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Industry trade bodies promise engagement to get policy right

Monday 9 October 2006

The British Wind Energy Association and the Renewable Energy Association will be looking forward to working with the Government on its proposed reforms of the Renewables Obligation. A consultation period has now opened on the package of redistribution of RO revenues and increases in the levels of the Obligation after 2015. The framework put forward by the Department of Trade and Industry is still in a formative stage, and strong engagement by BWEA and REA should result in proposals that are welcomed by the whole renewable sector.

BWEA Chief Executive, Maria McCaffery, commented:
"We believe the Government when it says that it is looking for a package that protects the current growth in onshore wind, while increasing revenue for emerging technologies such as offshore wind and the other marine renewables. This will be a tough balancing act, however. BWEA will engage with DTI and its proposals with a view to maximising the benefits to all. While doing so, we will continue to press for a simpler planning regime and increased investment in the transmission and distribution infrastructure which are just as necessary as the financial support the RO provides."

Gaynor Hartnell, Head of Renewable Power at the REA said:
"The UK renewables industry has demonstrated unprecedented growth since 2002, but sourcing 20% of our electricity from renewables will require deployment of a wider range of technologies than has been seen to date. This opportunity should be taken to evolve the Obligation into an enduring and effective mechanism. But it has to be done carefully. It is essential that investor confidence is maintained in any change in the UK's renewables policy."

The publication of the consultation has been delayed, but comes at an opportune time, with over 1,000 people gathering for BWEA28 in Glasgow, the biggest ever renewable energy conference and exhibition in the UK. The assembled delegates will be discussing all aspects of the wind, wave and tidal stream industries, from policy and finance to details of technology and environmental impact mitigation.

For more information contact:

Alison Hill, Head of Communications, BWEA on 020 7689 1966

Notes

BWEA28: Securing Our Future - the UK's leading renewable energy event
10-12 October 2006, SECC Glasgow

Full details including conference programme and online registration online at www.bwea.com/28

Conference: 144 speakers in 28 separate sessions, covering every area of the wind, wave and tidal industries, will provide all the latest updates and policy perspectives to a gathered audience of politicians, industry and key decision makers.

Exhibition: 120 companies active in the UK wind, wave and tidal energy industries will be on display at BWEA28, including:

  • wind turbine manufacturers
  • marine device manufacturers
  • developers
  • contractors
  • consultants
  • suppliers/services companies
  • electricity generators
  • utilities
  • financiers
  • insurers
  • component/materials manufacturers
  • research/academic institutions.

Companies exhibiting include Alfred MacAlpine, Airtricity, Areva, BAE Systems, Clipper Windpower, Defence Estates, EU Energy, Garrad Hassan, GE Energy, KBR, Met Office, Mott MacDonald, Nordex, npower renewables, Ocean Power Delivery, Proven Energy, QinetiQ, Regen SW, REpower, RES Group, ScottishPower, Scottish Renewables, Siemens Wind Power, Triodos Bank, Ventus, Vestas Celtic and WindPro.

BWEA is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. BWEA is at the forefront of the development of the UK wind, wave and tidal stream industries, promoting and protecting its members' interests to Government, business and the media.

For further information on the launch of the Renewables Obligation consultation, see http://www.wired-gov.net/EDP8203R7W/WGLaunch.aspx?ARTCL=41623&ALERT_TYPE=15