Mar 29 2006
Government launches strategy to increase local level energy production and reduce carbon emissions
The sight of micro turbines rotating in the wind and solar panels shining in the sun are set to become commonplace across the UK with the launch this week of the Government's first ever Microgeneration Strategy.
The ambitious plan, including more detail of grants under the Low Carbon Building Programme, which received a £50 million boost by the chancellor in the Budget will be published alongside the climate change programme review. Energy minister Malcolm Wicks will then present it to the industry during his keynote speech at the Micropower Council conference on Wednesday.
Malcolm Wicks will say: "We cannot afford to fall behind in the race against rising global temperatures and it is essential we reduce carbon emissions where we can."
"By installing micro wind turbines, fitting solar panels and placing ground source heat pumps in our gardens, we can save money on fuel bills, help the environment and get back in touch with where our energy comes from.
"In days gone by we would fill our coalscuttle or collect wood for the fire whereas now we just flick on a switch and expect everything to work. This distance from our energy sources leads to waste but by having microgeneration technologies present in our homes and buildings we reconnect with how much we're using - and abusing - and find ways of being more efficient with it."
The strategy aims to overcome those barriers such as cost, information awareness, regulatory and technical knowledge that have historically stood in the way of the sector's expansion. Measures include:
- working directly with industry on a scheme to provide renewable energy in schools;
- carrying out research into consumer behaviour in relation to microgeneration technologies and what drives early-adopter purchase decisions;
- electricity suppliers to develop a scheme that will reward those microgenerators exporting excess electricity;
- ODPM are undertaking an urgent review of local plans to assess the extent to which planning policy on the development of on-site renewables in new developments is being implemented. They will also examine how to facilitate the installation of microgeneration equipment by clarifying the permitted development status of these new technologies and removing any unnecessary controls over them;
- developing an accreditation scheme for all microgeneration technologies covering the product, installation and a Code of Conduct;
- working in partnership with the energy supply companies and distributed network operators to ascertain whether the current systems will be sufficient to cope with growing numbers of microgenerators exporting electricity and, if not, what steps need to be taken to ensure that we have as system that facilitates microgeneration yet still meets the needs of those who have to manage the overall network; and,
- working with industry to develop a route map for each microgeneration technology.
There has been extensive consultation with stakeholders on how best to move the sector forward and the development of the strategy has been postively received by the industry.
Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower Council, said: "Following last week's announcement of £50m extra funding for microgeneration, the Government is to be congratulated for this strategy which contains many of what we believe to be the necessary measures for consumers, through adoption of microgeneration, to become a substantial part of the solution to the UK's numerous energy policy challenges.
"Following an amendment to the energy bill two years ago, in which the idea of a strategy was first suggested, the government has engaged in a constructive dialogue with the microgeneration industry and listened carefully to what we have been saying. Now the hard work begins, and we look forward to continuing to advise and support the government in the implementation phase."
Marcus Rand, CEO of the British Wind Energy Association, said: "BWEA warmly welcomes the intent of Government to catalyse the commercialisation of small wind and other micro renewables. It is an absolute imperative that the intent of this document is matched with the necessary actions, so this strategy forms an important part of a long-term commitment to fast-track the full-scale deployment of these critical technologies as quickly as possible."
Philip Wolfe, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said: "Taken together, the many measures contained in the strategy represent an important boost to the UK micro-renewables sector. The Government's wider Energy Review now provides the perfect opportunity to build on the solid platform of the strategy and to ensure that the full potential of all micro-renewable technologies is delivered in the UK."
* To read the Government's Microgeneration Strategy document click here: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/environment/microgeneration