22/02 NFU launches energy service

A new initiative that provides a range of renewables and energy efficiency services to help reduce environmental impact and increase farm profits was launched today for NFU members.
The Farm Energy Service will offer independent advice and guidance on a range of energy issues including solar panels, wind energy, grid connections and energy contracts. It will also provide assistance with legal queries, planning, finance and insurance. Benefits include a free initial survey, access to an energy contract finder service and a discounted fee structure.
The partnership sees the NFU teaming up with renewable energy specialists Fisher German and energy efficiency and contract management experts Farm Energy.
Launching the service during the organisation,s annual conference, NFU president Peter Kendall said the recent creation of Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes had sparked great interest in renewable energy that had led to a reassessment of the services provided by the NFU.
"The NFU's recent survey of members showed that nearly one in three is involved in some kind of renewable energy activity, and 20% are generating clean electricity from natural resources like the sun and wind," said Mr Kendall.
"Our own government ministers are now realising the enormous potential of land-based renewables, so this is very much the right time for the NFU to provide a comprehensive energy service. Farmers and growers can manage their use and production of energy to support farm profitability while impacting less on the environment."
For further details, click here.

22/02 Biofuel benefits spelt out to MPs

Parliament's energy and climate change committee has been told that UK-grown biofuels are among the most environmentally sound in the world, and have a key role to play in the UK's energy mix.
Industry stakeholders, including members of the Renewable Energy Association, told the committee that UK policy has encouraged some market development, especially the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and the mandating of sustainability standards.
However, both of these needed to go further, because the RTFO only moved the country to 5% transport from renewable sources by 2020 (the Renewable Energy Directive requires 10% by 2020 across all EU Member States) and UK producers exceeded the sustainability requirements mandated to date.
The committee also heard clarification on the indirect land use change effects of UK biofuel production. Stakeholders explained about the benefits of the by-products of the production process, such as DDGS and rape meal, which can be used for high-protein animal feed, thereby producing both food and fuel.
The key point communicated to MPs, said an REA spokeswoman, was that in the short to medium term, a consistent regulatory environment supporting both conventional and advanced biofuel production was absolutely essential to enjoying all the benefits.

21/02 DECC back in court over FITs

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) confirmed late this afternoon that it was going to request permission to appeal against the recent Court of Appeal's decision on its plans to reduce Feed-In Tariffs.
A DECC spokesperson said: "We respectfully disagree with the Court of Appeal's decision on Feed-in Tariffs and we have today lodged an application with the Supreme Court seeking that court's permission to appeal. We are now awaiting a decision of the Supreme Court on permission.
"We want to see the available funding spread as far and wide as possible making FITs a scheme for the many not a scheme for the few, supporting sustainable jobs in solar and in a whole range of small scale renewables."
Renewable Energy Association chief executive Gaynor Hartnell said her organisation was disappointed to see DECC going ahead with its second appeal of December's Judicial Review on Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) after the case had already been rejected by four judges.
"This could prolong the consumer uncertainty for installations between December 12, 2011 and March 3, 2012 by several months, which is most regrettable," said Ms Hartnell.
However, she added: "We must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The recent consultation on Feed-in Tariffs published on February 9 has expanded the available budget and the level of ambition on display.
"The government is talking of achieving around three and a half times more solar capacity by 2015 than it had originally had in mind.The realisation is slowly dawning that solar can play a much bigger role in the future.The FIT programme should really be expanded further still, as a means of enabling many more industrial sized projects to come to the fore and using a range of technologies, not just solar."
Meanwhile, Friends of the Earth's executive director Andy Atkins warned: "A successful appeal will allow ministers to slash renewable energy subsidies at any time, even for solar panels and wind turbines that have been operating for years.
"If ministers want to protect families from soaring fuel bills, they must get the nation off its fossil fuel hook and restore business confidence in the government's commitment to a clean energy future."

17/02 Free AD advice for farmers

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) launched a new free farmers' consultancy service at the Energy Now Expo in Malvern this week.
The scheme is aimed at helping farmers, land managers and landowners decide whether or not anaerobic digestion (AD) and the production of biogas is a viable option for them to consider.
Gwyn Jones, vice-president of the National Farmers Union and ADBA board member, said: "AD is a pivotal mechanism in supporting climate smart farming, but the viability of AD for a particular business or site is a complex equation and so it's important that people receive good quality initial advice to help assess its feasibility.
"ADBA's free farmers' consultancy service is a good start in helping farmers find out if anaerobic digestion is right for their businesses, or not."
Mr Jones, who has an AD plant on his dairy farm in West Sussex, explained that ADBA was launching the free service to give farmers, growers and land managers a better understanding of what AD involved and to give them the confidence to invest the time and money needed to develop a project proposal for funding if it was right for their business.
The association believes that farm-based anaerobic digestion enables farmers and landowners to make the best use of their resources, grow their businesses and protect the sustainability of British farming in the long term.
If you are interested in finding out more, click here.

13/02 Don't miss Energy Now Expo

The two-day 2012 Energy Now Expo opens at the Malvern Showground on February 15, with a record number of exhibitors, a continuous stream of dedicated workshops on the different technologies on display and dedicated inter-active panel discussions during the two-day conference that runs alongside it.
Organised by the joint venture company Renewable Energy Events Ltd and Energy Now, this year's event is sponsored by RBS-NatWest Bank and is presented in association with the NFU and CLA.
It is also supported by several leading organisations, including the RASE, Anglia Farmers, Countrywide, the Three Counties Agricultural Society, the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) and the British Hydropower Association (BHA).
Specially designed to cater for farmers and landowners, the Expo will include a wider variety of renewable energy technologies and suppliers of products and services tailored for use on farms and estates than ever before.
The head of agriculture and renewable energy at RBS-NatWest, Ian Burrow, said: "This event is a great opportunity for more (farm) businesses to understand the benefits of reviewing their energy options. We are proud to support it.”
Mr Burrow added: "The response by the agriculture sector to our £50m renewable energy fund shows there is an appetite to move to a more sustainable way of operating."
Energy Now publisher David Jacobmeyer said he was sure this year's event would help visitors discover new opportunities and find answers to any problems they may have with alternative energy, carbon footprints, or greenhouse gas emissions.
"There will be something for everybody, with the latest advice on renewable energy technologies, where they should be sited and which ones should be selected, as well as information on the intricate web of grants and rules that affect this rapidly growing sector.
"There has been surge of interest and support for this show from farmers, landowners, suppliers, developers and related organisations, which shows just how important the production and generation of non-fossil fuel has become for the agricultural sector."
For more information and to register, click here.

10/02 Mixed reaction to FIT review

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) today welcomed the publication of the government's comprehensive review of the Feed-In Tariff (FIT), but expressed caution about the proposed tariffs for AD.
Under the new proposals, plants with installed capacity above 500kW will receive 9.0p/kWh from October 2012, compared with the 9.9p/kWh they would have received without any change. The tariff for plants up to 250kW will be 14.7p/kWh, and for 250-500kW it will be 13.7p/kWh.
These rates will then be static until 2014, when they start to fall at set rates each year. This process could be brought forward if the industry grows faster than the government expects.
Speaking in the House of Lords yesterday, ADBA chairman and Liberal Democrat peer Lord Redesdale said: "The same financiers who have had certain problems with solar PV are the ones who are financing AD. It is extremely difficult to get any debt financing or equity financing for AD at the moment.
"This is of particular concern regarding the statement that if certain trigger points are met, there would be a retroactive reduction in the FIT for anything coming on-stream at that point. This could have a major implication for financiers financing schemes."
ADBA chief executive Charlotte Morton said: "The ambition for AD is disappointingly low given the potential of the industry. Assuming all food waste was separated out and prioritised for AD, the industry could deliver more than 10% of the UK’s total gas demand.
"The government needs to ensure its policies on renewable energy, waste and land use are coherent. Our industry needs stability and certainty to realise its full contribution to green growth, energy and climate change targets."
In other reaction, the chairman of the Solar Trade Association, Howard Johns, said: "We welcome the extra budget and increased ambition (for solar PV), but if many solar workers lose their jobs this year because of these changes, how can we hope to deliver on these aspirations.
We call on government to soften the blow to an industry that has delivered amazing things in the past two years. We, too, want a sustainable industry moving forwards, but without adjustment, this proposal will not get us there."

09/02 FIT reforms revealed

Announcing new plans to improve the UK's Feed-in Tariffs scheme today, climate change minister Greg Barker claimed: "We are proposing a more predictable and transparent scheme as the costs of technologies fall, ensuring a long-term, predictable rate of return that will closely track changes in prices and deployment.
"I want to see a bright and vibrant future for small-scale renewables in the UK and allow each of the technologies to reach their potential so they can get to a point where they can stand on their own two feet without the need for subsidy sooner rather than later."
It is proposed a tariff of 21p/kWh will take effect from April 1 this year for domestic-size solar panels with an eligibility date on or after March 3 2012. Other tariff reductions apply for larger installations.
Properties installing solar panels on or after April 1 this year will be required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate rating of "D" or above to qualify for a full FIT.
New "multi-installation" tariff rates set at 80% of the standard tariffs will be introduced from April 1 for solar PV installations where an individual or organisation is already receiving FITs for other solar PV installations.
The tariff for micro-CHP installations will be increased to recognise the benefits this technology could bring and to encourage its development.
In line with the evidence of falling costs for solar PV, the government is proposing to peg the subsidy levels to cost reductions and industry growth to provide more certainty for future investments.
Renewable Energy Association chief executive Gaynor Hartnell said: "These proposals should help re-orientate the tariffs towards cost-effectiveness and greater predictability, which on principle is welcome."
To access the documents published today, click here and here.

08/02 New offensive on energy waste

The Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey has today unveiled details of the new Energy Efficiency Deployment Office (EEDO) at a meeting with industry leaders at the John Lewis Partnerships' Peter Jones store on Sloane Square in London.
Mr Davey said: "I'm hugely enthusiastic about energy efficiency. It's the cheapest way of cutting carbon and cutting bills for consumers. It has to be right at the heart of what we do."
He explained that EEDO would be a centre of expertise, making energy efficiency real and relevant to people’s everyday lives.
"The UK has some of the most inefficient housing stock in the EU. Getting this right means as a nation we must make energy savings over the next decade equivalent to two nuclear power stations, while making everyone's homes warmer and cheaper to run."
Mr Davey said the 50-strong EEDO team, which will be based at his department's headquarters in London, will continue to support the delivery of the Green Deal, the rollout of smart meters and the increase in renewable heat, as well as developing a new energy efficiency strategy to identify the potential for further energy efficiency across the economy.
"As well as having its own expertise, EEDO will work with leading industry experts to ensure we have the best possible evidence, analysis and policy response to this challenging agenda. Energy efficiency can save money, cut emissions and improve energy security," he added.
For further details, click here.

07/02 UK stands firm behind wind

Newly-appointed energy and climate change secretary Edward Davey has joined deputy prime minister Nick Clegg in sending a clear signal that green growth and green jobs will remain at the heart of the UK goverment's strategy for economic recovery.
Visiting the Building Research Establishment's Innovation Park near Watford, yesterday, Mr Clegg said: "In today's world the savviest states understand that going for growth means going green. Low-carbon markets are the next frontier in the battle for global pre-eminence.
"The combination of enviable wind, wave and tidal power, a world-beating research base and a proud history of engineering give the UK a clear competitive edge. So we're already in pole position. But the reality is we need to sharpen our elbows if we want to stay ahead.
"I want the UK to be the number one destination for green investment. We're in this race to win it.
Mr Davey, who was appointed to the Cabinet by the prime minister last Friday, said: "My priorities are very simple: green jobs, green growth and getting the best deal for energy bill payers.
"There may have been a change at the helm, but there'll be no change in direction or ambition."
Welcoming this commitment, Gaynor Hartnell, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said: "Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective renewables in the UK. If we cut back on our aspirations for it, the overall costs of renewables will increase because we will have to draw on more expensive technologies instead.
"We are pleased to see Clegg, Cameron and Davey standing firm in their commitment to wind in the face of this latest campaign from the Tory backbenches.
"We need to develop a diverse portfolio of wind projects; from the larger wind farms in those landscapes which can accommodate them, to smaller arrays of large turbines in industrial locations and ideally community-owned and initiated ventures too."

06/02 CLA plea to new energy secretary

The CLA says that new energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey must learn to recognise how the land use sector is able to act on climate change.
Deputy president Henry Robinson said: "Farmers and land managers are particularly exposed to the impact of climate change so it is in our interests to adapt to the problem to ensure food and environmental security.
"The CLA supports a 30% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and we look forward to working with the Department for Energy and Climate Change to further develop and promote on-farm renewable energies."
Mr Robinson added: "Land managers everywhere have an important part to play in climate change mitigation.
"We will continue to urge this government and the EU to ensure that the role of land managers in this vital area is properly recognised and look forward to meeting Mr Davey to discuss how the CLA can help to drive the agenda on the challenges ahead."

03/02 New small AD plant at Expo

A Shropshire-based anaerobic digestion (AD) technology provider, will introduce its range of small-AD plants to the UK market at the Energy Now Expo at the Malvern Showground on February 15 and 16.
Although AD is a well-established process that provides favourable long-term returns on investment for large farms and food producers, there has been little technology focusing solely on the small-scale end of the market.
Now Evergreen Gas has been set up in Ludlow by leading biogas expert Michael Chesshire to meet the demands of smaller farmers and landowners.
His solution is to come up with a special digester design that abandons the complexity of the conventional AD plant, enabling the energy output and the cost of the system to become proportionate.
The company is offering offers three digester sizes for low-strength, medium-strength and high-strength feedstocks.
Mr Chesshire claims the design of the new plant "is simple, robust, cost effective, easy to operate and doesn’t carry the same high price tag as conventional farm-based AD systems".
He said: "I believe passionately that we can bring small-scale AD to farms and we are firmly focused on this objective. This follows the successful formula used in my two previous AD business ventures."
For further details, click here.

O1/02 Big push for community projects

Leading figures from The Co-operative, the National Trust, the National Federation of Women's Institutes, the Church of England and the Campaign to Protect Rural England are meeting Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne today to launch their joint "vision for community energy" and discuss how the government can assist.
At the same time, local energy schemes will receive another boost today as The Co-operative launches its Community Energy Challenge, a competition that will lead to six communities across the UK receiving support to set up their own energy projects.
The Co-operative is setting aside £1 million in 2012 to support community energy. This will involve everything from mentoring for start-ups through to the underwriting of co-operative share offers in local co-operatives.
Paul Monaghan, head of social goals, said: "We want nothing less than a clean energy revolution, with communities controlling and benefiting from their own renewable energy."
Patrick Begg, director of rural enterprise at the National Trust, pointed out: "Many other European countries are way ahead of the UK. Germany produces more than 20% of its electricity from renewable sources, with communities generating about a quarter of this.
"In the UK, less than 1% is generated by our communities, a figure this coalition wants to dramatically increase by 2020. Today we are asking the Government to support us in this."
The coalition, which was brought together by The Co-operative and the, sustainable development organisations Forum for the Future and Carbon Leapfrog, plans to meet at regular intervals to make practical steps to drive the shared vision forwards.

27/01 New look for wind energy

Future Factory, the Nottingham Trent University's sustainable design project, is helping a new company, Wind Power Innovations Ltd, to progress the first technology demonstrator of its innovative new Wind Harvester.
Traditional wind turbines typically have three blades which rotate around a horizontal hub at the top of a steel tower. But, the new turbine is based on a reciprocating motion that uses horizontal aerofoils similar to those used on aeroplanes.
It is said to be virtually noise-free and to generate electricity at a low as well as speeds, which may result in less opposition to new installations.
It can be made in any size up to approximately 15 metres across and only needs to be approximately half a metre off the ground in prominent positions such as on hills and hillsides, rock outcrops and on domestic, farm and industrial buildings and structures.
Along with funding from Future Factory, the company has also received £28,000 from the Peak District National Park's sustainable development fund and £3,000 from the Live & Work Rural programme.
The developers are hoping to be able to install a large-scale demonstrator in the national park in the near future.

26/01 Microbubble boost for biofuel

Algae produce an oil that can be processed to create a useful biofuel. But, until now there has been no cost-effective method of harvesting and removing the water from the algae.
However, a team led by Professor Will Zimmerman from the department of chemical and process engineering at the University of Sheffield, believes it has solved the problem with a new inexpensive way of producing microbubbles that can float algae particles to the surface of the water, making harvesting easier and saving biofuel-producing companies time and money.
The research has been published in "Biotechnology and Bioengineering" today.
Microbubbles have been used for flotation before; water purification companies use the process to float out impurities, but it hasn’t been done in this context before, partly because previous methods have been very expensive.
The new Sheffield microbubble system is said to use up to 1,000 times less energy to produce the microbubbles. In addition, installation costs are predicted to be much less than for existing flotation systems.
The next step in the project is to develop a pilot plant to test the system at an industrial scale.
Professor Zimmerman is already working with Tata Steel at its site in Scunthorpe using carbon dioxide from the flue-gas stacks and plans to continue this partnership to test the new system.

25/01 DECC loses solar appeal

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has lost its appeal against December's Judicial Review, meaning that it cannot effect its cut to the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) from 43.3p to 21p until March 3. That is, unless the government takes its appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) is now calling on all parties to draw a line under the affair and allow the UK solar industry to get back to business.

The CLA has called on DECC to end the uncertainty in the renewables industry, rather than continuing to appeal against the High Court's ruling that its plans to cut solar FIT payments on projects completed after 12 December 2011 were unlawful.
Although the Court of Appeal has unanimously rejected attempts to overturn the ruling, the government is now understood to be seeking permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.
CLA president Harry Cotterell said: "Many CLA members lost out on the higher rate FIT payments when the government illegally rushed through sudden payment cuts to the solar FIT.
"We regret the government still intends to appeal, even though two courts have now ruled it behaved unlawfully. We urge ministers to stop wasting time and money on further appeals and stick to their own contingency plan.
"This will reduce the solar tariff for installations completed after March 3 and is the only way to end the uncertainty that is damaging investment."
REA chief executive Gaynor Hartnell said: "The government's action and the subsequent court case threw the solar industry into a state of extreme uncertainty, which was most regrettable. We now want to put this behind us as swiftly as possible, and work with government and supporters to secure a larger budget for small scale renewable energy generation."
She added: "In reality, the government is well aware that it would be incredibly unwise to reduce payments to renewable energy producers after they had commissioned their projects, as it knows what immense damage that would do."

23/01 Marine energy park 1st for UK

The South West has today been named as the UK's first Marine Energy Park, placing the region on the international map for leadership in marine renewable energy.
Climate Change Minister Greg Barker made the announcement on a visit to Bristol where he met with key members of the new initiative.
He said: "This is a real milestone for the marine industry and for the South West region in securing its place in renewables history as the first official marine energy park. The South West can build on its existing mix of renewable energy resource and home-grown academic, technical and industrial expertise.
"Marine power has huge potential in the UK not just in contributing to a greener electricity supply and cutting emissions, but in supporting thousands of jobs in a sector worth a possible £15bn to the economy to 2050."
The South West Marine Energy Park will stretch from Bristol through to Cornwall and as far as the Isles of Scilly.
It will create a collaborative partnership in the region between national and local government, local enterprise partnerships, the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter and industry to speed up the progress of marine power development.
Energy from the waves or tides is thought to have the potential to generate up to 27GW of power in the UK by 2050, equivalent to the power generated from eight coal-fired power stations, as well as helping to reduce emissions to fight climate change.
The work to develop the South West Marine Energy Park has been commissioned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council. The work was undertaken by Regen SW.
A copy of the South West Marine Energy Park prospectus can be downloaded here.

17/01 Grasses for food AND fuel?

Results of research revealing a new family of genes that could lead to grasses that can be used for both food and fuel were published today in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" (PNAS).
The genes are important in the development of the fibrous, woody parts of grasses, like rice and wheat.
The team from the University of Cambridge and Rothamsted Research hopes that by understanding how these genes work, they might be able to breed varieties of cereals where the fibrous parts of the plants confer dietary benefits or crops whose straw requires less energy-intensive processing in order to produce biofuels.
The majority of the energy stored in plants is contained within the woody parts and billions of tons of this material are produced by global agriculture each year in cereals and other grass crops, but this energy is tightly locked away and hard to get at.
The new research, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), offers the possibility of multi-use crops where the grain could be used for food and feed and the straw used to produce energy efficiently.
Professor Paul Dupree, of the University of Cambridge, explained: "Unlike starchy grains, the energy stored in the woody parts of plants is locked away and difficult to get at. Just as cows have to chew the cud and need a stomach with four compartments to extract enough energy from grass, we need to use energy-intensive mechanical and chemical processing to produce biofuels from straw.
"What we hope to do with this research is to produce varieties of plants where the woody parts yield their energy much more readily, but without compromising the structure of the plant."
Duncan Eggar, BBSRC bioenergy champion said: "This research demonstrates how, by understanding the fundamental biology of plants, we can think about how to produce varieties of crops with useful traits, specifically for use as a source of energy."
Click here for further information about the BBSRC.

