Microgeneration Strategy step in the right direction, but GPDO a must

12 July 2010

  • Plans to boost local community energy generation comes at the right time, says RenewableUK.
  • The new Microgeneration Strategy to provide real opportunities for the whole industry.
  • Absence of a General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) covering small wind systems, however, remains a major hurdle.

RenewableUK, the country's leading renewable energy trade association, today welcomed the announcement of the Government's consultation process for a new Microgeneration Strategy, aimed at helping communities become more energy self-sufficient.

The announcement, coming in addition to last week's lifting of the ban on local councils selling electricity, is widely perceived as a boost to the microgeneration industry. However, RenewableUK has reiterated its call for a GPDO for small wind turbines, which would allow installation without the need to undergo an expensive and lengthy planning process.

Maria McCaffery MBE, RenewableUK Chief Executive, commented:

"The UK already has over 14,000 installed small wind systems generating energy for local communities across the country. With the lifting of restrictions on local authorities from selling green energy, community generation can only grow. But for the industry to realise its full potential we need to remove planning barriers by introducing GPDOs".

The Microgeneration Strategy comes shortly after the introduction of a feed-in tariff this April, which provides cash payments for homes, communities and small business generating their own clean energy. The Strategy will further contribute to the growth of the sector by tackling non-financial barriers through providing advice and information about microgeneration, developing the UK supply chain, examining the ways of improving the product and increasing consumer confidence.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact RenewableUK's press office:

NOTES

  1. RenewableUK is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with 600 corporate members, RenewableUK is the leading renewable energy trade association in the UK. Our primary purpose is to promote the use of renewable power in and around the UK, both onshore and offshore. We act as a central point of information for our membership and as a lobbying group to promote renewable energy to government.
  2. The focus of the Microgeneration Strategy will be electricity generation technologies less than 50 kW in size, and heat generating technologies less than 300 kW in size. This includes:
    • Air, ground and water source heat pumps
    • solar photovoltaics (PV)
    • solar thermal water heating
    • biomass boilers
    • micro Combined heat and power (micro CHP)
    • micro wind turbines
    • fuel cells
    • micro hydro schemes
    • passive flue gas recovery devices.
  3. More on the consultation here

     

     

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