be a vibrant occasion and its billing as “The world’s biggest event dedicated to sustainable design, construction and the built environment” seems well justified. NIBE will show a complete range of the company’s systems designed to supply energy for central heating and hot water supply using exhaust air from the home, from air in the outside atmosphere and from ground sources and this will include the launch of the new NIBE SOLAR.
ADF Online 11th Jan 2011 more >>
Northumberland School
A renewable energy project in Northumberland has been awarded £30,000 from EDF Energy. The grant comes from the EDF Energy Green Fund and will help pay for an array of photovoltaic solar panels and a biomass boiler at Shaftoe Trust First School at Haydon Bridge near Hexham. The school is already implementing a range of sustainable habits as one of more than 11,000 schools that are part of The Pod, EDF Energy’s online programme for greener schools.
EDF Energy 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Peak District School
A renewable energy project in the heart of the Peak District has been awarded £23,000 from EDF Energy. The grant comes from the EDF Energy Green Fund and will help pay for a 12-metre high wind turbine to be installed at Bishop Pursglove Primary School, St Johns Road, in Tideswell, near Buxton. The school has a long-term commitment to environmental issues, achieving the top Eco-Schools award four times. Its Eco-Council, with two members from each year group, looks at and takes action on enviromental issues.
EDF Energy 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Vegetable Oil CHP
Green energy and biofuels company REG Bio-Power has launched a new processing factory in Norfolk, Eastern England using waste vegetable oil stock. The oil is used in combined heat and power (CHP) generators across the UK – including a 4.8 MW renewable energy plant in Suffolk.
Environment Times 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Buxton School Turbine
A renewable energy project in the heart of the Peak District has been awarded £23,000 from EDF Energy. The grant comes from the EDF Energy Green Fund and will help pay for a 12-metre high wind turbine to be installed at Bishop Pursglove Primary School, St Johns Road, in Tideswell, near Buxton.
EDF Energy 10th Jan 2011 more >>
RHI delays
A NORTH East building firm at the forefront of the green revolution is calling on the Government to supply the industry with details of its impending Renewable Heat Incentives - RHI. Like many firms involved in the renewables sector, John N Dunn Group, based at the Silverlink Business Park in Wallsend, had expected the Government to outline the exact nature of the incentives before the Christmas break, but was left disappointed when this was pushed back into the New Year.
The Journal 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Sunderland Solar
CITY firm McNally & Thompson has become the first company to benefit from a training initiative backed by electrical wholesaler and energy efficiency solutions provider, Electric Center. McNally & Thompson, based in Chester Road, took the opportunity to become one of the region’s first accredited installers of photovoltaic systems after taking part in a training course with the support of Electric Center and Ubbink.
Sunderland Echo 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Fenland Solar
FENLAND’s renewable energy drive could be boosted by plans to build the area’s first solar farm. The proposed 23-acre site, on land off Reach Drove, at Black Bush Farm, Whittlesey, is designed to deliver 2.7MW of power. The proposals have been put forward by Lark Energy, a subsidiary of Larkfleet Homes, the Lincs-based company hoping to build 460 homes on the outskirts of Whittlesey.
Cambs Times 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Insulation
Despite the lunacy of wasting fuel, the National Insulation Association estimates that 10 million homes in Britain still have cavity walls that need filling and 13 million lofts that need extra insulation. A further 6.6 million homes have solid walls that could easily be made more efficient with an extra layer of external insulation.
Telegraph 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Micro-CHP & VAT
The Treasury has confirmed that microCHP (covering installations of up to 50 kW electrical capacity for VAT purposes) will continue to attract a reduced rate of 5 per cent VAT, increasing the financial incentive for end-users to invest in the technology.
H&V News 10th Jan 2011 more >>
Wiltshire AD
More than 100 jobs could be created in Warminster if plans to build a biogas plant in the town get the final stamp of approval. Property developer Malaby Martin Ltd wants to use biogas technology as part of a bid to redevelop redundant buildings on a three-acre site. The firm’s plan to replace old farm buildings with new business units, which will be powered by renewable heat and electricity generated on site by a newly-built biogas plant, was approved by Wiltshire Council in July subject to some adjustments to landscaping being made.
Wiltshire Times 9th Jan 2011 more >>
Plymouth
Plans have been announced for a £15million, 12 hectare solar farm on part of an industrial park site after delays in funding for road improvements meant that a large chunk of the site cannot currently be developed for business units.
Plymouth Herald 8th Jan 2011 more >>
Nottingham Solar Pioneer
Last year, he invested £15,000 in fitting solar panels to the roof of his home in West Bridgford. Mr Nicholson-Cole, a lecturer at the school of architecture at the University of Nottingham, said: “I am always amazed at the feedback I have from people about my house, all of whom want to do more but assume it is not possible in their home. I urge everyone to invest in their properties. They’ll save money and the environment will reap the rewards.” His home, both inside and out, is equipped with the latest in “green” technology which provides renewable power and heat throughout his property. Mr Nicholson-Cole even used his professional expertise to design and install “sun boxes” on the south wall of his home. The giant metal mirrors use “solar cooker” technology to feed 3,000 kWh of heat into the house. Solar panels on the roof generate a further 3,300 kWh of energy, meaning heating his house is carbon-neutral. 3,300 kWh of energy is enough to provide the average UK home with electricity for 12 months. Mr Nicholson-Cole has predicted it will take him eight years to have created enough of his own energy to cover the £15,000 outlay.