13/01 £40m plan for food waste revealed

PDM, a major UK food waste recycler, announced plans today to invest a further £40 million in developing its network of ReFood anaerobic digestion (AD) plants this year.
This investment will result in two new plants located in Widnes and East London and follows the completion of the company's first AD plant at its headquarters in Doncaster.
The two new plants will each double the recycling capacity of Doncaster, handling a combined total of about 180,000 tonnes of food waste a year and producing some 4MW of renewable energy.
Subject to planning, the facility in Widnes will be built on the company's existing site, creating a food waste recycling hub that incorporates rendering, biomass to energy and AD.
Taking food waste generated by retailers, restaurants, hotels and householders, the plant will provide renewable energy to the national grid and create a nutrient rich fertiliser for use in growing new crops.
Philip Simpson, commercial director at PDM, comments: “Our AD plant in Doncaster is performing well, and we’re keen to keep the momentum going in developing our ReFood network to provide regional solutions for food waste across the UK.”
PDM aims to commence construction on both sites by autumn 2012, with both plants fully operational in 2013.

12/01 Wilts company in biogas loan 1st

A Wiltshire-based biogas business has become the first recipient of a loan from the £10m anaerobic digestion fund launched in July last year by Defra and administered by WRAP (the UK Waste & Resources Action Programme).
The one-off £800,000 loan will be added to other funding secured by Malaby Biogas, including equity investment and support from Clydesdale Bank, to construct and commission a new anaerobic digestion plant near Bore Hill Farm to the south of Warminster.
"Feedstock for the plant will be non-packaged food waste supplied by a new commercial collection operator with additional material potentially coming from other commercial and industrial food waste providers within the local area," explained Malaby director Thomas Minter.
The plant is expected to generate 4.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year, the equivalent required to power 1,000 homes
"Malaby is the first of what we hope will be a number of companies to benefit from the anaerobic digestion loan fund," said WRAP director Steve Creed.
A maximum of £10m is available, through individual loans ranging from £50,000 - £1m, over a five-year period. Applications for the current round can be submitted before April 30.

Click here for details

10/01 New deal tackles climate change

A major UK energy supplier has today launched partnerships with two of Birmingham’s universities to develop and demonstrate low carbon technologies and forge closer ties between academia and the world of work.
Aston University and Birmingham City University will work with E.ON on projects to reduce CO2 emissions and develop green jobs. They will also collaborate on innovative low carbon research projects.
Michael Woodhead, managing director of E.ON's sustainable energy business, said: "Partnerships like this will help develop the knowledge and expertise we need to tackle climate change. Bringing together a global energy company and leading universities will help create the solutions and deliver new jobs in the growing green economy."
Alan Charters, executive director of capital developments at Aston University, said: "The university has a strong reputation for high quality low-carbon research and developing a range of green initiatives on its campus. We believe our partnership will further strengthen our collaborative work and advance our developments towards a better environment."
Professor David Tidmarsh, vice-chancellor at Birmingham City University, added: "As a leading supporter of a more sustainable environment, Birmingham City University is helping partners and other pioneering stakeholders look to the future and we are applying this smart thinking into our new city centre campus to generate up to 20% of the building's energy needs through renewable sources.”

06/01 Record share for wind power

Wind power supplied an average of 5.3% of the UK’s demand for electricity for December and early January, reaching a record share of 12.2% December 28 and the National Grid's handling of the large volumes of energy over the festive season has been praised by RenewableUK,
Dr Gordon Edge, the trade association's director of policy, said: "As we're generating increasingly large amounts of electricity from wind, feeding those large volumes of power into the system represents an engineering challenge to the National Grid, which we are pleased to see it met over Christmas."
As a result, carbon emissions from the UK's electricity generators were cut by more than 750,000 tonnes, equivalent to taking more than 300,000 cars off the road, he claimed.
The National Grid is responsible for balancing the output of the UK's electricity generators with demand from consumers on a minute-by-minute basis.
Last year, it launched a new wind power forecasting system, allowing its engineers to more accurately predict output from the UK’s growing fleet of wind farms.

04/01 CLA offers support for cuts

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) sent a letter to UK Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne today offering encouragement when he begins negotiating targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, following the agreement reached at the climate change conference in Durban on 11 December 2011.
The letter drew Mr Huhne's attention to the role land managers could play in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, enhancing forest stocks and promoting renewables in the energy and construction sectors.
CLA president Harry Cotterell said: "Containing climate change is in the interests of farmers and landowners because we are particularly exposed to its impact. Land management has a central role to play in adapting to climate change to ensure food and environmental security."
Mr Cotterell said the CLA supported a 30% cut in greenhouse gas emissions on 1990 levels by 2020, helped by the further development and promotion of renewable energy.
However, the CLA president acknowledged that this was unlikely to be fulfilled without more ambitious cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and "a higher carbon price".
He wrote: "Climate change has serious implications for cropping, forestry, water resources and erosion, biodiversity and a rise in mean sea level for coastal zones. CLA members are particularly vulnerable and we believe it is likely that any increase in the frequency of extreme events will have a disproportionate impact to changes in the mean."

29/12  £ billion benefits revealed

UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne today revealed more evidence of the economic benefits of renewable energy as he reaffirmed the government's commitment to meeting EU renewable energy targets.
This came as the UK published an update on progress to source 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020.
Latest research from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows that so far this financial year, companies have announced plans for almost £2.5billion worth of investment in renewable energy projects in the UK, with the potential to create almost 12,000 jobs across the country.
A separate report to the European Commission showed that the UK achieved a 27% increase in renewable energy consumption from 42.6TWh in 2008 to 54TWh in 2010, representing 3.3% of total energy consumed.
It also increased wind generation by 46% from 7TWh in 2008 to 10.2TWh in 2010 and saw a threefold increase in the use of biofuels in transport from 1% of total road transport fuel supply in 2007/8 to 3.33% in 2010.
Mr Huhne said: "Renewable energy is not just helping us increase our energy security and reduce our emissions. It is supporting jobs and growth across the country, and giving traditional industrial heartlands the opportunity to thrive again.
"I do not want the UK to be left behind by turning our back on the green economy."

22/12 Call to end all the uncertainty

The CLA today called on the government to end the uncertainty facing the renewable energy sector after a High Court decision ruled that changes to the Feed-in Tariff for solar power were "legally flawed".
The association said that the ruling, combined with a report by the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee recommending a better approach to solar subsidies, highlighted the lack of a long-term renewables policy.
CLA president Harry Cotterell said: "There is no doubt that solar subsidies are too high to be sustainable and must be reduced. However, this must be done in a way that respects those caught out by the December 12 deadline and are tied into installation contracts on borrowed money which they are unable to repay with the new rates.
"Given the ruling by the High Court, we urge the Government to find more funds for the Feed-in Tariff (FIT), otherwise the scheme will certainly run out of cash and be closed to new applicants. We suggest the Cabinet moves unspent funds allocated to the Renewables Obligation to meet demands for the FIT."
Mr Cotterell added that the government should not forget that hydro, wind and biogas also made an important contribution to the renewables sector and called for these technologies to be properly supported with long-term policies.

21/12 Solar cuts 'legally flawed'

The environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth and two businesses supporting the solar industry today won their legal challenge against the UK government's plans to cut its support for the solar photovoltaic industry in High Court.
The government proposed cutting the amount of the payments known as Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) for solar PV projects installed after December 12 this year, 11 days before the official consultation on the plans closed.
But, after two days in court, the Judge ruled in FoE's favour, calling the Government's plans "legally flawed" and FoE executive director Andy Atkins said: "We hope this ruling will prevent ministers rushing through damaging changes to clean energy subsidiesin future."
Responding to the ruling, climate change minister Greg Barker said: "We disagree with the Court’s decision. We will be seeking an appeal and hope to secure a hearing as soon as possible.
"Regardless of today’s outcome, the current high tariffs for solar PV are not sustainable and changes need to be made in order to protect the budget which is funded by consumers through their energy bills."

21/12 NFUS presses for action

As NFU Scotland (NFUS) delivers fresh guidance to its members on developing wind energy projects, the union has called on the Scottish government to kick its proposed Agri-Renewables Strategy into gear.
The government announced in August that it was to draw up an Agri-Renewables Strategy, but stakeholders have yet to formally meet to discuss the subject.
The NFUS believes progress on the promised strategy is fundamental to tackle the growing list of issues emerging around farm-based energy projects. Many NFUS members are facing an inconsistent approach to planning applications and connection to the National Grid is proving a problem in some areas.
To assist those members looking to get involved in on-farm wind energy, the union has produced a 28-page guide entitled "An Overview of Installing Renewable Wind Energy".
Vice-president Allan Bowie said: "Scotland's farmers have a fundamental role to play in helping the government achieve its laudable and ambitious targets for carbon reduction, climate change and renewable energy provision. It is a role that many farmers are keen to be involved in.
"The proposed Agri-Renewables Strategy would be invaluable for all farmers wanting to make the most of the opportunities for producing green energy on their land.
"The ambitious target to be able to produce 100% of our electricity demand equivalent from renewable sources by 2020 is attainable, but we need the strategy and a clear steer from the government on agri-renewables to be in place as soon as possible."

16/12 Gas goes for biomass

British Gas has acquired the remaining 81% of Econergy Ltd ('Econergy') for £6.5 million in cash, adding to its existing 19% holding.
Econergy is a market leader in biomass heating, which uses renewable energy sources for combustion to produce heat.
The company offers a complete design, installation and energy services package to domestic properties, businesses and public sector customers.
British Gas says this acquisition "supports its strategy of helping customers to reduce their carbon emissions through a portfolio of renewable technologies".
The government's confirmation of the levels of support for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), announced last month, underpinned the growth opportunities for biomass heating, it added.

15/12 New offshore opportunities

The Crown Estate has today launched offshore wind and tidal stream leasing rounds to select developers to take forward up to 800MW of projects in Northern Ireland waters, marking a major step forward in the growth of Northern Ireland’s offshore renewable energy industry.
This follows the Crown Estate engaging with industry earlier this year, confirming market demand in two locations for development, which is now the focus of the leasing rounds.
Separate competitive tendering processes will be undertaken for the offshore wind and tidal projects that will be run in parallel. Tenders will be assessed on bidders' ability to deliver fully operational projects by 2020 and a successful conclusion of the leasing rounds would see development rights awarded in the second half of 2012.
The leasing rounds seek to capitalise on the Northern Ireland's marine renewable energy resources to help deliver the Northern Ireland Executive's target to significantly increase the amount of electricity consumption from renewable sources to 40 per cent by 2020.
Northern Ireland energy minister Arlene Foster said: "Northern Ireland offers a strong but accessible offshore resource, world-class research facilities at our universities, a strong engineering tradition and an excellent port infrastructure."
Rob Hastings, the Crown Estate's marine director added: "Our discussions with industry have highlighted demand for the leasing rounds, which represent another major step forward for the UK's already world-leading offshore renewables industry.”

14/12 DECC promises more clarity

Charles Hendry, the minister of state for Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), today told delegates at the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association's national conference that his department recognised that the government needed to provide the AD industry with greater clarity over future policy to allow the industry to grow.
Speaking to more than 200 delegates at the conference in London, the minister said: "We understand the greatest enemy to investment is uncertainty.”
Mr Hendry said that what DECC "needs to do in the coming months, and I mean in the next few months, is provide the long term clarity" required to attract that investment, including "working to ensure the financial incentives provide the revenue needed to support AD".
He also recognised the unique benefits of AD which "set it apart from other renewables," such as constant generation and the ability to store gas. The minister reiterated DECC's desire to work an industry that they see as “an important sector” in "the green revolution we need".
ADBA chairman Lord Redesdale said: "The minister's engagement with the issues around AD is very welcome, particularly his recognition that DECC can and should do more to provide clarity and certainty to investors.
"Getting funding for AD plants remains a real challenge for the industry and fears about future government policy have been a major cause of this. I am glad that he has committed to working together with us on many issues going forward, including the role of Ofgem, reducing the burden of regulation, and recognising the role and sustainability of crop feedstocks."

13/12 Spotlight on GHG from crops

A new study, published in the scientific journal "GCB Bioenergy" has examined the impacts of cultivating bioenergy crops on nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide emissions from soil.
The study concluded that two perennial bioenergy crops, elephant grass and willow, only emit less greenhouse gases (GHG) than annual crops when they receive no or very low rates of nitrogen fertilizer.
The research team compared soil emissions from elephant grass (miscanthus x giganteus) and willow (salix) with emissions from annual arable crops grown for food production in North East England on adjacent fields of willow, elephant grass, wheat (Triticum aetivum) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus).
Dr Julia Drewer, from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, led the study and said: "It is important to demonstrate that replacing fossil fuel with bioenergy crops can reduce the national greenhouse gas footprint.
"Our experiment showed that the nitrous oxide emissions from elephant grass and willow were lower than for wheat and oilseed rape simply because good yields were initially achieved without the nitrogen fertilizer application required by annual arable cropping systems."
She added, "This study shows long-term measurements are required to consider the impact such crops will have on greenhouse gases. In order to provide a full assessment we are now carrying out further work, both at the Lincolnshire site and elsewhere in the UK."
The project was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

12/12 New bid to stop FIT cuts

Friends of the Earth is urging the British government to re-think its plans to slash payments for solar electricity schemes today, as the rush to install solar payments ahead of a crucial payment deadline comes to an end.
The government has halved the payments for any solar electricity scheme completed from today, which could almost double the payback period for homes, businesses and communities.
Later this week, FoE and two solar companies will ask the High Court for permission to challenge the premature cuts, which it and "Cut Don't Kill", an alliance of solar firms and consumer and environmental organisations, claim could cost up to 29,000 jobs and lose the Treasury up to £230 million a year in tax income.
FoE executive director Andy Atkins said: "These government cuts will cast a huge shadow over our thriving solar industry and pull the plug on thousands of jobs.
"We don't oppose modest payment cuts in line with falling installation costs, but the size and speed of these proposals will decimate an industry that could play a key role in weaning the nation off of expensive fossil fuels.
"Ministers must think again and give their support to an industry that could and should be at the cutting edge of a clean energy revolution."

11/12 Climate deal struck

In a major realignment of support, more than 120 countries formed a coalition behind the EU's high ambition proposal of a roadmap to a global legally binding deal to curb emissions.
African states together with the least developed countries such as Bangladesh and Gambia, and small island states vulnerable to rising sea levels, like the Maldives, joined with the EU to put forward a timetable which would see the world negotiate a new agreement by 2015 at the latest.
The talks in Durban, South Africa, have resulted in a decision to adopt the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol next year in return for a roadmap to a global legal agreement covering all parties for the first time. Negotiations will begin on the agreement early next year.
UK energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne said: "This is a significant step forward in curbing emissions to tackle global climate change. For the first time we've seen major economies, normally cautious, commit to take the action demanded by the science.
"There are still many details to be hammered out, but we now need to start negotiating the new legal agreement as soon as possible and there are still many details to be hammered out."
The conference also agreed to get the Green Climate Fund up and running to help deliver financial support to developing countries to reduce emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change.

07/12 National biogas conference

The ADBA National Conference 2011, held in London on December 14, will address the state of the AD industry and debate whether the AD industry is finally gathering momentum.
Do you want to build an AD plant? Do you want to understand where the AD industry is headed and how fast? Or would you like to raise your biggest issues directly to the Minister, the regulators or the food, waste and finance sectors? Do you have strong views on the role of standards in the AD industry?
If any of these questions apply to you, then the conference will provide you with an opportunity to find out more and to make your voice heard, by interacting directly with government and high profile experts from across the anaerobic digestion sector at AD’s biggest conference of the year. As well as debating key issues with expert panellists, this event promises a superb opportunity to network with decision makers who have purchasing approval and command large budgets.
Face-to-face contact with delegates, who will include representative from local and national government offices, water companies, food processors and manufacturers, the UK’s largest supermarkets, the finance, waste and transport industries, as well as agriculture, is a rare opportunity and should not be missed
Spaces in break-out sessions are limited so book now to make sure you can debate the topics most relevant to you. The conference will also feature a table-top exhibition and click (http://adbanationalconference2011.eventbrite.co.uk/) here to register.

05/12 Farmer still backs solar

David Tory, a dairy farmer who farms 600 acres near Blandford Forum in Dorset is investing around £135,000 in four solar PV systems on his farm at Tarrant Crawford. His investment in solar PV installations is expected to yield around £135,000 in energy savings during the next 25 years despite the changes to the Feed- in Tariff (FIT) scheme and he is expected to make a profit of around £650,000 giving an annual return on his investment of around 16%. The government announcement last month of a 50% cut to the FIT rates took many in the solar power and farming industries by surprise as to the speed and severity of the cuts. However, Mr Tory claims that despite the cuts, solar PV installations are still a worthwhile investment for farmers. In fact, with expected rising energy costs in the future it’s a bit of a “no brainer.” not to do it. As long as you install a high quality system with a reputable supplier, and I used SCCI Energy, you should enjoy a good return on your investment.” The four solar PV systems which include 250 solar panels are being installed on the roofs of farm building to supply the farm with 62,000 kwh per year.

02/12 Farmers tackling climate change

As the world tries to agree on its next steps towards managing climate change in South Africa, the NFU is working with others to ensure agriculture's contribution to tackling the problem of carbon emissions is recognised.
Running until December 9, the international climate change talks in Durban, South Africa, are expected to be the last chance for governments worldwide to agree on a second set of legally binding targets to avoid a gap in GHG emissions reduction after 2012
The UK agriculture industry's Greenhouse Gas Action Plan is one of a range of initiatives helping British farmers and growers produce more while impacting less on the environment, said the NFU today.
The plan brings together a range of voluntary actions under the same umbrella, documenting the changes that farmers are making to reduce their carbon footprint and reporting progress against the UK government's ambitions for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
NFU climate change adviser Dr Ceris Jones said: "There isn't much optimism that there will be a new resolution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Durban summit, but we are working with our international colleagues at COPA-COGECA (Brussels) and the World Farmers Organisation to ensure agriculture is seen as part of the solution to this major public problem."
Click here to access the 'Greenhouse Action Plan'.

01/12 Call for Green deal 'bonus'

The government is missing a trick if it doesn’t look at ways of incentivising homeowners to take-up the Green Deal using the Feed-In Tariff (FIT), according to aleading British renewable energy installer.
With much debate about whether the Green Deal will be enough to convince homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, Freesource Energy argues that FITs have a crucial role to play in getting people to sign up to the scheme.
Managing director Alex Lockton said: "We believe it's right that homeowners concentrate first on insulating their homes and getting the basics right before they move on to installing renewable energy. But it's going to be difficult to persuade people to take on a debt to do so, unless there is an extra incentive.
"To help achieve this, we'd like to see the government introduce a new element to the Green Deal which would give homeowners access to an additional loan to pay for solar potovoltaic installations, which would then be subsidised through FITs.
"This would only be available to people who have used the Green Deal to make energy efficiency improvements and have hit the required EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. I believe this 'bonus' loan would act as a huge incentive, encouraging people to go for the Green Deal."

30/11 RHI open for business

Businesses and communities across Britain can apply for a heat tariff payment from today, ushering in a new era of clean green heat technology.
The world’s first Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) provides payments for heat generated from renewable technologies including biomass boilers, solar thermal equipment and heat pumps installed since 15 July 2009.
Recipients will be paid up to 7.9p per kWh for biomass boilers, 8.5p per kWh for solar thermal and up to 4.5p per kWh for heat pumps.
Welcoming the news, CLA president Harry Cotterell said: "It is fantastic news for the rural economy, as the RHI will provide markets for sustainable heat, drive down carbon emissions and offer new business opportunities to land managers and farmers."
NFU chief renewable energy and climate change adviser Dr Jonathan Scurlock added: "The NFU believes that this is a bold initiative which could be of particular benefit in rural areas with a limited choice of heating fuels. We will continue to work with the government and other stakeholders to improve and refine the RHI over time."
Energy and climate change minister Greg Barker said: "The RHI will usher in a new era in clean green heat technology. It's a world first and has the potential to put the UK at the forefront of a vibrant new green technology sector."
Organisations can apply to Ofgem for support under the scheme and will receive payments on a quarterly basis for heat generated over 20 years. There will also be support for householders under the second phase of the RHI, the timing of which will be confirmed early in 2012.
For tariff levels see here.

