week ending 20 January 2012
Solar Walls
Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation intends to start selling a material that enables the walls of buildings and various other structures (possibly wind turbine towers and nacelles) to generate electricity. One clear advantage of this is that solar panels would no longer be limited to the rooftops of these buildings. They can now be covered with solar cells.
IB Times 20th Jan 2012 more >>
Fuel Poverty
CASH-STRAPPED families in Coventry are being forced to forsake food in a bid to be able to pay escalating energy bills, it has been revealed. Staff at Coventry’s Citizens Advice Bureau said they were inundated with families desperate for help to slash fuel bills. It comes as the charity’s latest survey has found more people in the West Midlands fear they will not be able to pay their next energy bill compared to anywhere else in the country.
Coventry Telegraph 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Green Deal
The government’s flagship Green Deal risks “killing the insulation industry overnight”, senior industry figures have warned. John Sinfield, managing director for manufacturer Knauf in northern Europe, said the predicted collapse in loft and cavity wall insulation installations, revealed in Building last week, would also stop manufacturers investing in the UK.
Building 19th Jan 2012 more >>
FiT Uncertainty
To tackle this uncertainty and limit risks to the scheme’s budget in the event that the government’s appeal proves unsuccessful and the court orders a return to the previous feed-in tariff level of 43p/kWh, the government will lay draft licence modifications before parliament that would allow tariffs to be cut from April 1 for all installations completed on or after March 3.
Business Green 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Renewable Energy Focus 20th Jan 2012 more >>
About 3,700 homes and businesses could claim a higher rate of subsidies for solar panels after the government on Thursday offered a compromise deal in the row over cuts to the scheme. Although there is a continuing legal battle over the announcement last year that the Department for Energy and Climate Change (Decc) would cut solar feed-in tariff payments by half from 12 December, ministers said that if they lose the legal case they will fund the higher rate payments for any panels installed by 3 March.
Guardian 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Money Observer 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Telegraph 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Last week ended in a most disappointing fashion as the certainty the UK solar industry was promised never reared its much-anticipated head. After a long day filled with expectation, the Court of Appeal adjourned on Friday afternoon having moved nowhere at all.
Solar Power Portal 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Green Deal
The CBI has added its voice to growing concerns over the effectiveness of the government’s flagship Green Deal energy efficiency scheme, warning that changes to the proposed plans will be required if the initiative is to deliver promised carbon savings and commercial opportunities.
Business Green 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Solar Eggs
CHULMLEIGH farmer Louise Down has strengthened her green credentials even further after South-Molton-based Source Renewable installed solar panels to power her chicken barn. Forty solar PV panels on the barn’s roof now provide carbon-free electricity for her 4,000 chickens, powering everything from the belts carrying eggs to the ventilation system and lighting.
North Devon Journal 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Wind – Miller
Banffshire oat miller Hamlyns of Scotland is operating under wind power after a £3.5million investment by its parent. Mornflake said yesterday the installation of new electricity generation technology at its Hamlyns business, based at Boyndie, marked a return to traditional milling practice.
Press and Journal 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Herald 19th Jan 2012 more >>
BBC 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Proven Problem
A solution may be on the horizon for owners of Proven P35-2 wind turbines in Shetland nearly four months after they were ordered to shut down their machines following catastrophic weld failures elsewhere in Scotland. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme, the body that decides which small renewable devices qualify for government power generation subsidies, said this week a way forward had been identified for the flawed £60,000 machines and agreement on the solution should be reached within weeks.
Shetland Times 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Community Turbine
A PUBLIC consultation exercise on community and privately owned wind turbines has been launched as part of plans to erect a community turbine for Dunbar. Dunbar Community Energy Company (DCEco) wants a small turbine erected on Cocklaw Hill, south-east of the town, which would be fully owned by the community and generate profits to be spend on local projects and jobs. If successful, the company believes that an average of about £200,000 could be generated every year for the next 20 years.
East Lothian Courier 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Warwick Renewable Heat
Warwick District Council has won national funding of £118,000 to install wood-fuelled heating (biomass) systems in the homes of customers. The scheme will reduce carbon emissions, energy bills and fuel poverty. The award represents 50% of the total cost of the proposed installations. Up to 25 tenants currently live in rural properties which are still heated by solid-fuel and with no availability of natural gas.