Nottingham Evening Post 8th Jan 2011 more >>
Welsh Solar Plan
THE Gwendraeth Valley could have the first solar park of its kind in Wales. An application for up to 100,000 solar panels on part of the former Cynheidre colliery has been submitted to Carmarthenshire Council.
This is South Wales 8th Jan 2011 more >>
Somerset AD
A CANNINGTON businessman has won a Green Energy Award for turning waste food into electricity. Tim Roe fought off competition from more than 100 entrants to win the award for the most pioneering renewable energy scheme in the South-West, for the renewable energy plant at his business, Cannington Cold Stores.
This is the West Country 8th Jan 2011 more >>
Small Turbine Certification
The six wind turbine models eligible for the government’s feed-in tariff have been clearly set out in a list by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Previously, many small-scale wind turbines had been named in a transition list while they were seeking full certification, still qualifying for the tariff. On January 1st this list was abolished, leaving the six fully-accredited models signed up to the incentive as other manufacturers complete the certification process
Energy Saving Trust 8th Jan 2011 more >>
Eon Accreditation
E.ON Sustainable Energy is proud to announce that it has received full accreditation as an approved installer for its range of micro-generation technologies under the Micro-generation Certification Scheme (MCS). The scheme, run by the Department for Energy and Climate Change, is designed to evaluate products and installers against a robust set of criteria for micro-generation technologies. The aim of the scheme is to provide greater protection for consumers as it independently certifies microgeneration products and services in accordance with consistent standards and ensure that the Government’s grant money is spent in an effective manner.
Advertiser Talk 8th Jan 2010 more >>
Small Turbines
Domestic wind turbines have been described as “the new handbags” – the latest luxury items craved by those who want to be first to try new technology. But this description overlooks their green credentials, because any electricity powered by the elements is reducing CO2 emissions, which are blamed for global warming. And there are also the financial motivations. A household with a windmill can save money on bills and sell excess electricity back to the national grid. So could wind turbines become a nice little earner?
To build solar panel 8th Jan 2011 more >>
Swindon Solar
A MASSIVE solar farm could soon bolster the town’s green credentials. The project to build a five megawatt capacity solar farm consisting of approximately 17,000 solar panels is being planned at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, by owners Rupert and Joanna Burr.
Swindon Advertiser 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Solar Church
A CHURCH hopes to save hundreds of pounds in energy costs after receiving a £27,000 grant to install solar panels. Volunteers at All Saints’ Church, in Eaglescliffe, have spent more than a year raising the £55,000 needed to fund the project. The grant has been donated by the EDF Energy Green Fund.
Darlington & Stockton Times 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Green Energy Training Centre
The Green Energy Training Centre (GETC) in Wirral opened its doors in November last year and has begun its training courses in renewable energy technologies. The centre offers training and qualifications in installing green energy microgeneration technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar panels and heat pumps.
Edie 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Caithness CHP
A PLANNED renewable energy plant in Caithness has been given a £3 million boost. Private-sector developer New Park, which specialises in business and science parks, was made the award from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) on Monday to go towards the £35m setup costs of its biomass combined heat and power plant at Georgemas Junction.
John O Groat Journal 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Solar Boom
The U.K., which had its 12th coldest year on record in 2010, installed more solar power than in any other year, data from the energy regulator Ofgem show. Solar panels with the capacity to generate more than 42 megawatts of electricity were registered to receive above-market power prices last year, according to data e-mailed from the regulator Ofgem. The facilities were spurred by a government program starting in April that offered as much as 12 times the market rate for power from renewable sources. The impact on small-scale renewables has been “tremendous,” Dave Sowden, chief executive officer at the Micropower Council, an industry group, said in an interview. “They’ve been a complete game-changer in the market. We’ve seen more than a threefold increase in the number of companies registered as installers. It started 2010 at about 600, and ended at over 2000.”
Bloomberg 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Recharge 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Permitted Development
“The law requires the government to have introduced permitted development for wind and air source heat pumps by 12th July 2010. They have flagrantly broken the law and we are concerned about that.” Dave Sowden, chief executive of the Micropower Council, suggests Chris Huhne gets cracking on planning bottlenecks – or face a legal challenge
Business Green 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Climate Challenge Fund
Community projects aimed at improving carbon emissions in Scotland are being asked to apply for the next round of the Scottish government’s Climate Challenge Fund (CCF). Measures announced in the draft budget in November increased funding for the CCF by £1 million for the years 2011/2012, taking the total amount available to £10.3 million. Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Our new funding pot will empower more communities to realise their carbon saving potential and allow many more new groups to become involved. As of this week, applications are invited from new and existing projects.”
Low Carbon Economy 7th Jan 2011 more >>
Cumbria Wind and Water
Two renewable energy projects in Cumbria have been awarded tens of thousands of pounds from EDF Energy.The grants come from the EDF Energy Green Fund and will help pay for a hydro-electric scheme at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre in Cleator and a wind turbine at Seascale School.
EDF Energy 5th Jan 2011 more >>