21/11 Driving force revealed

While developed countries remain focused on slowing demand and cutting costs, an insatiable hunger for energy within the emerging markets appears to be the driving force behind renewable energy investment, according to a new report released today.
The latest quarterly global renewable energy Country Attractiveness Indices report (CAI) from Ernst and Young ranks 40 countries in order of their attractiveness for investment in renewable energy.
This quarter, the report shows the balance of power shifting away from developed countries to those that are developing, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Ben Warren, the company's global energy and environmental finance leader, explained: "Western Europe and the US markets have been hit by a storm of reduced government incentives, restricted access to capital, and increased competition from abroad.
"The UK renewable energy market has been hit by significant reductions to solar Feed-In Tariff rates. The speed of implementing the changes proposed by the government has taken the market by surprise. Investors will be very cautious before committing further capital to the UK energy sector, at a time when new sources of capital are desperately needed."
This has resulted in the UK dropping to 6th place in the All Renewables Index, taking it below Italy and just above France. Many other Western European and US markets also saw their attractiveness scores cut, except for Germany which received increased scores across the board as its government moved away from nuclear power and increased support for renewables.

15/11 Smart energy for Isle of Wight

Two major international businesses, Cable & Wireless Worldwide and Silver Spring Networks have signed an agreement to participate in the EcoIsland Partnership, the largest energy sustainability project in the UK.
The EcoIsland Partnership's objective is to make the Isle of Wight energy self-sufficient by 2020. The project will implement wind, solar, tidal and geothermal renewable energy generation technologies connected to a smart grid to deliver clean energy reliably and efficiently.
This will be the UK's first holistic, self-sustaining smart grid system and will help the community to manage energy supply and demand with greater efficiency.
The two companies will deploy ubiquitous, secure, low-cost network connectivity for the smart grid that will be leveraged across a broad set of secure, pervasive, IPv6-based smart grid and smart metering initiatives.
The EcoIsland Partnership is a community interest company, a new type of company designed to allow social enterprises to reinvest their profits and assets in the communities they serve.
David Green, founder of EcoIsland said: "Cable & Wireless Worldwide and Silver Spring will play an integral role in the creation of a sustainable energy system and we are delighted that they have become partners in this project.
"Their technology will allow us to centrally coordinate all renewable energy generation and enable the creation of a truly smart energy grid here on the Isle of Wight."

14/11 Legal challenge over FIT cuts

An environmental campaiging charity, Friends of the Earth, is taking the government to court over its plans to slash financial incentives for households and communities that install solar electricity, after ministers failed to respond to concerns it set out in a legal letter recently.
The charity wrote to climate change minister Greg Barker on November 4 warning that unless the government agreed to amend its proposals by 4pm last Friday it would commence court proceedings.
The government failed to do so, sending instead a brief holding response indicating it didn’t believe the issues raised were urgent and therefore it didn’t intend to respond within the deadline, said FoE.
The legal challenge follows the announcement of plans to impose lower Feed-In Tariff payments (cash given to households generating green electricity through solar panels) on any installations completed after December 12 this year.
FoE claims this cut-off point, two weeks before the consultation ends, is unlawful and says it has evidence that projects are already being abandoned and solar firm redundancies have either taken place, or are being urgently considered.

11/11 New funding for Scotland

Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer and the chief secretary to the Treasury today visited Nigg on the Cromarty Firth, where they announced around £100 million of additional funding for Scottish renewable energy, including marine renewables.
This announcement is additional to the existing budget and spending plans of the Scottish government. It represents a significant boost for renewable energy in Scotland and will help drive the development of this important sector.
The agreement reached between the two governments will enable the Scottish government to access and spend half of the Scottish Fossil Fuel Levy fund, which currently holds around £200 million. The remaining £100 million will be made available to support the capitalisation of the £3 billion UK-wide Green Investment Bank.
As any further funds become available in the Scottish Fossil Fuel Levy fund, they will be split equally between the two governments.
Mr Osborne, said: "The UK coalition government is committed to creating jobs across Scotland, particularly in the green energy sector."
Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: "Scotland is a world player in renewable energy and visiting Nigg today has highlighted the potential for developing this sector even further. It has huge potential for creating jobs and driving growth over the next few years."

11/11 CBI condemns FIT cuts

Addressing the CBI East Midlands annual dinner last night, John Cridland, CBI director-general, said the low-carbon sector, which has grown across the world throughout the recession, risks being derailed in the UK by unexpected changes, with the loss of thousands of jobs.
"Rather, we need to expand our share," said Mr Cridland. "But last week the government announced a dramatic cut in the solar FITs. A reduction was already on the cards from April 1, 2012, but this will now come in by mid-December before the consultation has even ended.
"This is the latest in a string of government own goals, following the Carbon Reduction Commitment becoming a pure revenue-raiser and the North Sea oil and gas tax.
"As you all know, moving the goal posts doesn't just destroy projects and jobs, it creates a mood of uncertainty that puts off investors and they wonder what's coming next.
"Some companies have invested heavily in solar photovoltaic systems, and in the supply chains needed to install them. That commitment has been undermined by the feed-in tariff decision and so industry trust and confidence in the government has evaporated. This bodes poorly for investment in future initiatives."

O7/11 Solar cuts challenged

The environmental campaigning charity Friends of the Earth announced today that is has written to UK climate change minister Greg Barker saying that unless the government agrees to amend its proposals by 4pm on Friday November 11, it will commence court proceedings.
The government has said it plans to impose lower Feed-In Tariff (FIT) payments (cash given to households generating green electricity through solar panels) on any installations completed after December 12 this year.
The charity says this cut-off point, two weeks before the consultation ends, is unlawful and will lead to unfinished or planned projects being abandoned.
Friends of the Earth's policy and campaigns director Craig Bennett said: "The Government is breaking the law with its plans to fast-track a solar industry kill-off, as well as jeopardising thousands of jobs and countless clean energy projects across the country.
"Significant time and money has been invested planning solar schemes for homes, schools and libraries. Giving them just six weeks to install is completely unacceptable, and schemes have already been scrapped.
"Ministers must amend their proposals and extend the deadline for solar tariff payments, or face a judicial review."

02/11 New aids for AD industry

The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) today published two key documents which were promised in the AD Strategy and Action Plan to support the industry. They are available on the association's website.
The Due Diligence template, developed in association with WRAP, offers a simple way for developers to check they have provided all the information which investors need to carry out due diligence on projects. Banks and VCs financing AD, their advisers and ADBA’s lawyers working group, which includes representatives from major law firms, were among those who helped ensure the document is comprehensive
The template provides developers with overarching guidance on what investors would expect to see in a business plan. It gives investors a simple way to check where the information can be found to help reduce the cost and complexity of due diligence and facilitate raising finance.
ADBA also published a list of current financial schemes available to AD projects today. Collating these into one accessible document gives developers a signpost to such schemes, and where they can find more details.
Charlotte Morton, chief executive of ADBA, said: "We are delighted to announce the publication of both ADBA’s Due Diligence template and a comprehensive list of financial schemes available to the AD industry, two of the 11 industry actions ADBA were assigned in the AD Strategy and Action Plan.
"Delivering these documents is part of the wider work ADBA is doing to develop the AD industry, both within and outside the actions agreed in the Action Plan."
Click here for the ADBA website.

01/11 Devastating blow for farmers

The government's announcement of a proposed cut in solar photovoltaic (PV) Feed-In Tariffs on Monday was not totally unexpected, says as solar PV took 97 per cent of all FITs in September, says UK renewable energy consultant Mark Newton today.
"However, it is hugely frustrating for many farmers and landowners who have invested considerable time and effort into this technology," said Mr Newton, head of renewable energy at Fisher German.
"Furthermore it is unsettling for the rest of the renewables market, which will see the FIT rates for other technologies revised at the end of 2011 for implementation from April 1, 2012, if not before."
The proposed changes to the solar PV tariff will see projects with a total installed capacity of up to 4kW drop by over a half from 43.3p/kWh down to 21p/kWh. Projects of 10-50kW will see a drop by more than 50 per cent from 32.9p/kWh to 15.2p/kWh. This significant reduction would only allow a projected return of 4.5-5%, making it unviable for many looking to install this form of renewable energy.
To benefit from the current rate farmers and landowners need to get projects installed and registered before December 12, 2011. For those looking to do new projects, they will not have time to go through the planning process or get a grid connection.
Mr Newton said: "This has effectively killed off solar PV investment potential for many farmers and landowners in the short-term as the cost of borrowing is about six per cent, so returns of 4.5-5 per cent are simply not viable.
"That said, the price of solar PV has come down by 60-70 per cent in the past two years and we expect with the abandonment of so many projects, solar PV installations could become viable again within the next 12-18 months as panel supply outstrips demand."

31/10 UK halves solar tariff

Urgent action is needed to put the solar industry on a steadier, clearer and sustainable growth path, avoid boom and bust and protect the wider Feed-in Tariff scheme (FITs), UK climate change and energy minister Greg Barker said today as he published proposed new tariffs for domestic solar electricity production.
Reduced subsidies for domestic solar electricity production have been proposed by the government as part of an effort to keep the FITs scheme budget under control and reflect the plummeting costs of the technology.
The proposals, subject to consultation (which closes on December 23) will introduce a new tariff for schemes up to 4kW in size of 21p/kWh, down from the current 43.3p/kWh.
Reduced rates are also proposed for schemes between 4kW and 250kW, to ensure those schemes receive a consistent rate of return.
Mr Barker said: "Although I fully realise that adjusting to the new lower tariffs will be a big challenge for many firms, it won't come as a surprise to many in the solar industry who've themselves acknowledged the big fall in costs and the big increase in their rate of return over the past year."
The new proposed tariffs would apply to all new solar PV installations with an eligibility date on or after December 12, 2011, he said. Such installations would receive the current tariff before moving to the lower tariffs on April 1, 2012.
Consumers who already receive FITs will see their existing payments unchanged, and those with an eligibility date on or before December 12 will receive the current rates for 25 years.
Click here to see the full consultation.

28/10 CLA welcomes plans for RHI

The CLA has today welcomed the government's plan to open applications for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) at the end of November following the recent delay to the scheme.
CLA president William Worsley said: "The CLA worked long and hard to secure the RHI, because of the huge advantages it will deliver to the countryside.
"These areas don't have high heat demands, so they don't generally need wood fuel boilers more powerful than one megawatt. There are clearly large economies of scale for the biggest installations which may use waste wood or bulk imports of cheap fuels such as olive pips."
Mr Worsley added: "It is disappointing the Department of Energy and Climate Change hasn't accepted CLA advice to support district heat schemes by helping to pay for the large costs of installing insulated heat pipes. Countries such as Denmark have rural district heat schemes that offer even better carbon savings and ease of management to their customers.
"To encourage even more benefits from the RHI, the CLA is calling on the government to raise the heat limit from biogas engines to 500kW. This would match the size of anaerobic digestion plants currently in operation and help make best use of all the energy generated."

27/10 RHI wins approval

DECC was planning to launch the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for non-domestic generators on September 30 this year. State aid approval is a necessary condition for the scheme to go ahead.
As part of that process, the European Commission expressed concerns that the large biomass tariff was set too high.
A spokesman for DECC says that the Commission has now given State Aid approval to the RHI, subject to the large biomass tariff being reduced from 2.7p per kWH to 1p per kWH. Revised regulations have now been re-laid in Parliament to reflect the required amendment to the tariff for large-scale biomass.
"We hope to open the scheme to applications by the end of November 2011, subject to Parliamentary approval," he added.

27/10 More green MWs for Scotland

Supporting Scotland's goal to produce 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, GE Energy announced today that it is supplying nine of its 2.75MW wind turbines to the Little Raith Wind Farm project that recently announced construction near Lochgelly in Fife, Scotland.
Little Raith is the first commercial wind farm to be built in Fife, which is Scotland's third largest local municipality by population. The wind farm will have an installed capacity of 24.75 megawatts of green energy, which represents an important step in reducing Fife's carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2013 as the county works to increase its production of cleaner energy.
GE Energy expects to complete the wind turbine installation by 2012 for Manchester-based Kennedy Renewables, which owns the project.
"The Little Raith wind farm will play an important part of Fife's cleaner energy strategy and we are delighted to have selected GE Energy as our turbine technology supplier," said Kennedy Renewables chief executive Stephen Klein. "GE is a global leader in the wind energy sector and we look forward to benefiting from their expertise and efficiency through the build and operational phases of the project.
"A legacy project for the company, Little Raith will stand as a testament to our commitment to the renewable energy industry in Scotland."

26/10 Huhne points to benefits

In an outspoken attack on "green economy deniers", UK energy secretary Chris Huhne will today put the spotlight on the economic benefits to Britain of investing in green energy.
He will point to more than 100 announcements in this financial year alone that add up to almost £1.7billion in renewable energy investment and over 9,000 jobs in regions the length and breadth of the UK.
Speaking at the annual conference of the renewables industry body Renewable UK today, Mr Huhne was expected attack "an unholy alliance of short-termists, armchair engineers, climate sceptics and vested interests who are selling the UK economy short" and claim that renewable energy technologies would deliver a third industrial revolution.
He is expected to take aim at the "curmudgeons and faultfinders who hold forth on the impossibility of renewables," as well as "the climate sceptics and armchair engineers who are selling Britain's ingenuity short".
Mr Huhne was also expected to reassure investors that the government had resolved to have the largest market in Europe for offshore wind.

24/10 Week to focus on energy bills

The focus for this year's Energy Saving Week, which has been organised by the Energy Saving Trust, is on helping consumers take back control of spiralling energy bills at home.
And a key part of the week, which started today and runs until October 28, will focus on showing home-owners how renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, small-scale wind turbines and air-source heat pumps can dramatically cut the typical household energy bill.
"It makes complete sense for a week like this week to focus on helping consumers reduce their energy bills," said David Hunt, a director of Eco Environments. "We know from our discussions with customers that the spiralling cost of their bills is one of their biggest financial concerns. With leading analysts such as Deutsche Bank predicting that gas and electricity bills could rise by as much as 50% over the next four years, more and more people are keen to explore new options to help them combat this seemingly irreversible upwards trend"
He said it cost between £ 6,000 and £ 12,000 for a typical solar PV installation and claimed an average domestic installation would produce an income/saving of between £ 900 and £ 1,600 a year, index-linked and tax free and guaranteed for 25 years, with the government's Feed-In Tariffs (FITs), introduced in April 2010, which paid for for all the energy generated.

20/10 NFU sounds alert on FITs

Progress could now be made on some on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) projects following an announcement by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on the promised uplift to small-scale biogas tariffs, which resulted from the 2011 'fast-track' Feed-In Tariffs review, says the NFU. These should have been implemented on August 1, however the increase was made conditional on EU state aid approval and progress was held up for two months by the European Commission, which has now rubber-stamped the new tariffs.
The changes to the generation tariffs take effect automatically, and will apply to AD installations with an eligibility date from September 30, 2011 (the date of the Commission's decision), with AD plants up to 250 kilowatts getting 14p/kWh and plants of 250-500 kilowatts - 13p/kWh This represents a 16% increase and a 7% increase, respectively, over the previous 2011-2012 tariff of 12.1p/kWh. NFU chief adviser on renewable energy Dr Jonathan Scurlock said: "We hope that some previously marginal on-farm AD projects will now progress, although these tariffs alone are unlikely to result in the rapid growth in farm-based AD that we need to deliver multiple environmental benefits."
Dr Scurlock also warned about future levels of the Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) for solar photovoltaic systems , saying "with the uptake of solar electricity this year vastly exceeding previous government predictions, pressure to manage the FITs budget could result in drastic reductions to tariff rates earlier than expected, this time hitting the small-to-medium scale (under 50 kilowatts)"

12/10 RHI - Tell us what's happening

It is vital for the UK government to restore confidence to the renewables industry in the wake of the surprise suspension of the £860m Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, says one of Britain's leading supplies of plumbing and heating equipment.
The first phase of RHI, which will provide subsidies to the non-domestic market, was put on hold on September 30 because of European Commission concerns that the large biomass tariff of 2.7p per kilowatt hour had been set too high.
Simon Allan, Plumb Center's director of renewables, said today: "The industry needs a public statement from government making it clear that RHI will go ahead very soon. We hope everything is ironed out by November.
"The effect on confidence within the market is critical. Installers are investing a lot of time and money getting the correct MCS accreditation, so they have to be sure the prize isn't going to be whisked away at the last moment and companies manufacturing these products need to be sure the market isn't going to disappear."

10/10 Call for decisive global deal

British businesses are committed to tackling climate change, but their ambition is being thwarted by the failure of politicians at home and abroad to provide certainty for investors, according to CBI deputy director-general Dr Neil Bentley.
Speaking at the CBI's first international Green Business Dinner in London tonight (Monday), Dr Bentley said the commitment of businesses to the low-carbon economy had not wavered in the face of global economic challenges. But firms could not afford to invest without greater certainty about domestic policies, such as Electricity Market Reform and the Green Deal, as well as a globally binding emissions deal.
Highlighting the UK government's often inconsistent approach to climate change policy, he said: "In the UK, we acted early and boldly. The government signed up to the EU-wide climate change framework, including an emissions trading scheme and a renewables target. At home, it introduced a Climate Change Act, setting out binding carbon reduction targets.
"Now we find an emissions trading scheme that isn't delivering the carbon price we need to encourage investment in green technologies, while the renewables target has skewed the economics of our energy market.
"Meanwhile exciting plans for a Green Deal to encourage energy efficiency in our housing stock, which could be a huge boost for the construction sector, could falter because of lack of demand from cash-strapped householders and understandable reluctance from financiers to take the risk of underwriting the scheme.
"So today, despite our green ambitions, economic and political realities bite. We find ourselves not ahead of the pack, but out on a limb. We've got no international deal, no global carbon price, no meaningful EU price and the UK is tying itself in costly green policy knots."
He added: "Investors can't stake their trust and their money on vague promises of future action. The United Nations must secure a global, binding and comprehensive climate change deal. Otherwise business and nations will lose faith."

07/10 New tool to check GHG emissions

The UK Biomass and Biogas Carbon Calculator has been developed for calculating the GHG savings from solid biomass and biogas used to generate heat and electricity, and covers every step from feedstock production through to energy generation.
This will enable bioenergy generators and other interested stakeholders to analyse the life cycle emissions from bio-energy using different feedstocks, production processes and transport methods.
Lucy Hopwood, head of biomass and biogas at the NNFCC, who helped develop the tool, said: "This new tool will help bio-energy generators to report their emissions consistently and fairly to Ofgem, as required by the Renewables Obligation."
She explained: "The tool is fully compatible with the Renewable Energy Directive methodology for calculating GHG emissions, taking account of the recommendations set out by the European Commission in its report on sustainability requirements for solid and gaseous biomass."
Reporting GHG emissions to Ofgem becomes mandatory for all bio-energy generators above 1MW from April 2012, but with no financial implications. Then from April 2013 generators above 1MW must achieve GHG savings of more than 60 per cent (compared with fossil equivalents) if they are to receive financial support for the renewable energy they generate.
You can download the UK Biomass and Biogas Carbon Calculator from the Ofgem website by clicking here.

06/10 'Virtual' power project in line for prize

Mole Valley Farmers has been shortlisted for Best Business Innovation in the prestigious 2011 South West England Green Energy Awards for its ambitious renewable energy scheme, the Farmers Power Station.
Set up in October 2010, the virtual power station consists of many individual, renewable energy generators. Working on a similar co-operative model as Mole Valley Farmers, it ensures the best possible unit price for energy export by combining members and shareholder power production.
Director of Mole Valley Renewables, Steve Edmunds said: "We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Business Innovation Award and are proud that our work has been recognised in this way.
"The Farmers Power Station has engaged a large number of people and deployed a huge number of renewable energy projects in a very short space of time and will continue to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy."
It has already deployed 98 projects generating 1.5MW, with a further 3MW in orders and 14MW in assessment.
The winners of the 2011 South West Green Energy Awards will be decided by a panel of independent judges, including experts in sustainability, business innovation, community projects and local authorities and will be presented at a gala dinner on November 9 at the Assembly Rooms in Bath.

03/10 Tories 'fail to deliver'

Responding to the environment and climate change session at the Conservative Party conference on Sunday (October2), the Friends of the Earth's policy and campaigns director Craig Bennett today called for more action to deliver a safe, clean energy future.
Mr Bennett said: "Despite all the rhetoric about championing the environment the reality is that Conservative policies fall far short of delivering David Cameron's pledge to lead the greenest government ever.
"Funding cuts for community green energy projects, a planning free-for-all in our countryside and encouraging councils to abandon successful recycling initiatives are just three examples in a long list of policy failures.
"Our fossil fuel dependency is having a devastating impact on our economy and household fuel bills - Ministers must fast track us towards a clean, safe energy future."

