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News
Industry Welcomes Government Strategy for Consumer-based Sustainable Energy Production as a Step in the Right Direction
Tuesday 28 March 2006
   
  
Trade associations representing the micropower industry welcomed the publication of the Government’s Microgeneration Strategy today. The strategy was published alongside the Climate Change Programme Review and will be launched formally tomorrow at the Micropower Council’s Annual Conference and Dinner with a keynote speech by the Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks MP.
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 (BWEA) said “BWEA warmly welcomes the intent of Government to catalyse the commercialisation of small wind and other micro renewables and is of course delighted that an extra £50 million has been committed to microgeneration projects. 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.”
Seb Berry, Head of Micro-Renewables at the Renewable Energy Association (REA) said, “There are some good ideas here, but far more needs to be done for micro-renewables through the Energy Review. We remain concerned about the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. The sum set aside for householder grants remains too small, and we have advised it will not meet householder demand. Some of the additional £50m needs to be funnelled towards smaller projects, or the installer base built up during the previous programmes will be threatened and householders disappointed. The rest of the document makes numerous commitments for reviews and further study. We will be pressing hard for these high level commitments to be turned into tangible policy measures for delivery.”
Guy Thompson, Director of Green Alliance said "The strategy overcomes some of the barriers to installing microgeneration. But it fails to offer a vision for how microgeneration fits into the bigger picture. The government has to move microgeneration from a niche market into the mainstream, by weaning itself off the centralised, grid-based approach which dominates our energy system."
Andrew Warren Director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) said: “This is an important first step in turning micropower from just a small niche market into a genuine mass market product. Truly giving power to the people”.
Phillip Piddington, Director of the Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA) said: “The microgeneration industry is at a pivotal point and the recent support demonstrated by Government should enable technologies such as Micro CHP to make a significant contribution to the UK energy supply as the technology moves into commercialisation enabling the UK to establish a lead position in the sector”.
Roger Webb Director (Heating Services), SBGI said: “We welcome the publication of the strategy and look forward to this being quickly translated into policies and measures which will really stimulate the uptake of microgeneration technologies in the UK domestic heating market”.
For further information contact:
Jane Vaus, Head of Media and External Affairs, Micropower Council, 077480 10447 jane.vaus@micropower.co.uk
Mari Martiskainen, Communications & Small Wind Officer BWEA, 020 7689 1935 mari@bwea.com
Gaynor Hartnell, Head of Power, REA, 07870 629 575 ghartnell@r-e-a.net
Guy Thompson, Director, Green Alliance, 07739 236740 gthompson@green-alliance.org.uk
Andrew Warren, Director, ACE 020 7359 8000 andrew@ukace.org
Philip Piddington, Director, CHPA, Tel 020 7802 0182 phillip.piddington@chpa.co.uk
Diane Amphlett, Heating Services PR Manager, SBGI, 01926 462906 diane@sbgi.org.uk
Notes:
- The Microgeneration Strategy is a result of a three month consultation launched in June 2005. The government, under Section 82 of The Energy Act 2004, must publish and implement a Strategy to promote Microgeneration by April 2006. More at www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-1504.html. The strategy is due to be published at 9.30 am on Tuesday 28 March 2006.
- The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill – a Bill designed to promote microgeneration and community energy schemes, reduce emissions of CO2 and require annual reporting by the government and help alleviate fuel poverty - passed its Report Stage last week and moves forward for its Third Reading in a few months time. More at www.micropower.co.uk/news/newsrelease35.html
- The Micropower Council is an industry body of companies, Trade Associations, Professional Institutions and NGOs with interests in the promotion of microgeneration. We provide a strong point of contact for the whole Micropower industry in its dealings with Government, EU institutions, Regulators, other opinion formers and the general public. Visit www.micropower.co.uk for further details. To view the programme for the Micropower Annual Conference visit www.micropower.co.uk/events/micropowerconference1.pdf
- BWEA is the UK's leading renewable energy association, representing over 310 companies active in the sector. With 27 years' experience, BWEA is leading the UK debate on wind energy and marine renewables. BWEA has launched a new online resource for members of the public and businesses who want to investigate the possibility of having their own domestic wind turbine. BWEA's one-stop shop is a comprehensive guide to small wind energy and provides information ranging from technologies available through planning and grid issues to FAQs and case studies. Visit www.bwea.com/small for further information. The small wind and building-integrated wind industry is gathering for its second annual event, to be held on Thursday 30th March 2006 at the Building Research Establishment in Watford.
Visit www.bwea.com/events for more information.
- The Renewable Power Association has over 420 members, active across the range of renewable energy technologies. www.r-e-a.net
- Green Alliance is an environmental think tank, which aims to ensure that the environment is at the heart of decision-making. We work with senior people in government, parliament, business and the environmental movement to encourage new ideas, dialogue and constructive solutions. www.greenalliance.org.uk/
- The Association for the Conservation of Energy was formed in 1981 by a number of major companies active within the energy conservation industry. Our aim is to encourage a positive national awareness of the need for and benefits of energy conservation, to help establish a sensible and consistent national policy and programme, and to increase investment in all appropriate energy saving measures. www.ukace.org/
- The Combined Heat and Power Association works to promote the wider use of combined heat and power and community heating. Clean and efficient Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is already in use on close to 1,400 locations around the UK. www.chpa.co.uk/
- The SBGI, established in 1905 as the Society of British Gas Industries, is the only Trade Association covering the whole of the onshore gas industry. It continues to successfully promote a thriving gas industry, as well as developing and adapting to the ever changing needs of its members and the industry. www.sbgi.org.uk/
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