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News

Microgeneration becomes law of the land

Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill receives Royal Assent

Wednesday 20 June 2006

The exciting new microgeneration sector has today received a huge boost with the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill passing its final Parliamentary stage and receiving Royal Assent. The Private Members Bill, promoted by MP Mark Lazarowicz and supported by a range of industry and environmental associations, will prioritise policy measures to support consumer-based microgeneration and breakdown many of the barriers facing uptake of the sector.

The Bill promotes household microgeneration and community energy schemes, helping alleviate cold homes and fuel poverty, and specifically requires 'route-maps' and targets for microgeneration to be set, governmental accountability through annual reporting on carbon dioxide emissions, reporting on dynamic demand and smart metering, along with a review of permitted development rights, local plans and building regulations and other measures.

As Mark Lazarowicz MP said:

“This Bill will give a big boost to householders and local groups who want to install renewable energy in their own houses and communities. Small scale renewable energy - microgeneration - can make a significant contribution to the UK's energy needs. It is clear, from the thousands of people who have contacted me during the course of this Bill, that this technology has captured the public's interest. It is now up to industry, local authorities and central government to respond to the public demand”.

BWEA warmly congratulates all who were involved with the progress of the Bill: BWEA's research for the Government's Energy review identified that up to 1,200 MW from micro and mini wind turbines could be installed by 2020, and this Bill clearly sets the ball rolling to realise this potential.

Given the right support mechanisms, microgeneration technologies such as small wind turbines can have a key part to play in our fight against climate change and empower the general public to take their own steps at a domestic level.

Notes to editors:

• The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill passed its final stage, Third Reading, in the House of Lords on Tuesday 20th June and was awarded Royal Assent on Wednesday 21st June. The Bill can be seen at www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200506/ldbills/106/2006106.htm
• For more information on the Government's Microgeneration Strategy consultation visit www.dti.gov.uk/energy/energy-sources/sustainable/microgeneration/microgen-strategy/page27594.html, or see BWEA's response at www.bwea.com/pdf/Microgeneration_Strategy.pdf
• A briefing outlining the key measures in the Strategy and the Bill can be found at www.micropower.co.uk/publications/ccsebillmeasures.pdf
• BWEA is the leading renewable energy association for the UK wind energy and marine renewables sector, representing over 300 companies. BWEA's specialist team provides essential information and support, and lobbies on behalf of its members on key challenges facing these dynamic industries. BWEA has launched a 'One-Stop-Shop' for small wind in response to the high demand from public and businesses who want to install small scale wind - see www.bwea.com/small