30/09 RHI launch is delayed

Today's launch of the UK's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for non-domestic generators has been delayed following concerns expressed by the European Commission over some of the tariffs.
A Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) spokesperson said: "As you will be aware, DECC was planning to launch the RHI for non-domestic generators on September 30, 2011. State Aid approval is a necessary condition for the scheme to go ahead.
"As part of that process, the European Commission (EC) has expressed concerns that the large biomass tariff is set too high. We understand that the Commission has given state aid approval for the RHI, subject to a reduction in the large biomass tariff and we expect to receive written confirmation of this very soon.
"Changing the large biomass tariff will require the RHI regulations to be amended and submitted to Parliament for approval. We are unable to launch the scheme as a whole until this process has been completed.
"Once we have received written confirmation from the commission, we will make a further announcement about what this means for the large biomass tariff and the timing of the launch. We are committed to launching the scheme as soon as possible to minimise disruption to stakeholders."
Saying the CLA was disappointed to be presented with a last-minute delay, its president William Worsley explained: "Many CLA members have been gearing up to launch projects on September 30, while others have already taken the plunge and will face cash flow problems as a direct result of the commission's intervention.
Paul Thompson, the Renewable Energy Association's head of policy, said: "This last minute announcement is desperately disappointing. As heat demand is seasonal, delaying until the end of November, for example, will mean many customers will either put off a decision until next winter or buy a new fossil fuel boiler now, locking them in to higher carbon heat for years to come.
"This adds to low confidence levels in the renewables industry as a whole, added to uncertainty around the feed-In Tariffs, the Renewables Obligation and the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation."

29/09 Biodiesel gets the nod for heating

A new report on bioliquids commissioned by the UK Government and written by the National Centre for Biorenewable Energy, Fuels and Materials (also known as the NNFCC) suggests biodiesel could play an important role in reducing our reliance on the fossil-based oils that currently heat more than a million homes in the UK.
Using renewable alternatives to fossil-based heating oils has the potential to reduce fuel bills and our greenhouse gas emissions. However, replacing or converting our current system to one based on renewables could be costly.
The NNFCC was commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to gather evidence on the most suitable bioliquid heat-only technologies, and the costs, to support research for phase two of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
The study considered bioliquids such as vegetable oil, biodiesel and used cooking oil.
"Due to the physical properties of bioliquids they cannot be simply dropped-in to conventional boilers; instead we can either convert existing boilers to use bioliquids or build completely new dedicated bioliquid heat plants," said biomass research officer at the NNFCC and author of the report, Fiona McDermott.
"We found the biggest market opportunity for bioliquids was with existing domestic oil users, primarily those off the gas-grid, with a smaller secondary market potential in industrial heat plants."
The NNFCC believes that biodiesel will be the preferred bioliquid fuel in the near-term, because it is of higher and more consistent quality than vegetable oils or used cooking oil.

For full details, click here.

27/09/ Making grid connections easier

The CLA, Ofgem and Distribution Network Owners have pledged to work together to help make power grid connections easier for small-scale renewable projects.
The Association's renewables expert Oliver Harwood will address the Distributed Generation forum tomorrow (September 28) to explain how the CLA is working with the regulator to provide solutions to delivering better customer service.
Oliver Harwood said: "There is a wide range of problems faced by people who try to make small-scale connections to the local grid.
"CLA members have evidence of Distribution Network Owners (DNOs) who have overcharged, demanded the generator pays for rewiring the whole district or have provided false information in an attempt to delay applications for connections.
"To make the system work, DNOs must make a commitment to customer service by providing clearer and more detailed information on charging and new technology for small-scale generators."
Mr Harwood said Ofgem must also play its part by providing better competition for connections, so any qualified electrician couldcomplete the work, and giving bigger rewards to DNOs for speedy connections and good customer service.
Ofgem's Distributed Generation forum is an event split across three UK cities (London, Glasgow and Cardiff) to bring together stakeholders involved in renewable electricity generation connected to a distribution network rather than the transmission network.
Ofgem was working to ensure that the development of distributed generation was not unfairly treated by the way networks were operated and regulated, said a spokesman.
For further information, click here.

27/09 AD plant safety training

With the number of AD plants growing rapidly in the UK, the waste industry and the agricultural sector are having to acquire skills and information on a whole range of areas, and in which their work force have little experience.
So, the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) has organised a special one-day AD plant safety conference to enable AD project managers to develop robust systems and skills to keep their workforce safe, which will should also help improve operating systems and strengthen the fledgling industry in the eyes of investors.
"It is the duty of all project and plant managers to ensure that their workforce is safe and a well-managed and safely run plant is also likely to be a more efficient and cost-effective plant," said an NNFCC spokesman.
"This conference will cover staff training and operational efficiency and provide critical information for health, safety and plant management."
It will be held at the Harper Adams University College in Shropshire on October 12 from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The chairman for the day is Les Gornall, a renowned industry expert in AD and specifically in the safety issues around plants. Speakers will include Stephen Wise, technical director of Shanks, and Howard Leberman. of the Environment Agency.
The day will also include a site visit to the fully operational Harper Adams AD plant.
For more information and to register, click here.

23/09 New insights into solar energy

Solar power could be harvested more efficiently and transported over long distances using tiny molecular circuits, according to research inspired by new insights into natural photosynthesis.
Incorporating the latest research into how plants, algae and some bacteria use quantum mechanics to optimise energy production via photosynthesis, scientists have set out how to design molecular "circuitry" that is 10 times smaller than the thinnest electrical wire in computer processors.
Published in "Nature Chemistry", the report discusses how tiny molecular energy grids could capture, direct, regulate and amplify raw solar energy.
Professor Gregory Scholes, lead author from the University of Toronto said: "Solar fuel production often starts with the energy from light being absorbed by an assembly of molecules. The energy is stored fleetingly as vibrating electrons and then transferred to a suitable reactor.
"It is the same in biological systems. In photosynthesis, for example, antenna complexes comprised of chlorophyll capture sunlight and direct the energy to special proteins that help make oxygen and sugars. It is like plugging those proteins (called reaction centres) into a solar power socket."
He added that The key to transferring and storing energy very quickly was to harness the collective quantum properties of antennae.

22/09 Insurance plans revealed

One of the UK's innovative young green insurance providers, Naturesave, has announced that it is planning to launch a new insurance policy, to cover small-scale renewable energy installations, such as solar PV, wind and hydro turbines, up to 750kW in October.
Claimed to be only cover of its kind in the UK, the new small-scale business renewable energy scheme is being set up to ensure that organisations and businesses that have installed green energy systems, have access to realistic and affordable cover for the equipment and guaranteed protection for the revenues they earn in the event of mechanical breakdown or material damage, as well as public liability.
The policy will cover renewable energy systems against material damage (lightning, storm, theft, impact, vandalism and so forth), machinery breakdown (over and above that covered by any existing warranty), loss of revenue (caused by material damage or machinery breakdown) and public liability insurance (third party property damage and bodily injury).
The company's managing director Matthew Criddle, who founded the company in the 1990s, said: "This new product is a natural addition next step to augment our commercial insurance policies with renewable energy insurance policy for stand-alone systems up to 750kW.
"We are pleased to be able to include this additional cover and understand that it is the only product of its kind in the UK."

20/9 Solar planning is made easier

One of the world's leading solar system manufacturers today launched a special new online planning tool for solar installers in the UK to coincide with the start of Green Building Week.
The online "Conergizer" systems planning tool that has been developed by Conergy helps users work out the best solar solution for any roof, whether it is aesthetically, financially, or in terms of kilowatt power generation potential.
The move is expected to enable the viability of many solar projects in the UK that were previously discounted, because buildings were not south-facing or roofs had chimneys or other obstructions, and to increase awareness of best practice solar installations.
The free software allows users to enter building data such as location, dimensions, roof type and obstacles (such as windows, chimneys etc.) to create an attractive 3D graphical model.
A simulation of sunlight over the course of the year highlights areas of shading so solar panels can be positioned accordingly.
"Solar can be a great investment if you put the right panels in the right places," said Robert Goss, the company's UK managing director. "The Conergizer will help people work out just how much they can make from their rooftops, whether they're in Aberdeen or the Scilly Isles."
Climatic conditions for the whole of Great Britain have been mapped, including maximum wind and snow loads, supporting decisions on what type of frames are best employed.
The system takes into account the building's orientation and tilt of the panels in relation to the sun, as well as obstacles such as chimneys and dormer windows and local sunlight data, to accurately forecast power generation for the year.
"Solar has massive potential in the UK and this tool can help deliver that," claimed Mr Goss.
Training days for installers are planned until the end of the year.
For more details, click here.

16/09 Holyhead biomass plant approved

Consent has today been granted to Anglesey Aluminium Metal Renewables to construct a biomass-fuelled power station at Penrhos Works, Holyhead, Anglesey.
The plant will generate 299 MW of electricity, enough to power approximately 300,000 homes, which is equivalent to around a quarter of the homes in Wales.
It will employ up to 600 people during construction, with around 100 full-time personnel when operational.
The operator is expected to source fuel from both imported and local sources, with imports coming in through the Port of Holyhead.
Commenting on the new plant, energy minister Charles Hendry said: "Biomass power stations such as this one in Anglesey will provide us a reliable, secure, flexible and renewable source of power. I am especially pleased that the plant offers the prospect of so many high-quality jobs in Anglesey."
He added: "We want a balanced energy portfolio and we want biomass to play a key role in this."

16/09 Start planning for green future now

Homeowners must build energy efficiency into a long-term plan and make use of the government's proposed Green Deal, advises land agency firm Strutt & Parker.
The Energy Bill, of which the Green Deal is a part, finished its passage through the Commons this week and it is now more important than ever for landlords to plan for the future, the agency said.
The bill, in which the government is working to improve the provision of energy efficiency measures to homes and businesses, enable low-carbon energy supplies and secure fair competition in the energy markets, will now return to the Lords for final scrutiny in October.
Home owners and landlords acting in the next year can take advantage of government schemes such as the proposed Green Deal, the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which will help mitigate rising fuel prices and looming punitive taxation.
Steven Fieldsend, a land agent in Strutt & Parker's Northallerton office, said: "Recent surveys have proved many people do not realise that the Green Deal relates to home energy efficiency. However, now is the time to start thinking about it and how best to make use of the Green Deal.
"From next year, consumers will be able to access up to £10,000 upfront to pay for energy efficiency work and repay the costs through savings on energy bills and we urge landlords and owner occupiers alike to take advantage."
Mr Fieldsend added: "The government has introduced the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes, with the aim of stimulating investment in renewable technologies and has launched the Green Deal to provide loans to property owners for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation.
"However, if these are the carrots there will doubtless be some punishing sticks to come through taxation and legislation and it is important to act now. Embracing energy efficiency improvements and renewable technologies through a well thought-out, long-term plan and phased programme of investment is key."

12/09 £2m boost for renewable energy

A Buckinghamshire-based renewable energy company, Ardenham Energy, has announced ambitious plans to expand following a £2 million investment in the business by Bridges Ventures.
The company has expanded its head office in Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire, after outgrowing the new offices they moved into only a year ago. It has also opened a new office in Guildford in Surrey, the first of a number of planned regional offices across the country that are being made possible by the investment from Bridges Ventures.
Focusing on solar photovoltaics (PV), in particular, the company has installed more than 2MW of capacity, covering nearly 1,000 individual technology installations since it was established in 2007.
It also has a heat pump division, along with extensive experience in wind turbines and solar thermal systems.
Director Harry Shepherd-Cross said: "This is a landmark moment for Ardenham Energy. Our ability to secure substantial financial backing from such respected finance providers at a time when capital is so constrained is testament to the strength of our business model. With the backing of Bridges Ventures, Ardenham Energy can now expand its provision and installations of renewable energy projects beyond the South East to a much wider market."
Bridges Ventures investment director Tom Fourcade, added: "The move towards a low carbon economy will see an increasing need for organisations (such as Ardenham Energy) that can help individuals and businesses produce renewable energy.
"This company has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver, achieving a position of trust within this fast-growing sector."

09/09 Is solar PV right for you?

A UK renewable energy business has just unveiled a new solar PV online application to help property owners decide whether they should invest in solar PV panels on their roof, or not.
Hestia's SolarProspector is a technologically advanced tool for assessing the viability of installing solar PV on a roof - allowing both homeowners and professionals to visualise their installation and to assess the financial viability of installing solar panels on a roof.
A company spokesman claimed the online tool was easy to use and incorporated features that significantly enhanced accuracy.
"Single property owners can use the tool to visualise how the solar panels will look on their roof. Aerial imagery and address information identify a specific property; accurately scaled individual solar panels can then be overlaid onto the roof and arranged to fit, avoiding obstructions (such as chimneys); a full report detailing system size, electricity generation, earnings from the Feed In Tariff and savings on fuel costs can then be produced," he said.
It uses an embedded Google Map to allow users to identify their properties and visualise how many solar panels can be installed on their roof. Unlike other online tools based on the Google Maps API, SolarProspector uses complex trigonometry to solve the angle at which an aerial image was taken.
SolarProspector is available for free online for single use and on a con ract basis.
Click here for more information.

 

08/09 £12m probe into algae

A number of leading European organisations, including the UK's National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) are about to embark on a four and a half year project called Energetic Algae (EnAlgae), to address the current lack of information on macro- and microalgal productivity in Europe.
The project will establish a series of pilot-scale seaweed farms and microalgae growth facilities in the region to provide the crucial information needed to assess the productivity of algae production and better understand the economics and greenhouse gas balances of making fuel, energy and other products from algae in north west Europe.
It also aims to develop a computer-based tool to inform decision makers about how and where algae could be grown in the region.
"Algae offer significant potential for the sustainable production of energy and fuels. Much of the focus so far has been on the production of algae in more favourable climates, such as the US, but there is a distinct lack of information about how algae grow at scale in more challenging climates," said algae lead at the NNFCC, Dr Claire Smith.
"This project will allow us to look seriously at the potential of algae for the UK and the NNFCC is delighted to offer our expertise in developing markets for sustainable algal bioenergy production."
Project manager Dr Robin Shields, who is also director of the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research at Swansea University, said "Algal bioenergy has been identified as a strategic priority by the INTERREG IVB NWE programme. The EnAlgae expert partnership has been formed to develop and implement technologies tailored to the unique socio-economic and environmental conditions of North West Europe."
The initiative is co-funded to the tune of 12.3 million under the European Regional Development Fund by the North West Europe INTERREG IVB North West Europe programme and the Welsh government's targeted match fund, together with a range of co-sponsors.
Click here for more information.

07/09 Dairy farmers turn to wind and sun

More than one in three (37 per cent) dairy farmers in England and Wales are planning to invest in renewable energy projects, with the majority planning to go ahead within the next 12 months, according to new research from Barclays bank.
Speaking at the Dairy Event & Livestock Show at the NEC in Birmingham yesterday, the bank's national agricultural specialist, Euryn Jones, said the dominant form of energy generation being planned on farms was wind (59 per cent) and solar (55 per cent).
The survey follows the bank's recent announcement that it had set up a £100 million fund to support renewable energy investment.
Of those farmers who were not planning to invest in renewable energy, 41 per cent said it was too expensive, while 19 per cent said they perceived difficulties in raising funds and 10 per cent had difficulties with planning consent.
About 18 per cent cited a lack of understanding of the sector, while 16 per cent said the projects were too complicated.
Mr Jones said: "It is very encouraging that a good proportion of dairy farmers in England and Wales are planning to take up opportunities to develop their businesses through the production of renewable energy."
However, he urged farmers to undertake careful research into the technology they were considering and to take advice from reputable and experienced sources before going ahead.
Mr Jones added: "While renewable energy production will not be an option, or indeed a priority for investment on all dairy farms, I would encourage all farmers to consider whether such an investment could prove beneficial to their business."

04/09 10 new solar farms for Italy

Padua, Italy - With each passing day, Italy is getting closer to 10 GW threshold of installed photovoltaic power connected to the national grid, with 10 new solar farms set up with the past two months to provide a total of 10 MW.
Built by Espe Sunparc, which was recently created by joining the know-how of the two highly experienced technical teams of Espe Srl and Silfab Spa in five different Italian regions (Veneto, Marche, Molise, Lazio and Apulia), all 10 solar farms are already generating electricity. A record time of only 20 days was set in Veneto from the opening of the construction site and the connection of the latest 1MW plant to the grid. This solar farm, together with another built near Viterbo, includes Espe Sunparc's mono-axial solar trackers SSK15, which guarantee a 20% enhanced performance.
With the performance of more than 40,000 photovoltaic crystalline silicon modules, the 10 solar farms allow for an estimated annual energy production of 14 million kWh which corresponds to a reduction of 7,200 tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and is equal to the annual energy needs of approximately 4,000 average households.
The assessed Performance Ratio (portion of generated current which can actually be delivered to the grid, taking into account energy losses and self-consumption by the solar farm itself) was found to be well over the market standard of 80%.

23/08 Free seminar on AD for farmers

Reaseheath Agricultural College at Nantwich is hosting a seminar on the potential for on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to produce energy and profit for farmers on August 31.
Guest speakers will share their views on how AD can play a major role in helping to secure the long-term financial future of farming.
They include farmer Colin Rank, Duncan Pullar of DairyCo, Dr Chris Wood from the government-funded Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), as well as Russell Mulliner from Marches Biogas and Chris Dakin, of Gas Data.
The event, which starts at 10.30am, will include a guided tour of Reaseheath’s new demonstration AD plant, which the college has built and is operating to provide farmers with practical data about on-farm AD.
Entrance and lunch are free; however, pre-registration is required. To register, call 01270 613 195, or click here.

18/08 Green light for AD trials

New waste trials at the Anaerobic Digestion Development Centre (ADDC) in Teesside to test new technologies and processes including reducing the size and cost of facilities, increasing the yield of biogas and digestate, as well as enhancing digestate quality as a fertiliser, were given the go-ahead by the Environment Agency today.
The research will also look at improving effluent water quality, developing purification and monitoring processes for the injection of biogas into the gas grid and supporting the development of novel AD technologies.
Engineering and environmental consultancy Wardell Armstrong helped to secure permission to proceed with the pioneering waste trials at the ADDC, without the need for a full environment permit.
While small-scale trial projects have suffered in the past from the expensive application fees and regulatory demands needed for full environmental permits, a recent position statement from the Environment Agency on regulating trials of waste management operations now allows them to proceed for an agreed period without an environmental permit, as long as they meet a strict set of criteria.
The consultancy prepared detailed management plans and programmes to prove the innovative nature and benefits of the waste trials that will be undertaken at the site, as well as the strict controls in place to prevent harm to human health and protect the environment.
The work paid off, with a regulatory position statement issued by the Environment Agency allowing the ADDC to proceed with its critical research for the first 12 months of operation without costly application fees and the risk of delays.

10/08 Double boost for biomass

UK energy minister Charles Hendry today gave the go-ahead for two new biomass stations in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, which together will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of over a million homes.
The minister has given formal consent to Drax Biomass (Selby) Limited for a 299MW biomass-fuelled power station in Selby, North Yorkshire, and Drax Biomass (Immingham) Limited for a 299MW biomass-fuelled power station at South Killingholme near Immingham.
Mr Hendry said: "It is vital that we get investment in new power stations up and down the country to ensure secure energy supplies for people's homes and businesses.
"I am very pleased to give the go-ahead for these two new biomass power stations in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. They will not only enhance our security of supply, but provide low-carbon electricity that reduces our carbon dioxide emissions."
The Ouse Renewable Energy Plant at Selby and the Heron Renewable Energy Plant at Immingham will each produce enough electricity to power more than 500,000 homes.
During construction, both developments will employ an average of around 600 people on site and have total workforces of around 150 when operational.

08/08 Town set to go solar

"There is no reason that rooftops across the whole of Britain could not be used as batteries to power all our towns and cities with renewable energy," says Lee Summers, director of EOS Energy, the Southam-based company that is out to install photovoltaic (PV) panels on every appropriate building in the town and surrounds.
The company recently secured £20-million funding to enable it to provide PV installations without charge, and to let the householder or commercial premises owner enjoy free electricity (thanks to the government's Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme).
"With the whole town wired up to solar power, the residents are set to collectively save around £30-million a year on electricity bills," claims Mr Summers.
Some customers have opted to pay for their solar installations, so that they can benefit from selling electricity to the grid as part of the FIT scheme.
One of the first customers was deputy mayor, Dave Wise, who had a total of 2.59kWp capacity installed on his roof, which he expects to save him £200 per year on electricity bills and generate around £800 per year in income.
Mr Summers says there are around 21,000 homes and commercial buildings in Southam and its dormitory villages, which could generate a massive amount of solar power, although not all the rooftops are suitable for PV installations.