Warwick District Council 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Defending the Green Deal
Greg Barker, the Climate Change Minister, has defended the Government’s flagship green policy: the Green Deal. In recent weeks, the policy has come under mounting criticism from interested parties, with the consultation period set to draw to a close today. The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has come under fire as proposed changes in the system of providing insulation grants to householders could lead to a 90 percent drop in insulation figures, according to Government’s own figures. This is thought to be because at present energy companies absorb almost 100 percent of the cost of loft insulation while under the Green Deal, homeowners will have to pay for installation. In an interview with Channel 4 News, Barker set out to defend the Green Deal.
Solar Power Portal 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Solar Rip-off
Furious homeowners fear they have lost hundreds of pounds to a solar energy company that has gone out of business. Money Mail has received dozens of emails and letters from angry readers who paid £500 each to Energy Saving Group (ESG) to have solar panels fitted. All complain they have received neither panels nor cash refunds.
This is Money 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Renewable Pig Farm
PLANS have been unveiled to create an energy-efficient pig breeding unit at a Fenland farm – including a wind turbine and solar panels.
Wisbech Standard 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Solar Crisis
The solar industry remains in “total limbo” after a day of legal argument failed to determine if the government has the right to appeal in the row over Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) incentives.
Connecting Industry 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Solar Kit
Northern Ireland’s expertise in renewable energy is continuing to grow with the help of a Newtownards company. CoolSky, a firm formed in 2009 by a group of technicians, has developed a control system for solar thermal heating which is finding demand across the globe.
Belfast Telegraph 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Solar FiT
The government has confirmed the current feed-in tariff rate for solar installations with less than 4kW capacity will not fall below the proposed 21p per kWh for all systems completed between the December 12 last year and March 31 this year.
Business Green 18th Jan 2012 more >>
The government has pulled the rug from under the Feed-in Tariff scheme just as thousands of lower-income families were set to benefit from sun-powered savings on their bills. Councils like Brighton and Hove and housing associations like Aster in Hampshire have shelved plans – with some having spent over a year raising the necessary funds. A 2,000 panel scheme in the riot-hit Pembury Estate in Hackney has been pulled when it could have helped low-income families save up to £150 on their fuel bills every year. There are plenty more examples nationwide. The coalition must now come up with an action plan to breathe new life into the feed-in tariff scheme, which was introduced by Labour, following a Friends of the Earth-led campaign. It must urgently get the solar industry back on a stable footing, and reassure businesses of its support for renewable power.
Left Foot Forward 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Mini Hydro
SCOTTISH Water is planning to use hydro power to generate its own electricity and cut its bills. The utility firm will use the water in supply pipes to generate electricity and protect water plants from power failures, in a £20 million investment. The company said the work will reduce its massive electricity bill which is one of the largest in the country, accounting for around 1 per cent of Scotland’s total energy consumption. It will reduce the power costs for water treatment by 10 per cent.
Scotsman 19th Jan 2012 more >>
Community Funding
The government has this week announced funding awards to 82 local green energy projects, at the same time as urging other potential initiatives to apply for a share of the £10m Local Energy Assessment Fund (LEAF). The deadline for the second round of funding applications lapses at the end of this week, with the government calling on community groups and charities interested in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects to put themselves forward for funding.
Business Green 18th Jan 2012 more >>
Green Deal
The government’s Green Deal aims to deliver large cuts in carbon emissions. But official figures show it will mean a dramatic fall in British homes being insulated to make them more energy-efficient.
Channel 4 News 17th Jan 2012 more >>
Subsidy still applies
Phillip Shipley, installations manager at solar panels company Solorvox, in Castle Donington, said the ongoing delay (in the Court decision on FiTs) meant it was possible the existing 43.3p per kilowatt hour rebate would apply to all new installations put in up to April 1, when the subsidy would be cut to the planned 21p. He said regardless of what happened it was a “win, win situation” with the added incentive that the cost of solar panels had fallen by half in the last 18 months.
Leicester Mercury 17th Jan 2012 more >>
Green Deal
Writing exclusively for BusinessGreen, Greg Barker sets out his vision for how the government’s energy efficiency financing scheme can help slash UK greenhouse gas emissions.
Business Green 17th Jan 2012 more >>
Guardian 17th Jan 2012 more >>
Smart Meters
The influential Public Accounts Committee of MPs will today warn that the government’s plan to roll out smart meters to every home and offices in the UK faces a series of serious challenges that ministers are yet to sufficiently address.