04/08 New farmer support for biogas

Gwyn Jones, vice-president of the National Farmers Union (NFU), has been named as the latest member of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) board. The NFU and ADBA both strongly support the principle of farmers adopting anaerobic digestion (AD) to use slurries, wastes and crops to generate renewable energy and biofertiliser and the appointment of Mr Jones to the ADBA board cements this link. Mr Jones, who was born into a farming family in North Wales and trained as an engineer before returning to agriculture, is currently a dairy farmer, farming in partnership in West Sussex milking 300 cows on heavy weald clay, where he has diversified into green energy with a 1MW AD plant.
Speaking after his appointment today, Mr Jones said: "As a practical commercial farmer, I hope that my experience in the industry at various levels, together with the steep learning curve of building and running one of the first on-farm AD plants in the country, will enable me to bring a combination of practicality and farm business to the ADBA Board.
"I do feel that in this exciting new area of opportunity for farmers, we need to work together in bringing government focus to the right areas, and urgently tackling the areas where more needs to be done, such as health and safety." Welcoming Mr Jones' appointment, ADBA chairman Lord Redesdale said: "I hope this will mean that ADBA and the NFU will now work more closely together to help the AD industry.
"His wide knowledge and experience of farming will be a huge asset in ADBA's support across all sectors of the industry, and work to address remaining barriers to plant development."

03/08 Special offfer advice on biomass heating

With the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) due to be introduced in September, a biomass business, a national property consultancy and an accountancy practice have teamed up to provide specialist biomass advice and solutions to rural estates, landowners and farms.
The initiative, launched by Rural Energy, Carter Jonas and Saffery Champness provides a "one-stop-shop" approach, spanning site surveys, planning, technical and operational advice and, where appropriate to the client, referral for taxation expertise.
Through the partnership, Rural Energy will provide a turnkey service from planning and design, to supply of the boiler, installation of fuel handling and feed systems and construction of boiler house and fuel store as required. The company will also provide advice and support on a wood fuel supply.
Rural Energy's Paul Clark said: "A survey by YouGen has found that 85% of homeowners would consider a renewable heat alternative if their boilers broke down. Within the commercial sector, where we are focusing our offer, we believe that demand is similarly high. Biomass, in particular, has captured the imagination of the agriculture and farming sectors.
"There is ample scope for farmers and growers to take advantage of the RHI and through this partnership with Carter Jonas and Saffery Champness we are providing a one-stop shop for heating."
Iain Nott of Carter Jonas said: "Identifying and securing the full benefit offered by RHI requires comprehensive advice from across the business spectrum and this is why we have teamed up with Saffery Champness and Rural Energy."
Click here for further information.

01/08 SA launches renewables plan

South Africa launched its official programme for renewable energy, with plans to procure up to 3,825MW of renewable capacity for projects by 2016 last night, with the issue of a formal invitation for proposals for projects by the Department of Energy (DoE).
The country's renewables programme started to take shape in 2009, when the energy regulator, NERSA, published plans for a feed-in tariff programme (REFIT) and proposed tariffs for various renewable technologies, including wind, PV, and CSP.
The published tariffs led to huge investor interest from developers and sponsors in South Africa and around the world. Amounts estimated as well in excess of R500 million (£50 million) have been spent by investors in preparing for the launch of the programme.
Earlier this year, the 20-year plan for generation, known as IRP 2010, was officially promulgated. This calls for 42% of new generation capacity to come from renewables. South Africa is currently suffering a power crisis with an estimated need for some 50,000 MW of new generation capacity by 2030.

21/07 Grants for renewable heating

The government's new £15 million "Renewable Heat Premium Payment" scheme, which will open for applications from August 1 this year to March next year, will support up to 25,000 installations.
The scheme will be mainly focused on the households that are not heated by mains gas and have to rely on higher carbon forms of heating which also tend to be more expensive than gas, such as heating oil and electric fires to keep warm.
Participants will be asked to provide detailed feedback on their experience through a set of surveys. This will allow government to gather information to better understand renewable heat technologies.
Climate change minister Greg Barker said: "Today starts a new era in home heating because we're making it more economical for people to go green by providing discounts off the cost of eco heaters. This should be great news for people who are reliant on expensive oil or electric heating as the Premium Payment scheme is really aimed at them."
The scheme will be run by the Energy Saving Trust and an information line and people can obtain full details by calling 0800 512 012, or clicking here.

13/07 Orkney to get new wave power

The UK's leadership in the development of wave-generated power continued apace today as wave energy developer Aquamarine Power invited Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond MSP to unveil the Oyster 800, the company's next-generation hydro-electric wave energy converter.
At a ceremony at Burntisland Fabrications yard at Methil, Fife, the First Minister welcomed the advancements in wave energy conversion being made by the company and unveiled the 800kW device.
It will now be transported by sea from the Firth of Forth to the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney for installation later this summer.
The project has been supported through grant funding awarded by Scottish Enterprise and the Carbon Trust Marine Renewables Proving Fund.
Aquamarine Power installed and grid-connected its first full-scale 315kW Oyster at EMEC in 2009.
The Oyster 800 operates in the same way as Oyster 1, but the company has used data and lessons learned from the first device to improve its power output, simplify installation and allow easier routine maintenance.
The shape has been modified and made wider to enable it to capture more wave energy. It is now mounted on two seabed piles, rather than four to simplify installation.
Martin McAdam, chief executive officer of Aquamarine Power, said: "A farm of just 20 Oyster 800 devices would generate sufficient power for up to 15,000 homes. There are often waves when there is no wind and marine energy offers an essential part of Scotland's future low carbon energy mix."

07/07 Biogas to fuel Olympic deliveries

Coco Cola is planning to invest in 14 biomethane delivery vehicles costing more than one million pounds to provide green transport to supply goods to the London Olympics in 2012.
Speaking at the UK AD and Biogas 2011 show at the NEC in Birmingham this week, the company's logistics director Wendy Manning explained this was part of the company's efforts to be as green as possible and once the games were over the vehicles would be deployed to supply distributors within the M25.
"We are using gas from a Surrey landfill site via a special outlet we have installed at Enfield and we hope that we will eventually be able to provide a similar service to other regions within the UK as more gas filling stations become available," she told delegates at the show conference.
"As a company, we are committed to combatting climate change and to reducing our carbon footprint by 15%, compared with 2007, by 2020, via changes in cooling equipment and manufacturing, as well as through transportation using biomethane, instead of diesel."
Congratulating the drinks business on its bold move, the chairman of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA), Lord Redesdale, said he hoped this move would act as a trigger to spur other comnpanies to follow suit in the near future.

01/07 Food waste to power dairy

A Devonshire dairy saw the launch of its multi-million pound anaerobic digestion (AD) facility that will turn food waste from around the county into the energy required to produce its clotted cream, ice cream and yoghurt today.
The facility at Langage Farm, Plymouth, which received funding from the Anaerobic Digestion Demonstration Programme, was opened by Defra minister Lord Henley, who said: "This is an excellent working example of how a localised closed-loop economy can be created.
"Food waste that otherwise would have gone to landfill will instead be used to produce the energy that will power much of the production process here on the farm, helping to produce award-winning clotted cream, ice cream and yoghurt."
By the end of its first year of operation, the AD facility will process 12,000 tonnes of food waste collected from households across the county by local authorities. It will also process on-farm dairy wastes, converting these fuels into renewable heat and electricity.
The renewable energy will not only power the dairy products production, but also export surplus energy to the National Grid and it is expected to produce 20,000 MW of energy saving within the first five years.
A spokesperson for Langage Farm said: "We are proud to be a part of the solution to local waste problems and hope to see an increase in the uptake of this technology in the future, it really makes sense to use waste as a resource in this way."
Marcus Gover, director of organics and energy from waste at WRAP, said: "AD is a growing part of the resource efficiency solution, capable of diverting biodegradable waste from landfill, creating renewable energy, stimulating the green economy and improving the sustainability of commercial agriculture. We really see it as a huge opportunity for the UK."

30/06 Scotland looks to the future

An action plan to drive forward Scotland's renewables revolution, and to meet the government's world-leading green energy targets, was launched today by energy minister Fergus Ewing
The Renewables Routemap outlines the necessary steps needed to capitalise on the enormous economic potential of Scotland's green energy capacity and to meet ambitious targets, including supplying 100 per cent of electricity demand equivalent from renewables by 2020.
The plan sets new targets to meet 30 per cent of overall energy demand from renewables by 2020, and to deliver 500 MW of community and locally owned renewable energy by 2020. It also outlines a commitment to develop strategies for micro-generation and agri-renewables, and pledges to work with investors to create a Green Equity Fund to support community renewable projects.
Mr Ewing also announced plans to establish a Scottish Renewables Advisory Themed Group, to provide expert advice from industry and other stakeholders on how to achieve Scotland's full renewable energy potential.
The group will be co-chaired by the energy minister and Niall Stuart, chief executive of Scottish Renewables.
Mr Ewing said: "The Renewable Routemap sets out the significant steps required to support this government's ambition to make Scotland a European powerhouse of clean green energy. It sets out the key actions needed to seize the opportunity for Scotland to research and develop, design, construct and service the technologies that will power the 21st century.
"Scotland has established a global reputation for excellence in innovation in renewables and this Routemap acts as a blueprint to capitalise on the economic and social potential of our nation's rich natural resources.
"Renewable energy provides perhaps Scotland's greatest economic and environmental opportunity this century. Our new Routemap sets out what we need to do collectively to write the next chapter in Scotland's renewable energy story."

29/06 Plans for Norfolk wind farm

Proposals to build a new wind farm with up to 20 wind turbines are now awaiting planning permission, following work by a legal business to secure agreements for a specialist wind farm developer.
The company, Wind Ventures, focuses on projects with a capacity of between 6MW and 40MW (typically 3 to 20 turbines). Its mission is to develop sustainable wind energy projects that benefit landowners and local communities, while contributing towards the UK's achievement of local and national renewable energy targets.
A recent report by RenewableUK showed that the despite the UK being the windiest country in Europe, its wind resource was massively under-utilised and onshore wind turbines were much more thinly spread in Britain than in many other European countries.
As the proposed wind farm straddles land that is owned by two landowners and the venture was only commercially viable if both the landowners participated Matthew Arnold & Baldwin, led by partner Mark Sellers, acted for Wind Ventures in co-ordinating the two transactions. The team worked with both sets of landowners’ solicitors simultaneously.
The landowners were represented by Jack Royall, a partner at Birketts LLP of Norwich, and Jonathan Thompson, a senior solicitor at Mills and Reeve LLP, also of Norwich.

20/06 Islands sign renewables deal

Ministers from the British Isles, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man today agreed to co-operate in an "All Islands Approach" to energy at a meeting of the British-Irish Council in London.
It is believed that this joint approach to energy resources across the British Islands and Ireland will encourage and enable developers to exploit commercial opportunities for generation and transmission.
It could also help facilitate the cost-effective exploitation of the renewable energy resources available, increase integration of markets and improve security of supply.
UK energy minister Charles Hendry said: "There is a massive potential source of clean, green, secure energy that remains untapped in the Irish Sea and onshore in Ireland, as well as around the Channel Islands. But because Ireland's energy demand is only slightly larger than that of Yorkshire and Humberside, there has been little incentive to exploit the resource.
"Optimising the natural renewable resource available around our islands would benefit us all. It makes much more sense to develop and share clean, green, secure energy with our neighbours, than to import vast amounts of fossil fuels from far-flung parts of the world."
The new joint strategy could mean that on a very windy day in mainland Britain, surplus power could be sold to Ireland and mainland Europe, for example, as well as obtaining imports of electricity from Ireland and mainland Europe when required.

16/06 AD strategy fails farmers

In a hard-hitting comment on the Review of Waste Policy and Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan for England published by the government this week, the CLA has accused the authorities of letting farmers and landowners down.
The association said that by neither preventing valuable natural resources from being incinerated, nor considering anaerobic digestion (AD) as a first option, the government had failed in its commitment to increase energy provision from waste.
CLA president William Worsley said: "Farmers and landowners have been let down by Defra. Far from demonstrating a real commitment to farm-based AD, this strategy and action plan rehashes existing commitments with no new vision.
"The CLA called for a review of regulation to introduce a 'positive list' of feedstocks as is used in Holland and Germany to avoid excessive costs and red tape. The strategy and action plan suggests the existing waste regulations are fine, which is clearly not the case. I am disappointed the partnership approach promised to the sector has not been delivered."
The joint government and Industry Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan for England can be found by clicking here.

13/06 UK to cut red tape

British firms with 250,000 customers or fewer will not have to take part in two government programmes - the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and the Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP).
This follows a consultation that originally proposed a threshold of 100,000 customers.
Previously, suppliers with as few as 50,000 customers were obliged to participate. But, the government has now decided that participating in these schemes placed a disproportionate burden on small suppliers, acting as a barrier to market entry and reducing incentives to grow.
Energy Minister Charles Hendry said today: "Currently, more than 99 per cent of people get their energy from just six big companies. Reducing red tape for smaller suppliers will help them grow and encourage new players into the market. Increased competition can help bring down prices and encourage innovation, benefiting energy consumers.
"It's vital that we improve energy efficiency without placing disproportionate costs on small suppliers. We have listened to small suppliers, studied the evidence and gone further than our initial proposals, to give competition a bigger boost."
CERT and CESP will run until the end of 2012. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is now considering how to design future schemes to minimise burdens for all suppliers.

10/06 NFU and CLA attack FIT cuts

The CLA says early adopters of solar PV in southern and south west England and Wales have been penalised by the government, after a failure to include transition arrangements for larger-scale solar projects in the Feed-In Traiff changes announced in Parliament yesterday.
CLA president William Worsley said: "CLA members have between them, spent millions of pounds trying to get large-scale solar projects off the ground and they relied on government policy to guarantee their return on investment.
"The fast-track review of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) may have been necessary to avoid breaching the budget, but the CLA made the case for a transition scheme for large-scale projects that were granted planning consent before August 1 2011 to ensure early adopters were not affected by cuts to promised payments. These have not been implemented."
The NFU said it was particularly disappointed at the absence of concessions to those installing mid-sized solar roofs (over 50 kW) and those who had already sunk investments into solar farms.
NFU chief renewable energy adviser Dr Jonathan Scurlock said: "Bringing the worldwide solar industry to Britain as part of the low-carbon economy should have been a no-brainer for the government. We do not think this policy is rational and it will certainly dent confidence in the Government's green ambitions.
"Our hopes of increasing the uptake of farm-scale aerobic digestion (AD) have also been dashed by these penny-pinching plans. The NFU and other biogas advocates have shared detailed cost analyses with government officials, and these proposals simply do not go far enough."

09/06 New Feed-In Tariffs revealed

New generation tariffs for large-scale solar and anaerobic digestion plants under the government's green electricity scheme have been confirmed today.
The announcement follows the recent public consultation on large-scale solar and anaerobic digestion which closed on May 6.
The fast track review looked at reducing the tariffs for large-scale solar arrays to protect the money available for small-scale projects and the range of technologies supported under this scheme.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: "I want to drive an ambitious roll out of new green energy technologies in homes, communities and small businesses and the FIT scheme has a vital part to play in building a more decentralised energy economy.
"We have carefully considered the evidence that has been presented as part of the consultation and this has reinforced my conviction of the need to make changes as a matter of urgency. Without action the scheme would be overwhelmed."
He added: "The new tariffs will ensure a sustained growth path for the solar industry while protecting the money for householders, small businesses and communities and will also further encourage the uptake of green electricity from anaerobic digestion."
From August 1, new entrants into the FIT scheme will receive amended tariffs as follows: Solar PV: More than 50 kW and up to or including 150 kW Total Installed Capacity (TIC) - 19.0p per kWh More than 150 kW and up to or including 250 kW TIC - 15.0p per kWh 250 kW to 5 MW TIC and stand-alone installations - 8.5p per kWh.
Anaerobic digestion: Up to and including 250 kW - 14.0p/ kWh More than 250 kW and up to or including 500 kW - 13.0p per kWh.

08/06 PM urged to stop solar cap

The UK solar power industry is braced for bad news tomorrow when the government is expected to publish its response to the Fast-Track Feed-In Tariff review.
It is widely believed that the new Tariff rates for schemes over 50kW in size will not be commercially viable and leave the UK solar power sector confined to domestic schemes, just as major economies like China and Germany massively ramp up their solar ambitions.
Solar Trade Association (STA) PV adviser Ray Noble said: "The Prime Minister needs to intervene to stop this terrible strategic mistake on solar power. Solar can make a major positive contribution to our urgent green electricity and jobs needs.
"Even mainstream analysis shows that under a stable investment framework the price of solar power will be much lower than many other energy generation options, including fossil fuels."
Solar is barely mentioned in the government's Electricity Market Reform proposals, despite mainstream analysis showing it could be cheaper than grid electricity by 2020.
The grim news is expected despite Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker's recent acknowledgement that the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is underestimating the potential for solar. His comments followed the STA's publication of an alternative solar revolution strategy, which argued for a doubling of investment in solar to deliver strong jobs and manufacturing and subsidy-free green power for everyone by 2017-2019.
Signatories to the letter, including RSPB, Friends of the Earth, major construction group Kingspan, UK solar manufacturer Romag/Gentoo, NFU, Tony Juniper and Green party MP Dr Caroline Lucas, all urge the Prime Minister to require DECC to review the situation and take action to raise UK ambitions for solar power to ensure the UK maintains and builds a strong solar industry.

08/06 Minister intervenes in solar row

Greg Barker, the Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, has promised to discuss the growing chaos surrounding the installation of solar panels with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Mr Barker's intervention follows lobbying by the director of Eco Environments, David Hunt, supported by Shadow energy ministers Huw Irranca-Davies and Luciana Berger.
The campaign was triggered after a number of local councils, including Eden District Council and West Lancashire Council, told homeowners they needed to seek permission before having solar panels installed.
This is despite government guidance that planning permission is not required unless someone lives in a listed building or conservation area and Building Regulations are not needed as long as the homeowner uses a contractor under the government's Competent Person Scheme.
David Hunt said: "We are delighted that both a government minister and two Shadow ministers have taken up our campaign which seeks to bring an end to attempts by councils to make life difficult for people trying to embrace renewable energy solutions.
"This will continue to be the case as long as councils are putting road-blocks in the way by telling householders that they need planning permission, Building Regulations and certificates of lawfulness and charging them for the pleasure."
Mr Hunt urged the government to publish a simple, definitive guide for councils to follow which made it clear that there was no room for local authorities to make up their own rules and regulations.
In a letter to the two Labour Shadow ministers, Mr Barker said: "I agree it is important that local councils are fully aware of the planning rules relating to solar panels. I am happy to raise this matter with my colleagues at the DCLG to explore options for making sure these rules are clearly understood by councils and continue to work with them on removing barriers to the take up of micro-generation technologies."

25/05 Welcome for latest GIB plan

Merlin Hyman, chief executive of Regen SW, said today that the latest statements on the UK's Green Investment bank were good news for renewable energy companies and good news for the economy as a whole.

Commenting on the announcements by Business Secretary Vince cable and deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Mr Hyman said: "This will give businesses and investors the confidence they need to invest in renewables."

Touching on many of the points that Regen SW raised in its own recent "Role of the Green Investment Bank" report, Mr Clegg stressed that the bank would be an independent organisation with a potential initial remit to focus on offshore wind, waste and non-domestic energy efficiency.

Regen SW is a not-for-profit company working to enable business, local authorities and other organisations to deliver renewable energy and energy efficiency and build a prosperous low-carbon economy in the south west of England.

"When we released our report we called for the government to create a bank that would finance projects at the initial higher risk stage, support aggregation of projects, and provide due diligence expertise," said Mr Hyman.

"The lack of ability to borrow for four years is a major weakness but yesterday's announcements show the government is moving in the right direction.

"However, for the bank to be truly effective it's important it doesn't take the simple option of investing in safe projects that would simply compete with bank finance.

"It must focus on leveraging the required private capital by financing commercially-viable projects at the earliest stages, where the highest risks are inherent."

Click here for more details about Regen SW.

24/05 Cable's vision for the GIB

Business Secretary Vince Cable set out his vision for the Green Investment Bank (GIB) as a new and enduring institution to complement existing green policies in Parliament today.
He said the GIB's mission would be to accelerate private sector investment in the UK's transition to a green economy. It would also play a vital role in addressing market failures which were holding back private sector investment.
Sectors likely to be eligible for intervention initially include offshore wind, non-domestic energy efficiency and waste. Other sectors could be included later.
"Its initial remit will be to focus on green infrastructure assets and on the twin objectives of achieving significant green impact and making financial returns," said Mr Cable.
"As the bank will need to be approved by the European Commission before it can be established, there will be a phased approach. Once it has been agreed, the GIB will be enshrined in legislation confirming its independent status as an enduring institution with a key public role.
"In order to make rapid progress, the Government will make direct, state-aid compliant investments in green infrastructure projects from April 2012 until these investments can be transferred to the GIB."
The Business Secretary also announced that he was setting up a group to provide strategic direction of the GIB. This group of independent finance experts will be chaired by Sir Adrian Montegue.
Mr Cable said: "This is an opportunity for the UK to lead the way in the transition to a low carbon economy with the world's first dedicated Green Investment Bank.
"The GIB will become a key component of this transition which needs significant investment over the coming decades."

17/05 New boost for electric cars

The German government is preparing to offer a billion Euros in subsidies over the next two years to boost the development of the country's electric car industry, according to a report in the South African "Star" on Monday. The newspaper said the German Chancellor Angela Merkel was calling on the country's manufacturers and researchers to lead the development of the new technology, with the aim of "having a million electric vehicles on our roads by 2020".
Germany already holds a dominant position the solar energy and wind turbine secotrs and is also home to a number of the world's leading anaerobic digestion plants manufacturers, who are providing AD plants to countries around the world.
Its latest move on the electric car front follows the introduction of a number of these vehicles into the UK recently, with several manufacturers promising to increase the number of models available to consumers in Britain dramatically over the next 24 month.

12/05 New UK wind turbine factory

In what has been described as a landmark day for the UK renewables sector, Charles Hendry, the minister for energy and climate change, opened Mabey Bridge's multi-million pound wind turbine tower manufacturing facility in Chepstow today.
The state-of-the art facility is currently the sole UK-based manufacturer of wind turbine towers after it transferred 162 years of bridge building expertise into the manufacture of wind turbine towers.
The plant is already open for business with wind turbine towers rolling off the production line. At full capacity the factory can produce 300 towers per annum.
Last year it secured a preferred supplier agreement with Repower, one of the UK's biggest suppliers of wind energy, and it is producing nine steel tubular towers for them.
Each completed tower is 80m long, made up of three sections and weighs 150 tonnes. Five towers will be stationed at the Seamer wind farm in North Yorkshire while four will go to the Marr wind farm in South Yorkshire.
Peter Lloyd, managing director of Mabey Bridge, said: "This is a very exciting day for Mabey Bridge, for UK manufacturing and the renewables sector. No longer will companies in this country have to import wind turbine towers but instead they can now buy British."
Mr Hendry said: "This is exactly the kind of investment, generating green jobs, that we want to see as the UK supply chain develops. This investment is a great sign of confidence in the skills of the UK and South Wales in particular.
"Today's inauguration is a huge step forward for the renewables industry in Wales, and the UK sector as a whole."

10/05 Support for crops in AD

A new report by the UK's National Centre for Biorenewable Energy, Fuels and Materials, reveals that using crops in on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) is vital for the technology to make a meaningful contribution to UK renewable energy targets.
On-farm AD plants can operate using just slurry and manure, but the new research shows digesters operate more efficiently when crops, like grass and maize, are also added.
"In this report we show that crops have a valuable role to play in producing energy through AD," says the report's author Lucy Hopwood.
"If energy output is the main policy driver for AD, then higher incentives are needed to optimise economic returns and maximise energy output; otherwise on-farm AD can only be viewed as a slurry management tool."
The modelling was carried out using the AD calculator developed by the centre, also known as the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), and examined a range of farm sizes, slurry-to-crop ratios and crop types.
At the medium-scale, the most financially attractive option was the slurry-only model, followed by a slurry-to-crop ratio of 70 to 30.
However, slurry-only systems generate far less energy; by using a modest amount of crop material (30 per cent), an AD plant can increase energy output tenfold for only three times the capital cost.
Using a larger proportion of crop material in a digester will increase gas production, but such systems may require more expensive equipment and high amounts of water to allow the micro-organisms to break down the drier feedstock; this should be taken into account in economic forecasting, concludes the report.
The research is now being fed back to the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change to support policy development on AD.
Click here for the NNFCC website.

09/05 Major role for renewables

The "Renewable Energy Review" by Britain's Committee on Climate Change, which was released today, concludes that a renewable energy share of around 30% by 2030 would be appropriate, with scope for a higher share (e.g. up to 45%) depending on the extent to which renewable technology costs fall and possible constraints on deployment of low-carbon alternatives.
It highlights a range of promising renewable energy technologies that could in future become competitive, including electricity generation from wind and marine, air and ground source heat pumps and the use of bio-energy for heat generation.
It sets out options for addressing intermittency of renewable power generation, including demand-side flexibility, interconnection, and back-up generation, which could support a very high share of renewables in power.
Analysis in the report highlights the importance of other low-carbon technologies for power generation, most notably nuclear and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which have a potentially major role to play in required power sector decarbonisation to 2030.
The review concludes that nuclear generation, in particular, appears likely to be the most cost-effective form of low-carbon power generation in the 2020s (i.e. before costs of other technologies have fallen), justifying significant investment, if safety concerns can be addressed.
Given significant uncertainties over future developments, the review recommends that the government should adopt a portfolio approach to technology development. This should cover both renewable generation and other low-carbon technologies.
The review sets out an illustrative scenario where 40% of our electricity comes from renewables, 40% from nuclear, 15% from coal an gas with CCS and less than 10% from unabated gas.
To underpin the portfolio approach, the review argues that the government should make clear commitments to support less mature renewable technologies such as offshore wind and marine generation through the 2020s. These commitments should then be implemented under new electricity market arrangements.
The review also calls for a flexible approach to ambition for offshore wind generation in 2020 and suggests the Green Investment Bank would be more effective if it were able to borrow from its inception.
Click here for the Committee on Climate Change website.

06/05 Biodiesel from old pies surprise

Greenergy, a privately owned company that supplies one fifth of Britain's road fuel, announced today that it has begun producing biodiesel from food waste, such as old pies and crisps.
Working with Brocklesby Ltd, a specialist in recycling edible oils, unsaleable food products such as crisps and pies, which would previously have gone to landfill or compost, are now being converted for biofuel and energy production.
The renewable energy company has invested £50 million in its biodiesel production facility in Immingham on the east coast of England to process used cooking oils and already uses significant quantities (more than 20 million litres a month) of biodiesel from used cooking oil supplied from a range of food producers.
From today, it is beginning to make biodiesel from high fat solid foods such as pies, sausage rolls, pastry and crisps which are not fit for sale because they are misshapen, overcooked or past their sell-by-date.
These food products, which typically contain between 25% and 30% oil and fat, are sourced from a variety of food manufacturers nationally. Other suitable foods include taramasalata and oil from fish frying containing high quantities of breadcrumbs.
The oils and fats are extracted through a novel process developed by Brocklesby Ltd and are then further purified by Greenergy. Only then are they clean enough for conversion into biodiesel.
Any food solids that remain after processing are currently dried and then either composted or used to produce energy through anaerobic digestion, but in future could be used to make solid biomass fuel pellets or briquettes, or more fuel for cars in the form of bio-ethanol. Waste water is used as a biomass crop fertiliser.
Click here for more information.

03/05 Training for wind farm pioneers

A leading environmental firm is providing an innovative renewable energy training programme on behalf of the Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP), in Co. Donegal in northwest Ireland, an area that boasts some of the highest wind speeds in Europe.
SLR Consulting worked with Inishowen Co-Operative Society Limited on the course, which has attracted landowners and individuals interested in the possibility of a locally owned wind farm.
Members were guided through issues including wind speeds and resources, site selection, environmental impact assessment, planning requirements and constraints, grid connectivity, construction and ultimately, risks and financing.
Technical director, Deirdre Lewis, who developed and implemented the course with her colleagues, said: "SLR was delighted to channel the enthusiasm shown by the course participants towards developing a locally owned wind farm in Inishowen."
She added that the partnership was now working with a steering group, which emerged directly from the training programme, to develop an action plan and to conduct early stage consultations with landowners, local authority planners and other enablers locally.

28/04 Biomass boiler to heat Somerset show

A new 200kW biomass boiler running off wood pellets that are sourced locally to provide a sustainable supply of fuel, will heat the Royal Bath & West Showground's Showering Pavilion, the Somerset site's main exhibition building, soon.
It replaces two ageing gas boilers as the primary heat source and is expected to produce around 260,000kWh of heat per year and save around 52 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
The project went ahead thanks to funding partly from the Show Society itself, as well as a large grant from the EDF Energy Green Fund and one from the Bio-Energy Capital Grant Scheme.
A display panel in the pavilion will show the "real time" heat being generated and carbon emissions being saved.
The biomass project is part of the showground's intention to implement and promote renewable technologies and fits into its wider Environmental Management System, which is ISO 14001 certified and EMAS registered.
The Society is one of only 160 EMAS-registered organisations in the UK.

19/04 PM attacked for FIT cuts

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, David Cameron, David Hunt, a director with Eco Environments, claims that the government's latest proposals for Feed-In Tariffs (FITs) would effectively sacrifice the UK's flourishing solar industry.
He pointed out that they had already frozen investment in projects over 50kWp, which included community projects and businesses wishing to do the right thing.
"The Coalition said it would 'encourage community-owned renewable energy schemes where local people benefit from the power produced'. Indeed, Vince Cable told me personally at an event in Liverpool that the government was 'fully committed to Feed-in Tariffs."
Under new proposals, the government wants to cut the subsidy for installations producing 50kW to 150kW from 32.9p/kWh to 19p, while installations producing over 150kW will have their subsidy cut from 30.7p to 15.7p. Solar farms producing over 250kW would receive only 8.5p.
"We have been shocked by these proposals, which will leave the UK's solar industry lagging far behind other countries," says Mr Hunt.
"Unless the UK approach on solar is reconsidered, the sector could be sent into tailspin in just 18 months. Allocated support is likely to run out for solar projects of any size as a result of recasting the feed-in tariff as a capped mechanism in the Spending Review.
"There is widespread frustration that your government does not understand this technology or its potential. Solar is crucial to a genuinely sustainable and competitive energy system in the UK. It could easily meet a third of the UK's electricity needs."
David Hunt concluded his letter to the Prime Minister by stressing that the industry was willing to work with the government to achieve "appropriate cuts in subsidy levels.

18/04 Vote of confidence for solar PV

A British energy efficiency solutions company, Anesco, is to begin work on a bespoke design-and-build solar project in the UK's South West region for Farm Power Generation, having secured the contract in a competitive tender.
Although full details of the location have not been revealed, a spokeswoman said work to install the 250 kWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system and to operate a multi-year maintenance contract to ensure the system remains running at optimum efficiency would start soon.
Anesco chief executive Adrian Pike said: "This is another significant contract win for the company.
"Our team has a wealth of experience in this field and on projects of this scale, plus a clear understanding of requirements when working with local electrical companies."
Mark Simon, founder of Farm Power Generation, which develops, owns and operates a distributed network of microgeneration power stations in the UK using renewable solar photovoltaic and hydro-electric energy sources, said: "This is a large and important project for us, so we needed to ensure we had the right company in place. Anesco has worked quickly and been very responsive. The team's experience and varied backgrounds from within the sector is also very appealing."

13/04 Monitoring solar output

Berkshire-based Farmex — the energy and control specialists — has won major grant from the Technology Strategy Board to look at data collection from small-scale photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. It will investigate the feasibility of using wireless technology to obtain energy generation readings, which can be picked up remotely, avoiding the need for carrying out this task manually. The feasibility study, costing a total of £33,000, will take place over three months and will utilise research work already carried out by Farmex's development engineer, David Dobson. "Feed-in tariffs have encouraged the growth of small-scale photo-voltaic installations on residential properties and commercial premises all around the country. To gain maximum benefit, owners or investors will need to monitor their Feed-In Tariffs and will need to know, without delay, if an installation has stopped working," commented Farmex managing director, Hugh Crabtree. "The so-called 'smart meters' are too expensive for small-scale installations. Our system could be much cheaper." .

08/04 Funding reminder

NFU Scotland is reminding Scottish farmers and landowners who are looking at investment in renewable energy and hoping to make use of the Communities and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Loan Fund those applications close on 30 April 2011. CARES, set up to help the development of renewable energy schemes in rural Scotland, is a low-risk loan fund that helps those looking at new renewable projects through the difficult pre-planning stage. Free local help and advice is also available to successful applicants and, to receive support, the renewable project must have a community element. The Scottish Government announced improved access for farmers to the CARES fund, along with a multi-million pound funding boost, at NFU Scotland's AGM in February. NFUS policy manager, Nicola Clayton said yesterday: "While aware of the potential economic and environmental benefits to be gained from investment in renewables, farmers are often wary of pursuing such schemes because of the expense and time involved in reaching the pre-planning stage. CARES can address that, but farmers need to note that the window for applying will shut soon. "The CARES scheme will be open until March 2012 but the key date for those looking at new renewable projects is 30 April 2011, which is the deadline for applications. "Any farmer considering a renewable project should look at what CARES has to offer. It is designed to de-risk the pre-planning stage of renewable energy projects. Importantly, the loan is written off if the planning application fails. "Costs could include environmental assessments, river flow analysis and deposits to connect to the national grid. There is also the question of access to Feed-in-Tariffs (FITs) and the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive often required if a project is to be viable. For more details on the CARES scheme and an application form, click here. http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/cares.asp.

07/04 Solar industry fights back

The latest survey by independent renewables experts Regen SW, "Renewable Energy Progress Report: South West Annual Survey," reports that 97 per cent of the 2,451 renewable electricity projects installed in the region during the past 12 months were solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Merlin Hyman, Regen SW chief executive, said: "The sharp rise in these PV installations is a direct result of the government's Feed-in Tariffs (FITs), which were introduced in April 2010 and created huge interest. However, proposed policy changes are undermining confidence and putting growth in all renewable energy sectors at risk." The government announced last month that it was planning to cut to FIT payments for large-scale solar PV projects significantly. Calling for ambitious plans to make the most of the jobs and growth potential from renewable energy, Mr Hyman said: "As the growth in the past year shows, renewable energy is the greatest economic opportunity of the next decade and we have great resources locally. "But, we need a clear national policy framework and ambitious plans to support local firms. Lead the way and we will enable great businesses to develop, flourish and sell their technologies and skills around the world." The majority of renewable electricity installations recorded in the survey were micro-generation projects (less than 50 kW), with 2,442 projects being recorded. Of these 2,393 were new solar PV projects, which contributed 6.77 MWs of installed capacity. In contrast, only eight renewable energy projects were larger than 50 kW but contributed more than 70 per cent of the capacity increase, highlighting the lack of progress on community scale schemes. To date, no large-scale solar farms have been commissioned in the South West, although a number have been approved and are expecting to be installed before the results of the Feed-in Tariff fast-track review is implemented.

06/04 Solar sector strikes gold

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a gold-plated window as the transparent electrode for organic solar cells. The research, led by Dr Ross Hatton and Professor Tim Jones in the University of Warwick's department of chemistry, has developed a rapid method for the preparation of robust, ultra-thin gold films on glass. It can be scaled up for large area applications like solar cells and the resulting electrodes are chemically very well-defined. Dr Hatton said: "This new method of creating gold based transparent electrodes is potentially widely applicable for a variety of large area applications, particularly where stable, chemically well-defined, ultra-smooth platform electrodes are required." Contrary to what one might expect, these electrodes have the potential to be relatively cheap since the thickness of gold used is only 8 billionths of a metre, which means that even at the current high gold price the cost of the gold needed to fabricate one square metre of this electrode is only around £4.50. The metal can also be readily recouped from the organic solar cell at the end of its life and since gold is already widely used to form reliable interconnects it is no stranger to the electronics industry. This work was supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) / Advantage West Midlands Science City SCRA AM2 project, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The full research paper entitled Ultrathin Transparent Au Electrodes for Organic Photovoltaics Fabricated Using a Mixed Mono-Molecular Nucleation Layer is published in Advanced Functional Materials (click here). http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201002021

04/04 Renewable energy 'Oscars'

The British Renewable Energy Awards, organised by the Renewable Energy Association (REA), will be presented at a gala dinner at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Kensington on Thursday, June 16. This prestigious event was inaugurated in 2006 to celebrate outstanding achievements in the British renewable energy sector across all technologies and resources and they have become one of the most prestigious events in the industry's calendar. REA chief executive, Gaynor Hartnell, said: "These Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the British renewable energy sector. They are a tribute to innovation and excellence. The exceptional quality of all those that are short-listed serves to demonstrate the exacting standards, talent and originality within this industry." This year categories include the Champion Award, for an organisation or an individual that has helped advance renewable energy through a campaign, a highly influential report or other means, as well as a special Community Award. "We hope there are going to be many exciting community schemes nominated, especially following the inauguration of the Feed-In Tariffs scheme and forthcoming Renewable Heat Incentive," said a spokeswoman for the organisers. Chairing the judging panel this year is Peter Ainsworth, who won the CIWM Parliamentarian of the Year Award, 2009. The other judges include TV presenter and geologist, Professor Iain Stewart, BBC broadcaster, Tom Heap, the Met Office's head of climate change advice, Dr Vicky Pope and Guardian environment editor, Damian Carrington. For more information of what's in store, click here. http://www.r-e-a.net/events/rea-events/awards

20/3 A FIT of confusion

The Renewable Energy Foundation (REF) has welcomed the announcement by the Department of Climate and Energy Change (DECC) of a proposed increase in support for small-scale on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to produce biogas to generate electricity under the Feed-In Tariff scheme (FITs).
But, it is "surprised" that the level of support for AD "is apparently still less than that provided for the same technology under the Renewables Obligation (RO), which is notionally intended for larger schemes".
This was confusing and seemed unlikely to address the failure of FITs to encourage development of new AD plants, it claimed.
While other aspects of the FIT revisions were also confusing to the market, including the contentious revisions to solar tariffs, the AD case was particularly interesting since it highlighted the conflicts between the government’s various subsidy mechanisms.
REF policy and research director Dr John Constable said: "The well-intentioned but confusing FIT revision, particularly in relation to AD, is a clear illustration of the growing and self-defeating complexity of government interventions in the electricity markets.
"The case for a single and simpler instrument, such as a carbon tax, grows stronger by the day."
For more information on the REF, click here.

 

18/3 Solar power shock

Proposals to reduce the financial support available to larger scale solar-produced electricity were published by the government today as part of plans to protect financial support for homes, communities and small businesses.
The consultation follows the launch in February of a fast-track review into how the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) work for solar photovoltaic (PV) over 50 kW after evidence showing that there could already be 169 MW of large scale solar capacity in the planning system, which is equivalent to funding solar panels on the roofs of around 50,000 homes if tariffs are left unchanged.
Climate change minister Greg Barker, said:"These proposals aim to rebalance the scheme and put a stop to the threat of larger-scale solar soaking up the cash. Taking a pro-active approach to changing tariffs will allow us to avoid the boom-and-bust approach we have seen in other countries and enable us to support more homes and community schemes, and a wider range of technologies such as wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion."
The government is proposing reducing the support for all new PV installations larger than micro-generation size (50kW) and stand-alone installations. The new proposed rates are: 19p/kWh for 50kW to 150kW, 15p/kWh for 150kW to 250kW, 8.5p/kWh for 250kW to 5MW and stand-alone installations. These compare with the tariffs that would otherwise apply from April 1 of: 32.9p/kWh for 10kw to 100kw and 30.7/kWh for 100kw to 5MW and stand-alone installations
Alongside the fast-track review of solar, a short study has also been undertaken into the lack of uptake of FITs for farm-scale anaerobic digestion. The study suggests that the tariff for this technology is not high enough to make such schemes worthwhile. The proposed new tariffs are: 14p/kWh for AD installations with a total installed capacity of up to 250 kW, 13p/kWh for AD installations with a total installed capacity of between 250 kW and 500 kW. These compare with the tariffs that would otherwise apply from April 1 of 12.1p/kWh for AD up to 500 kW.
The Government will not act retrospectively and any changes to generation tariffs implemented as a result of the review will only affect new entrants into the FITs scheme.
Installations that are already accredited for FITs will not be affected. Solar PV installations less than 50kW are not affected by this fast track review.
These changes are proposed to be implemented in advance of the comprehensive review of FITs, which is currently underway and will look at all aspects of the scheme.
The consultation documents can be found here

 

17/3 Scottish wind deal finalised

A new 1.5MW wind project in Dunfermline in Scotland will see FMC Technologies receive green electricity direct from a single 100m wind turbine for the next 25 years, with the first electricity anticipated during autumn 2011.
FMC, which manufactures the "Christmas Trees" used in the extraction of subsea oil and gas, employs more than 650 people in Fife, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
In achieving financial close, a turbine supply agreement (TSA) has been signed with Spanish turbine manufacturer Acciona, with the all-important investment by Triodos Renewables and funding by Triodos Bank.
Dan Neelon, well completion systems manager at FMC Technologies, said: "As a manufacturing business, we have a responsibility to reduce our carbon emissions, and as a major employer within Fife we are committed to providing sustainable employment for our employees. With fixed price, green electricity taking us well into the next decade, the Wind Direct project allows us to achieve both of these goals at once."
Triodos operations director Matthew Clayton said his company had been investing in renewable energy since the very first commercial scale wind projects were delivered in 1995.
"As a 'brown field' location, we consider the FMC project is a sound investment and a strong fit for our portfolio. The Wind Direct team is experienced, and has a close attention to detail, which is exactly what we look for when sourcing investment projects."
Construction at the site is expected to commence in May, depending on weather conditions, with the green energy expected about four months after the start of construction.