Business Green 17th Jan 2012 more >>
Sky turns Green
Sky is poised to take a major step closer towards its target of cutting carbon emissions by a quarter, with the commissioning of a new biomass combined cooling heat and power (CCHP) plant that could supply up to 40 per cent of energy to the broadcaster’s main studio complex.
Business Green 17th Jan 2012 more >>
FiT Cut Botched
The Government’s “botched” announcement of cuts to the solar energy subsidy scheme caused a scramble in which more than 100,000 people rushed to join at the old, higher rate.
Telegraph 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Solar – Act Now
COMPANIES need to act now on installing solar panels if they are to beat government reductions on incentives. Mark Lee, partner at Stratford law firm Lodders, says opportunities exist to claim back installation costs but warns these mostly run out from April. He believes that despite government cuts to the feed-in-tariff scheme – how much can be earned from the electricity generated – renewable energy will continue to expand.
Coventry Telegraph 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Court Case
The UK Court of Appeal failed to reach a decision on Friday as to whether the government could proceed with its appeal against the High Court ruling on feed-in tariffs (FITs).
Energy Efficiency News 16th Jan 2012 more >>
NCE 16th Jan 2012 more >>
The solar industry remains in ‘limbo’ this week as the latest installment of the Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) court fight ended without a decision.
Edie 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Sunfest
The UK solar industry has finally received some good news this week, with the opening of a solar panel manufacturing facility in Jarrow, South Tyneside, creating more than 20 jobs. Sunfest Solar secured a grant from One North East, the Regional Development Agency covering North East England and received support from South Tyneside Council for its move to the borough, which is initially creating 21 jobs, with more to follow.
PV Tech 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Newcastle Journal 16th Jan 2012 more >>
CHP
E.ON’s Michael Woodhead outlines how the company’s Sustainable Energy division is blazing a path towards a decentralised energy future. Hidden behind a series of non-descript doors on a quiet street near Spitalfields Market lies one of the London’s best-kept secrets. No, it is not the latest achingly cool Clerkenwell drinking den. It is a 62MW power station, hidden in plain view in the centre of the capital. Concealed in a building that used to be owned by the Port of London Authority, the facility is the “jewel in the crown” of energy giant E.ON’s fast-expanding Sustainable Energy division, according to managing director Michael Woodhead. “In the middle of London, we’ve actually got a small power station that is not only a power station but also a source of heat for the Barbican, Linklaters and other buildings in the area,” he explains from his office beside the CHP plant. “There is a heat network here that is the jewel in the crown for our push into heat, which we see as one of our main areas of future growth.”
Business Green 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Scottish Solar Roof
A recent roof renewal of their own Head Office presented Scottish roofing specialists; Forster with the perfect opportunity to install Redland’s ‘On Top’ and ‘Integrated’ solar PV roof systems. By doing so on their own offices in Brechin, Scotland, Forster has gained MCS accreditation, which ensures that their customers are able to claim payments from the Feed in Tariff scheme. The installation has also helped Forster to reduce their carbon footprint and benefit from electricity savings.
Eco Friend 16th Jan 2012 more >>
IB Times 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Smart Grids
Government and industry have been warned “it’s time to get moving” on the roll-out of smart grids and smart meters ahead of a “big year” for the technology. The UK is aiming to install 53 million smart meters by the end of 2019, a process set to get underway next year. But Eric Dresselhuys, executive vice president at US smart grid technology firm Silver Spring Networks, told BusinessGreen delays were not an option if the country wants to ensure the huge amounts of renewable energy generation scheduled to be built during this decade are able to connect to the grid.
Business Green 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Eon and innovative energy saving finance
Energy giant E.ON is in “advanced negotiations” to implement an innovative approach to energy efficiency improvements. The approach promises to finance rolling infrastructure upgrades while requiring no upfront investment from the client. Speaking to BusinessGreen, Michael Woodhead, managing director of E.ON Sustainable Energy, revealed the company is in talks with an unnamed council about modifying an existing contract to enable a programme of rolling energy efficiency improvements. This would be funded by the energy bill savings that result from such upgrades.
Business Green 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Foot Shooting?
THE solar power sector and environmental campaigners “shot themselves in the foot” by taking the UK government to the High Court over changes to subsidies, an industry expert has claimed. Ben Cosh, managing director of TGC Renewables, which installs solar panels and wind turbines, said the court case and the coalition government’s current appeal had brought more uncertainty to the industry. His company, based in Bristol with an office in Glasgow, has about £100 million worth of renewable energy developments in the planning system and a further £100m lined up for the year ahead. Cosh said potential customers were “sitting on their hands” and waiting for clarity over subsidies before deciding whether or not to install solar panels.