 

16/3 All-clear for turbine flicker

An independent research study into the phenomenon of shadow flicker caused by wind turbines was published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) today.
Shadow flicker is the flickering effect caused when rotating wind turbine blades periodically cast shadows through constrained openings such as the windows of neighbouring properties.
Conducted by Parsons Brinckerhoff, the study found: found that there had not been any extensive issues with shadow flicker in the UK and the frequency of the flickering caused by the wind turbine rotation was such that it should not cause a significant risk to health.
It added that in the few cases where problems had arisen, they had been resolved effectively using mitigation measures, in particular turbine shut down systems.
The government has considered the report’s findings and concluded that existing planning guidance on shadow flicker is fit for purpose, and no changes to it are necessary.
The study, by the infrastructure company, Parsons Brinckerhoff, is available to read in full on the DECC website here.

 

15/3 NFU speaks out over new RHI

NFU chief renewable energy adviser Dr Jonathan Scurlock says the new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme introduced this year will provide certainty to many potential participants following repeated delays to its launch.
But, Dr Scurlock claimed that the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) had not yet recognised the potential of the agricultural sector to supply sustainable bio-energy feedstocks.
"For example, the government remains excessively cautious about non-food products from the land. Farmers and growers have a major contribution to make to biomass heating alongside waste management and forestry.
"Our initial reaction to the RHI is cautiously optimistic. The scheme may have its flaws right now, but it is a bold initiative, and we will work with the government and other stakeholders to improve and refine it over time."
The RHI scheme is being introduced in two phases, targeting mostly large non-domestic heat users in the first instance from July 2011 onwards, with more comprehensive support for households coming in as part of the government's so-called Green Deal in October 2012.
See here for details of the RHI.

 

14/3 Hydropower plans for Sheffield

Sheffield Renewables has submitted an application for planning permission to build a hydropower scheme at Jordan Dam, near Meadowhall.
The organisation's managing director, Rob Pilling, said: "This is another important step towards bringing Jordan Dam water power closer to fruition. It represents a lot of hard work by our volunteers and has been made possible by the support of our funders and partners."
The Jordan Dam scheme comprises using an Archimedes screw next to the dam that separates the River Don from the canal. Although the Archimedes screw was invented to raise water, this one will be used in reverse at Jordan Dam, enabling the downward movement of the water to generate electricity.
The scheme is expected to generate around 310,000kWh of electricity per year. This is the amount used by about 80 typical family homes and could provide a saving of around 150 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Submission of the planning application marks the end of the first phase of development work. Next steps include further technical development, application for an abstraction license and significant fundraising effort.
The aim is to raise a quarter of a million pounds towards the capital cost of the scheme by selling shares, enabling members of the community to become owners the scheme.

 

11/3 RHI initiative applauded

Reacting to the government's announcement of its new Renewable Heat Incentive

(RHI), which will provide payments for each unit of heat produced from renewable resources, CLA president William Worsley said: "This is great news and a victory for our long-term thinking and lobbying."

He explained that the RHI initiative was very like the scheme the CLA had advised the previous government to put into operation.

"Where piped gas is not available in rural areas, renewable heat displaces carbon intensive fuels such as oil and coal. It helps drive sustainable woodland management where markets deliver woodfuel in a process that enriches biodiversity and contributes to rural employment and income."

Mr Worsley added: "The rural economy will reap huge benefits from this RHI."

Lord Redesdale, chairman of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA), also welcomed the announcement of the RHI, saying: "After months of work on the RHI, the government's decision is very welcome.

"It will allow the huge increase in anaerobic digestion promised in the Coalition Agreement to be realised. The level of the RHI is a huge vote of confidence in this new and growing industry."

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) agreed that rural communities would see a particular benefit from the RHI.

"It will widen the range of affordable heating options for homes not on the gas grid, where fuel poverty is concentrated. Business and industrial heat users will be able to protect themselves against rising energy costs and at the same time reduce their carbon footprint," explained a spokesman.

The technologies included under the RHI are solar water heating, wood pellet and woodchip boilers, deep geothermal, biogas burned on site and heat pumps. There is also a tariff for feeding "biomethane" into the gas grid. It is envisaged more technologies will be added to the list next year, including renewable liquids.

 

10/3 RHI launched at last

The UK's new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which was launched by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne today, has been developed to support emerging technologies and businesses and strengthen security of supply by reducing dependence on fossil fuel heating and emissions.
It is hoped the new financial incentive will encourage installation of equipment like renewable heat pumps, biomass boilers and solar thermal panels to reduce emissions and support the existing 150,000 jobs in the heating industry.
Mr Huhne said: "This incentive is the first of its kind in the world. It’ll help the UK shift away from fossil fuel, reducing carbon emissions and encouraging innovation, jobs and growth in new advanced technologies."
Anything from a pub to a public library, a school to a power plant will be eligible under the RHI to install technologies like biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar thermal. Community projects will also be eligible, provided a single installation is providing heat to more than one house.
The tariffs will be paid for 20 years to eligible technologies that have installed since 15th July 2009 with payments being made for each kWh of renewable heat that is produced.
RHI tariff payments will start for homes alongside the Green Deal from 2012 to allow a more whole-house approach to heat production and energy saving.
In the meantime, up to 25,000 installations from July will be supported by a RHI Premium Payment to help people cover the purchase price of green heating systems.
Those taking up the premium will then be eligible for a RHI tariff from October next year when the Green Deal begins, as will anyone else who has had eligible equipment installed from July 2009.
For new build homes, an RHI tariff will be considered for the 2012 phase.
Mr Huhne said: "We plan to publish details of the RHI premium payment and how this will apply in May this year. We will consult on the RHI tariffs that will apply from October 2012 later in the year."
Further details of the scheme can be found at www.decc.gov.uk/rhi

 

4/3 Green gas certified

A new Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS) has been established by the Renewable Energy Association working with Bio Group, British Gas, E.ON, National Grid, Milton Keynes Council, Thames Water and CNG Services Ltd.

The new scheme will track biomethane, or "green gas", through the supply chain to provide certainty for those who buy it.
"The scheme is a simple and reliable way to eliminate double-counting of registered green gas," said Steve Sharratt, chief executive of Bio Group, which designed, constructed and operates the Adnams Bio Energy plant in Southwold, Suffolk.
"By tracking the commercial transactions of biomethane from anaerobic digestion plants through the supply chain, it will provide certainty for consumers who buy the gas, boost confidence in the green gas sector and provide an incentive for gas producers to inject biogas into the grid."
"There is huge interest in renewable gas. I'm delighted that we've now got this up and running," said Gaynor Hartnell, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), which is running the scheme through its subsidiary, Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd.

 

3/3 Solar bodies move closer together

Proposals to merge the two main associations currently representing the solar industry in the UK were announced at the Ecobuild 2011 exhibition in London this week.
The move will result in the re-launching of the Solar Trade Association as a trade body affiliated to the Renewable Energy Association (REA). It will operate from the same offices as the Renewable Energy Association in London, which will provide its administrative functions and policy expertise.
It will make the STA the largest solar trade body in the UK, at a time when solar is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK and should help give the solar industry a stronger voice and better representation.
The new association will have the resources to fully engage in standards and certification work as well as far more targeted promotional campaigning. Training and education will also become increasingly important as the industry matures.
Howard Johns, chairman of the Solar Trade Association, said: "With the growth of the solar industry in the UK this move to bring the industry together more fully could not have come at a better time.
"We really need good representation for solar in the UK and I believe this new revamped STA will provide it."
REA chief executive Gaynor Hartnell agred and added: "With the solar Feed-In Tariffs now under review, and the continued delay to the renewable heat incentive (RHI), we need unity more than ever before."

 

25/2 Brazilians and CLA swap notes

Senior advisers at the CLA compared notes with the Brazilian experts on how land management can contribute to climate stability by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farming and storing carbon in forests when the met in London this week.
CLA policy director Professor Allan Buckwell said: "Brazil is a key player in helping to mitigate climate change. We are flattered that the delegation chose to learn about sustainable agriculture from a UK land manager's perspective and about the CLA's work in generating business opportunities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
The South American country is also known to be putting a lot of effort into encouraging farmers and others to generate renewable energy to help it move away from fossil fuels.
"We can learn a lot from the Brazilians. Their Climate Change Plan is very ambitious, aiming to reduce emissions by 166 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The UK target is a mere three million tonnes," said Prof Buckwell afterwards.
"They put great importance on research, development and extension, ensuring that economic incentives are right for farmers. Their mitigation depends hugely on reducing deforestation and pasture degradation and moving to no-til farming. All of this makes Brazilian agriculture an even more ferocious competitor and why we in the UK take them so seriously."

 

24/2 Veg company scores biogas 1st

The new anaerobic digestion plant at Staples Vegetables in Lincolnshire was opened officially today and it is expected to produce 11 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year.
The project has been funded by the Environmental Transformation Fund to increase confidence across the supply chain in AD as a sustainable technology in the UK.
The new plant's state of the art technology is capable of processing 40,000 tonnes of out-of-specification and by-passed vegetables and the heat from the plant will be captured for office heating.
Innovative heat absorption coolers will provide chilling for the processing areas, while the digestate from the AD process will be used by the company to replace inorganic fertiliser.
Managing director Vernon Read said: "The project will provide integrated power generation giving us control not only over future pricing of power, but also over power security."
Another three government-supported AD facilities are expected to open this spring and more than 30 are currently in the planning stage.

 

23/2 Planners put on the spot

Opening the North East Wind Energy Event today, NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller urged planning officials and local authorities to adopt a more consistent and responsible approach to Scotland's fledgling renewables sector.
Mr Millar said buy-in from the nation's farmers was a big factor if Scotland was to hit its ambitious target of generating 80 per cent of its power requirement from renewables by 2020.
"The good news is that the UK's Feed-In Tariff scheme (FITs) and the rewards available for generating energy means that for many Scottish farmers, small-scale renewables can be a viable means of diversification," he said.

But the opportunity is now, and must be seized upon by all that have a part to play in growing our renewables sector.

"Here in Scotland, more often than not, it is planning authorities who are central to the future of any renewable energy schemes being planned for the Scottish countryside and I welcome the involvement of Aberdeenshire Council in today's event.
"Member experience of the planning process, to date, has been mixed and the level of inconsistency with regards to approval of projects can only drive frustration. If we are genuinely serious about generating our own energy from renewable sources, then a presumption in favour of projects at the planning stage would be a big step forward."
Mr Millar added that it was also important that the early review of FITs, announced recently by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, did not derail or put the brakes on renewable opportunities.

 

22/2 Plans for novel biofuel

Cranfield University, in association with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), OASIS Network and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), is inviting a diverse range of companies to the launch of a new supply chain initiative for the provision of goods and services into an exciting new renewable energy programme in the East of England.
The East of England is set to become a major area for growth in renewable energy and the ERDF is supporting the university programme to develop pilot and test facilities specifically addressing the biofuel production from micro-algae.
The OASIS Network is seeking to partner with a variety of businesses that have the potential to become part of the supply base for this business growth opportunity.
Prof Feargal Brennan, head of offshore, process and energy engineering at the university said: “Marine micro-algae are becoming recognised as a viable option for producing biofuels.
“It is fast growing, has a high lipid (oil) yield, can be grown in large quantities, and does not use scarce fresh water or agricultural land, which makes it an excellent candidate for the next generation of low carbon biofuels.
"An opportunity exists for a variety of businesses in the East of England to engage with this initiative and become part of the supply base in this rapidly expanding global market."
Companies can register their interest at http://www.oasisnetwork.co.uk and sign up for one of the free seminars that are being organised across East Anglia.

 

21/2 Brazil takes tips from UK

A delegation of top-flight officials from the Brazilian government and its private sector are in Britain this week for talks with government departments and other organisations on climate change and renewable energy.
They are particularly interested in finding out what the UK is doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to identify business opportunities and possible joint ventures in future projects.
While here, the visitors, who include representatives from Brazil's ministry of agriculture, its Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), the University of Campinas, the Institute for Responsible Agribusiness and leaders from its agribusinesses and small-to-medium-sized enterprises, will see representatives from the Prince's Rainforests Project, the Committee on Climate Change, the International Agri-Technology Centre, Defra and Tesco, as well as the CLA and the NFU.
Before leaving on Friday, the delegation will also visit the Leckford Estate in Hampshire, which is owned by the John Lewis group and supplies food to Waitrose.

 

19/2 Deadline for hydro shares

Directors of Stockport Hydro will be keeping their fingers crossed as the postman delivers the post on Monday.
“It’s the last chance for people to buy shares in Stockport Hydro” explains founding director Ben Alexander, “and we know that cheques always arrive at the last moment. We’ve agreed that if people express an interest in buying shares via our website by the 5pm deadline on February 21, then we’ll still be able to receive their cheques after that date.”

Stockport Hydro has already raised more than £450K, but it still needs about £100K.
Anyone wanting to support the community-owned hydro scheme can register their interest at www.h2ope.co.uk and download a prospectus. Cheques can then be received after the February 21 deadline.

Steve Welsh, managing director of H2oPE, the social enterprise working with Stockport Hydro said: “We’re so close to being able to give the go-ahead for the hydro scheme. I’m just hoping there are enough people who’ll demonstrate their commitment to the environment by becoming shareholders in Stockport Hydro.

“For as little as £250, you can become a part-owner of a hydro scheme producing green electricity for the next 40 years or more. You’ll get a financial return over the lifetime of the project, you can reduce your tax bill because of our EIS status and you’ll be funding local community projects year-on-year from the surplus monies made.”

 

15/2 CBI in Green Deal warning

The Green Deal will allow people to take out loans attached to their properties to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, including for insulation, heating and lighting. The loans will be paid back over a fixed period through the savings made on energy bills.

However, a new CBI survey released today shows that three-quarters of the public do not even consider the energy efficiency of a property when buying or renting a home, so the influential business organisation says the “government clearly needs to do more to get consumers to buy into the concept”.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: “The Green Deal is a good idea, but risks becoming a lame duck unless the government tackles the big questions of financing and uptake. 

“The Government faces an uphill challenge convincing home owners to sign up to the Green Deal, given that three-quarters admit they don’t consider energy efficiency when looking at a property.

“To ensure the scheme is a success, the government needs to clarify how the Green Deal will be paid for in the early stages to give investors confidence, and make it simple and hassle-free for consumers.”

In its “A Real Deal? Making the Green Deal Work” report, the CBI is calling on the Government to deliver a financial model that is attractive to private investors, with a decision by the spring on where the default risk will lie, ensuring that it does not undermine the ability of smaller firms to become providers.

It says that the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) should also provide robust and realistic modelling to show expected payback periods, including for different types of properties, with a strong, recognisable Green Deal kitemark and system of accreditation to generate confidence and trust, both among potential consumers and providers.

 

12/2 EU in FIT review warning

Representatives of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, who were in London yesterday, have called on the UK, government to act very carefully in the next months when reconsidering the current Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme.

They stressed the importance of developing a sustainable renewable energy market in the long term by providing a stable and reliable framework.

Many companies had already invested to build-up of an entire new sector and this early review risked causing an unusually long period of uncertainty that could put a brake on this nascent market before it had properly started, they warned.

“In times of economic crisis, it is essential to encourage the development of a promising sector such as photovoltaic’s which can create thousands of local jobs,” said Eleni Despotou, secretary general of EPIA.

“The UK should raise its ambition and widely deploy PV, a decentralized well proven renewable electricity generation technology. According to estimates by EPIA, the UK has been identified as having the fifth largest technical potential for PV in Europe.”

The EPIA was willing to help the UK Government secure as much stability as possible to the emerging UK industry, added the secretary general.

 

10/2 Top speakers for Energy Now Expo

The chief economist of the Committee on Climate Change, Adrian Gault, will be the opening speaker at the two-day Energy Now Expo conference at the Malvern Showgrounds on February 16 and17.

He will focus on the contribution agriculture can make to the UK’s carbon budgets.

Mr Gault is responsible for analytical work looking at UK greenhouse gas emission reduction potential and costs and is expected to provide important advice for farmers looking to reduce their own carbon footprints.

Prior to joining the CCC secretariat, Mr Gault was an economist in Department for Transport, the Energy Group at DTI (now part of the Department of Energy and Climate Change) and in the Treasury tax team.

Other speakers at the conference will include top Danish farmer and biogas expert Jens Lunden, CLA chief surveyor Oliver Harwood, NFU renewable energy advisor Dr Jonathan Scurlock and James Sutcliffe, senior manager renewable energy at The Co-operative Bank.

They will be joined by, among others, Countrywide biomass manager Richard Collins, Adrian Lea, from Green Cornwall planning department, Mervyn Bowden, from Marks & Spencer and Mark Newton from Fisher German.

They will be covering all the different renewable energy technologies, as well as finance, planning and carbon footprints and the role farmers can play in the renewable energy sector.

For full details and to register, see http://energynowexpo.co.uk or call 01293 854405.

 

9/2 Stop moving goalposts, warns NFU

Energy secretary Chris Huhne’s announcement of a comprehensive review of the Feed-In Tariffs scheme is a lobbying success for the NFU’s policy on farm-based anaerobic digester plants, but it needs to be resolved quickly, says the NFU.

While there is a major cause for concern where solar photovoltaic (PV) plants are concerned, as well as damaging uncertainty over investment in a much wider range of farm-based renewables,. the NFU does not believe there is a threat that solar farms will take up a disproportionate amount of FITs support or that they will occupy more than a tiny fraction of national or regional land area.

Its chief renewable energy adviser, Dr Jonathan Scurlock, said: “The NFU is deeply concerned that all solar PV projects above 50 kilowatts are to be included in the FITs review. This will include many agricultural rooftop projects involving as little as £150,000 investment.

“It is imperative that the government announces its timetable for any proposed changes, and the transitional rules that will apply to avoid a collapse in confidence among investors.

“This hardly seems like the right way to reward the success that the FITs has achieved so far, in bringing new sources of investment into land-based renewables. Alongside the domestic scale, agricultural, industrial and community renewable schemes have a vital role to play in green growth.”

He added: “Farmers are ready and willing to contribute to national energy security and job creation in the low-carbon economy. NFU members and their development partners have started to invest in projects on the basis of existing Government policy.

“However, the government’s willingness to move the goalposts again and again undermines investor confidence in the whole range of renewable energy incentives — whether for clean electricity, heat or transport fuels. The message this sends to all future investors in green energy is extremely damaging.”

 

 8/2 Mixed reaction to FIT review

The CLA has claimed victory following the government’s announcement yesterday that it had decided on an early review of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, which includes farm-based anaerobic digestion (AD) projects.

The organisation has campaigned for changes to payments since the tariff was first announced in February 2010, leaving many renewable energy projects short of finance, and called on the energy minister Greg Barker to review the FIT.

 CLA president William Worsley said: “I am delighted Greg Barker has listened to the arguments that the CLA and our colleagues from across the renewables industry have brought before him. Farm-based AD will help agriculture drive down its carbon emissions, deliver sustainable energy and other wider benefits to the rural economy.

 “Our work with the government on the AD action plan will support increased payments by reducing red tape. We will be working further with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to determine the right level of FIT payments to ensure that on-farm AD flourishes.“

However, the renewable Energy Association (REA) warns that the review of payments for solar photovoltaic systems will create massive uncertainty for all PV projects over 50kW, including a wide range of schemes planned for schools, hospitals, and communities.