Scotsman 16th Jan 2012 more >>
Heat Pumps
Charles Clover Whoa! Wait for the bribe before giving up gas. I found it curiously reassuring to read an analysis last week by the Royal Academy of Engineering of how difficult and expensive it will be to cut the carbon footprint of our homes by the amount we have pledged to as a nation by 2050. Nobody is disputing the desirability of reducing the amount of energy we use to heat our homes, 95% of which comes from fossil fuels. Domestic buildings in Britain are responsible for more than 40% of energy use and 25% of emissions. So the prize to be won from switching to renewable forms of heating is large. But there is a catch: gas, which heats 85% of homes, has half the carbon of coal and the best boilers use it very efficiently. Yet, if we are to achieve the 80% cut in carbon emissions Britain has promised by 2050 we are going to have to give up gas. We are going to need a huge switch to solar water heaters, wood-burning stoves, air and geothermal heat pumps and community schemes that use waste heat from industry. For once, what the government is doing seems sensible offering £15m in subsidy from this autumn on “greener” heat sources, including heat pumps and wood-burning boilers, for people who are not on the gas grid, with a requirement being to report back on how these technologies perform. It also plans to offer again from this autumn a “green deal” on insulation that allows people to borrow against future savings on their energy bills to insulate their homes, though this has already caused a row as it will mean the end of free loft-lagging schemes. The key to it all, as far as I can see, will be the independence and skill of the people who are offering the advice. My advice for people is: watch out, get three quotes on the insulation and keep the new gas boiler running for another decade
Sunday Times 15 January 2012 more >>
Smart Meters
The scheme to install new energy meters in every home in the UK should be halted because of spiralling costs, a consumer campaign group has warned. Which? said the government, rather than energy companies, should install the “smart meters” to keep costs down. But Energy Minister Charles Hendry said the £11.1bn cost of introducing them to 30 million homes and firms from 2014 to 2019 would reap an £18.1bn benefit.
BBC 15th Jan 2012 more >>
Queen goes Hydro
In the next few weeks, two huge Archimedes screws placed in the River Thames a few hundred yards from Windsor castle will be switched on to provide a steady stream of green electricity for the royal household. But the company behind the Queen’s turbines has suspended all new hydropower projects, claiming it can “no longer trust” the government to continue backing renewable energy.
Sunday Times 15th Jan 2012 more >>
Small Wind
If you’re planning to buy the best small wind turbine for single home use, here are the top five picks to choose from.
Windpower Ninja 14th Jan 2011 more >>
FiT Appeal
The crippling uncertainty over the future of the UK’s solar incentive scheme is set to continue, after three court of appeal judges failed to reach a conclusion on whether or not the government’s proposed changes to the feed-in tariff scheme were unlawful.
Business Green 13th Jan 2012 more >>
The government went to the court of appeal on Friday in an urgent attempt to overturn a high court ruling that has hit its plans to cut subsidies for solar panels on homes.
Guardian 13th Jan 2012 more >>
Monbiot attacks Green Deal
George Monbiot: There should be a cast-iron rule for all public policy: it must not discriminate against the poor. No tax or charge should be approved which transfers money from the poor to the rich. The rule should not even need stating when it comes to green measures. Part of the point of protecting the environment is to defend the interests of all people, including those who have not yet been born. An environmental policy which harms the interests of a society’s poorest people offends one of the fundamental tenets of what I believe environmentalism to be. Unfortunately it needs to be stated loudly at the moment, because this simple principle is being trampled by the government, the energy industry and even Friends of the Earth. On his blog last week, Chris Goodall exposed a series of remarkable and shocking features of the government’s new energy policies. The government’s own projections show that its green deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) schemes starting later this year, which are supposed to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and help people to cut their energy payments, will lead to higher bills for the poor, but almost no change to the bills of the rich. They will also greatly reduce the amount spent on insulation and energy efficiency while doing almost nothing to address fuel poverty.
Guardian 13th Jan 2012 more >>
London CHP
London is moving the needle on low-carbon clean technology and carbon-emissions reductions. The secret ingredient: heat. Combined heat and power (CHP) and district-heating systems delivered a whopping 36,392 tons of avoided carbon emissions in 2010, which accounted for 50% of all carbon emissions reductions, according to an analysis released last week by the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Forbes 13th Jan 2012 more >>