REA chief executive Gaynor Hartnell said: "Developers of PV installations upwards of 50kW, will be left hanging in the air.  Bands up to 4kW can be more confident tariff levels will remain unchanged until April next year, but developers of schemes from 10kW to 50kW in particular will be wondering how the announcement applies to them." 

Responding to the review of large-scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaics (PV), Mr Worsley said: “Few solar PV projects have yet to come forward since Mr Barker expressed his concern on the potential costs for supporting this technology. We will respond to the consultation, aiming to ensure that existing projects are not harmed, and that roof-mounted solar retains support at all scales.”

Andrew Watkin, head of the Carter Jonas energy team, warned the early review could lead to e a complete lack of trust in the UK FIT system.

 

7/2 Early review for FITs

Last year’s Spending Review committed government to save 10 per cent of the costs of FITs in 2014-15 through a review due to start in 2012 or earlier if uptake exceeded Government expectations.

Now, because of the risk of an increasing number of large scale-solar farms which could push FITs costs off track, and the need to give industry added certainty to invest, the coalition government today announced a comprehensive review into the scheme.

It also said that it hoped to publish next month measures to support renewable heat within the budget agreed at Spending Review next month.

More than 21,000 installations have already registered for FITs. The vast majority of these are domestic installations, including solar panels, wind turbines and micro-hydro plants.

 Energy Secretary Chris Huhne said: “The renewables industry is a vital piece in the green growth jigsaw and this review will provide long term certainty while making sure homes, communities and small firms are encouraged to produce their own green electricity.

“Large scale solar installations weren’t anticipated under the FITs scheme we inherited and I’m concerned this could mean that money meant for people who want to produce their own green electricity has the potential to be directed towards large scale commercial solar projects.”

Alongside the fast-track review of large-scale solar PV, a short study into the uptake of FITs for farm-based anaerobic digestion (AD) plants will also take place. The tariff rates will be examined to see if they are enough to make farm-based AD worthwhile.

The Government will not act retrospectively and any changes to generation tariffs implemented as a result of the review will only affect new entrants into the FITs scheme.

Broad terms of reference for the review are available from www.decc.gov.uk/FITS

 

4/2 Special show for farmers & landowners

Run in association with the NFU and the CLA and supported by the Three Counties Agricultural Society, the two-day Energy Now Expo 2011 will embrace a whole host of energy topics, such as financial incentives and planning, the sale of energy to the National Grid, and the carbon footprint.

It also features a conference with high-profile speakers, including Mervyn Bowden, head of energy management at Marks & Spencer; Lucy Hopwood, land and agriculture manager at the National Non-Food Crop Centre (NNFCC) and Richard Collins, group biomass manager at Countrywide.

The Malvern Showground has recently received its ISO 14001 Environmental Accreditation and operations manager John Wilesmith believes that the Energy Now Expo is a vital addition to the society’s annual calendar.

He said: “As we implement our own environmentally-friendly practices on site, it is especially important that we host events like the Energy Now Expo. We must encourage both farmers and landowners across the country to consider how they might also incorporate more sustainable methods into their business operations, and then offer them the relevant support and advice to facilitate that process.”

Organised by Renewable Energy Events Ltd, the show takes place on February 16 and 17 at the Malvern Showground. Opening times are between 9am and 5.30pm. The exhibition is free to attend for those that pre register at www.energynowexpo.co.uk, where there are also more details about the conference, or £5 at the door.

For more information regarding venue hire at the Malvern Showground please contact Olivia Buxton on 01694 584909 or visit the Showground website www.threecounties.co.uk

 

2/2 Putting grass to work

A special Open Day focusing on the latest research from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University to produce bio-energy from semi-natural grasslands will be held in Wales on Wednesday, February 9.

It has been billed as an excellent opportunity for farmers throughout Wales to hear the latest news about the PROGRASS Project and the exciting new bio-energy plant that has been developed by researchers.

“This project is at the cutting-edge of exploring the potential for an alternative management strategy to generate bio-energy using waste from protected sites in Europe,” said Dr Mariecia Fraser, of IBERS, who is working on the project with partners from Germany and Estonia.

“As Wales has an abundance of different habitats, it is an ideal place for testing the technology.”

Part of Farming Connect’s Climate Change Development Programme, the event has been organised by Canolfan Hinsawdd Cymru, a partnership between Bangor and Aberystwyth universities, and will be held at Plas Gogerddan Farm, IBERS, at Aberystwyth University.

It will include a guided tour of the processing plant and facilities, with an opportunity to see the newly developed bio-energy machine working and generating biogas, as well as a pelletiser that products pellets that can be used as fuel from the fibrous by-product.

The event will start at 1.30pm; for details and to book a place, email post@wales-climate.org.uk

 

27/1 New AD plant for March

A British green energy company, Local Generation, has just announced that it is building its first anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in March, Cambridgeshire to turn 30,000 tonnes of both packaged and unpackaged food waste a year into biogas.

Company director Nick Waterman says: “This is an exciting time for the business. It is all systems go now to get our first AD plant up and running before the end of the year.

“We are really looking forward to seeing our plant take shape. I would like to recognise the excellent support and specifically the capital grant received from the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in helping us to progress this project.”

Lord Redesdale, chairman of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) said: “This is great news. Projects like Local Generation’s plant in March should be part of the vanguard for achieving the government’s promise of a ‘huge increase’ in energy from waste through anaerobic digestion.”

 

21/1 University adds a master’s touch

“Over the coming years we face an unprecedented energy revolution with every country needing highly educated engineers to understand and apply a vast array of new and varied energy generation systems and approaches,” says Feargal Brennan, head of offshore, process and energy engineering at Cranfield University.

That is why the Bedfordshire-based university is launching the two new energy courses, that have been developed with close industry involvement will train bright and talented engineers to be technical leaders in this exciting new energy era” said

The MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering and the MSc in Carbon Capture and Transport are designed for graduates who wish to enter the sector as well as current professionals who wish to develop their career potential.

The first one has been designed to provide graduates with the electro-mechanical, structures and fluid dynamics background to fully understand renewable energy systems and equip graduates with the skills required to design, optimise and evaluate the technical and economic viability of renewable energy schemes.

The other one will help provide a supply of well-qualified engineers and academic researchers to design, construct and operate carbon capture facilities for new and existing fossil fuel fired power plants.

Further details of the new courses, which may be taken on a full or part-time basis, are available at www.cranfield.ac.uk

 

20/1 Spotlight on transport

Full details of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund are published today in a Government white paper “Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon” which aims to encourage greater use of public transport and more walking and cycling.

Regional and local transport minister Norman Baker said: "A good transport system is vital in our efforts to deliver two key government priorities: to help grow the economy and to reduce carbon emissions.

“Investment in local sustainable transport can deliver quick gains with both objectives, which is why, even in these difficult financial times, we are providing an unprecedented £560m to take this agenda forward.

"We are clear you can have your green cake and eat it. Money invested wisely in local transport initiatives can both help the economy and cut carbon. It’s a win-win for local people and for the country as a whole.

"I look forward to working with local authorities and others as we take on this challenge and believe together we can make genuinely sustainable transport a reality for everyone."

 

19/1 Scottish farmers in energy plea

Speaking at the On-Farm Energy Generation conference at Ingliston, NFUS Head of Rural Policy Jonnie Hall said there were huge opportunities for farm-based projects to generate much-needed revenue and income.  

Fully developing those opportunities would undoubtedly see Scottish farmers drive Scotland towards its ambitious targets on climate change mitigation.
However, Mr Hall warned that the potential for energy creation on farm would only be unlocked if a simpler and consistent system could be developed to help farm businesses through the maze of grants, tariffs, planning requirements and grid connection.
“Looking at it from a purely financial perspective, there are many reasons why Scottish farm businesses should be considering what contribution renewable energy could make by way of revenue generation or creating new income streams.  

While such decisions are being made at an individual business level, the big picture is that on-farm renewable projects will make a very significant contribution towards Scotland’s climate change targets.

“The problem at farm level, however, is that delivery on key issues such as grant support, tariffs and planning can be confusing and, at times, conflicting.  We have the tools available to take renewables in Scotland to a new level, including the Rural Priorities funding, Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) and the new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) expected this summer.  

“The problem is developing a platform where they can all work together to make a genuine difference,” he said.

14/1 Gassy Gerty puts down roots in the UK

Gerty KWS features a much higher dry matter yield than beet grown for sugar and this helps maximise gas production in biodigestion plants. While most biogas plants are currently fuelled by energy maize, German biogas producers now use high dry matter beet at between 20-35 per cent inclusion rates.

As a result of the registration, UK biogas producers can now also benefit from growing this variety, bred by German beet breeding specialists KWS, this spring to use it in biodigestion plants from next autumn.

Beet is a highly efficient use of land area in terms of sustainability and energy output, explained KWS UK beet specialist, Simon Witheford. Indeed KWS trials across all crop types suggested that beet was as good as it gets in terms of methane yield.

Sugar and, therefore, sugar beet fermented extremely fast and usually in less than 30 days, compared with maize at 60-90 days, he said. This was largely as a result of the fact that 95 per cent of the complete beet plant could be converted into biogas. Types such as Gerty KWS have 11-12 per cent higher DM yields than standard beet for sugar production, and, when these are ensiled in anaerobic conditions, methane yield increases still further.

Mr Witheford confirmed that Gerty KWS would be available direct from KWS and it would be the first of a new batch of varieties from the plant breeder, though due to strong demand supplies would be limited in this first year.

 

13/1 Free insight into solar power

Farming Futures and a South-West PV installer, Solarsense, have announced the speaker line-up for a free half-day “solar energy for farmers” event on January 27 at Worthy Farm - home to the UK's largest privately owner, roof-mounted solar array.

Speakers will include Adam Lockyear, farm conservation adviser and national climate change adviser for FWAG, who will provide an introduction to solar photovoltaics (PV) for farmers. He will be followed by Simon Crichton, from Triodes Bank, who will speak on "Financing solar PV" and Juliet Davenport of Good Energy who will focus on "Selling your electricity".

Other speakers will be Paul Cottington, of the NFU, on "Solar PV in agriculture: on your roofs and in your fields?" and Kerry Burns, of Solarsense, who will talk about "Getting solar PV off the ground - some practical feedback from the Worthy Farm PV installation".

The event will conclude with lunch and a tour of Worthy Farm’s 200kWp solar array.

To book your place for this event, please email Jenny: jstanley@solarsense.co.uk

 

11/1 Region seeks best in green power

Funded by Advantage West Midlands and led by Staffordshire University, RESCO aims to provide businesses in the West Midlands with the support they need to enter or expand into the supply chain markets of low carbon and renewable energy technologies.

By assisting West Midlands companies to identify alternative, high growth markets within the energy sector, it hopes to provide opportunities to for the region to grow into a renewable energy technology provider hub enhancing the local economy and assisting the UK in its move towards a low carbon future.

The project will provide market information, supply chain mapping and analysis, networking opportunities and business support for at least 140 West Midlands businesses during its three-year programme, which will run through to March 2012.

As a RESCO delivery partner, environmental and engineering consultancy Wardell Armstrong will be involved in providing specialist advice, running workshops and helping to develop special interest groups. The consultancy’s remit covers three specialised areas: bio-energy, wind and marine power, and small-scale renewable technologies.

A key aim is to boost the bio-energy sector by bringing more woods back into management, encouraging growers to plant energy crops and researching new ones - as well as making better use of biomass and organic waste.

Rob Hill, principal energy and resource manager with Wardell Armstrong said: “We’re very glad to be making a contribution to encouraging and supporting innovation in this exciting area.

 

6/1 Summit to probe hot topics

 The World Future Energy Summit’s Technology Forum, which will take place on the third day of WFES 2011, will see keynote speeches and insights from leading technology experts and thought-leaders from around the globe as they address persistent issues related to technological advances, challenges and opportunities in renewable energy and how to work together to nurture research and education in this field. 

Keynote speakers will include the president of the ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, USA, Sara Ortwein who leads research aimed at developing breakthrough energy technologies and; and Mark Vachon, vice-president of GE ecomagination, a business initiative created to help meet GE's customers' demand for more energy efficient products and drive reliable growth.

“The forum will address all current and future “hot topics” in renewable energy technology, such as new innovations in solar energy and smart grids, hydrogen, carbon, biofuels and energy storage and I hope it will provide a comprehensive insight into future trends in energy,” said Frederic Theux, president of Reed Exhibitions, the organisers of WFES 2011,

 The World Future Energy Summit will run at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from January 17 to 20.

 

5/1 New solar option for farmers

Developed by Freesource Energy, the so-called “Great British solar energy farm package” works in a similar way to installing a phone mast on farmland.

The farmer receives a regular rental payment from the phone company. The phone company pays for the installation and there is no cost to the farmer.

“In this case the installation is an array of solar panels”, said the company’s managing director Alex Lockton, who pointed out that the offer was subject to conditions and availability

Farmers also had the option to purchase, install, and possess their own solar systems on their farm buildings and land. The company offered free impartial advice to farmers and regularly met local farming communities to discuss the available green energy options, he added.

For more information, farmers should visit the Freesource website at http://www.freesource.co.uk

 

3/1 Renewables grow faster

Global energy bosses from UAE, USA, France, UK, Germany, Denmark and Russia will meet to discuss potential business drivers for renewable energy industry at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011 as it emerges renewable energy capacity growth now exceeds non-renewable growth in the US and Europe.

The WFES was inaugurated in January 2008 to promote innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment.

In 2010, it brought together more than 24,790 attendees from 148 countries including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security and climate change challenges.

Organised by Reed Exhibitions, this year’s event will be held in Abu Dhabi from January 17 to 20 and will include an important Business Forum on the summit’s second day.

The forum will focus on the drivers of the renewable industry growth, commercialisation issues and obstacles faced by the industry in deploying renewable energy solutions.

Frederic Theux, president of Reed Exhibitions, commented: “Business leaders are an integral part of the renewable energy value chain. They form the crucial link between policy makers and technology innovators by commercialising renewable energy projects and discussing with authorities feasible operating regulations to hasten renewable energy deployment globally.

“With the news that the US and Europe are now adding more power capacity from renewable energy sources than non-renewables, this is more pertinent than ever, and it can only be a matter of time before other countries follow suit.”  

 

23/12 Three share major geothermal prize

Three geothermal projects run by Keele University, Newcastle and Durham University and Cofily District Energy in Southampton have won a total of £1.1 million in funding from the government’s Deep Geothermal Challenge Fund’s second round.

Keele University will get £500,000 to drill a 1200m borehole to provide geothermal heat for their proposed sustainable campus, while £400,000 will go to a Newcastle/Durham University project to fund the drilling, hydraulic testing and geophysical logging of a 2km deep borehole at ‘Science Central’, a large development in central Newcastle.

Cofily District Energy Limited is getting £200,000 to part-fund the refit of the Southampton deep geothermal well.

Speaking yesterday, energy and climate change minister Greg Barker said yesterday: “I want to ensure that geothermal energy – which is both renewable and can be produced locally – can become one of the energy technologies of the future.

“This announcement is an exciting step forward in making this happen here in the UK, and I’m looking forward to seeing these innovative projects get off the ground and working. Geothermal sources in the South West of the UK alone have the potential to meet 2% of the country’s annual electricity demand”.

The first round challenge concentrated on deep geothermal power and the two successful Cornwall-based projects continue to move ahead today. This second round has concentrated on heat-only projects.

 

22/12 Minister looks for growth in micro-generation

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker is today launching a formal consultation document on the UK coalition government’s Microgeneration Strategy, which it hoes will provide the seeds for growth.

The government believes small-scale renewable energy plants could help people reduce bills and become more energy self-sufficient, while also helping the country meet its climate change targets. 

When coupled with the roll out of smart meters and the Green Deal – the coalition’s national energy efficiency programme – it says small-scale power generation could help to reduce bills and make people more energy self sufficient.

The strategy will investigate how to overcome the barriers to increase consumer confidence and sustainably grow the industry following confirmation of financial support in the Spending Review through the Renewable Heat Incentive and Feed In Tariffs. 

Mr Barker said: “I am planting the seeds for growth so we can see small scale energy generation flourish in homes, businesses and communities. All elements of the industry, from standards and access to information to technology and skills must be ready to deliver and grow.

“We’ve already pledged financial support to encourage people to install kit like solar panels and heat pumps, today’s consultation will ensure that the industry and consumers have the confidence to invest.”

 

16/12 RHI announcement delayed

Lord Marland, the parliamentary under secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), has confirmed that the level of the Renewable Heat Incentive will not be announced before Christmas. The Government had previously said that it would be made public by then.

However, the Minister did reiterate the government’s support for anaerobic digestion, and made clear his determination for the industry to expand and take in more waste streams.

Speaking at the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) National Conference on December 15, Lord Marland praised the effort of ADBA members and the wider industry in building markets so far, and said that the government looked forward to working with them to further develop the sector.

ADBA chairman Lord Redesdale said that while it was “obviously disappointing” that the RHI announcement was delayed, he “welcomed the constructive approach shown by the Minister and the Government more widely”.

Lord Redesdale continued: “Lord Marland spoke openly and reiterated the Government’s commitment to the AD industry, and his willingness to take questions and answer honestly is a good sign for the government’s approach.

“We hope that they will continue this constructive dialogue with industry as the framework document for AD is put together, and that the RHI level will be announced as soon as possible.”

 

2/12 Biogas conference to tackle hot points

As the UK reaches a critical crossroads regarding energy policy and climate change, it is important for both the government and industry to understand where biogas fits into the bigger picture to maximise the value of this sector, says the Anaerobic Digestion Business Association (ADBA), which is holding a national conference in London on December 15. With the current debate over Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) rates and the challenges the country is facing in key areas such as waste collection, gas-to-grid injection, using biomethane as a vehicle fuel and opportunities for digestate, the ADBA Conference 2010 is being seen as a key opportunity to understand and debate the key issues and policies affecting businesses. Speakers will include Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) minister Greg Barker and ADBA chief executive Charlotte Morton. "With our insight into government policy and extensive industry expertise, this event will help everybody involved in the industry develop optimal AD strategies and explain how they can overcome the barriers that threaten to limit the value of AD", said an ADBA spokeswoman. The conference will be held at One Great George Street, Westminster on December 15.
See http://www.adbiogas.co.uk for further details. .

 

25/11 Hydropower opportunities identified

A Hydropower Survey commissioned by RENEW was completed by babyHydro from March to September 2010 through a desk-based survey of both valleys using Hydrobot, a remote hydro modelling software owned and developed by babyHydro, followed by several physical site visits.

In total, 167 financially viable schemes were identified, representing an installed capacity of 11.76MW.

These schemes were then screened by scrutinising the proposed layout on a map and 89 sites were found to be technically feasible with a total installed capacity of 5.47MW.
A number of key sites were identified on the River Tyne including Featherstone Castle and Swinhope Burn in Northumberland, that have the potential to generate up to 200kW. The River Wear also proved to be attractive for developers with one site in Durham city rated at a potential 221kw.
Ben Collard from RENEW said: “The survey has demonstrated that the Wear and Tyne catchments, while not being hydro hotspots, have a considerable number of attractive sites for development by landowners or communities. The event also enabled us to explain to interested parties that since the introduction of the Feed-in-tariffs scheme in April 2010 payback periods for hydro schemes are now shorter, making them more attractive and financially rewarding than ever before.”

 

16/11 More collaboration needed in EU

There is an urgent need for EU countries to work together to produce an energy policy including all the renewable technologies that provided both security and an independent supply of energy, said Mr Sauer.

Speaking at a conference on “Agricultural Biogas - Production and Use” organised in London today by the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Mr Sauer said a non-fossil fuel energy policy depended upon a new flexible EU-wide energy network that could cope with the different flows of power provided by renewable energy, with each country doing its bit.

“We must collaborate and share our know-how more, because whether we like it, or not, we are all in this together.”

Other speakers at the conference included UK National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC) land and agriculture manager Lucy Hopwood, Johan Grope, of the German Biogas Research Centre, and Thomas Siegmund, from the German Federal Association of Bio-energy)

Several German companies involved in building anaerobic digestion plants and generating biogas also attended the event.

 

15/11 Green light for Northumberland wind farm

UK energy minister Charles Hendry, has given the go-ahead for a 56MW onshore wind farm on the Ray Estate near Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland and the construction of a 900 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station at West Marsh Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire.

Announcing the Section 36 consents, Mr Hendry said: “Wind farms have a key role to play in boosting energy security and cutting carbon emissions, as long as they are well designed and appropriately sited. Developers at Ray expect the wind farm to provide enough green electricity to power around a quarter of Northumberland’s households”.

A key condition to the Spalding gas consent is that sufficient space remains available adjacent to the power station to allow for the retrofit of carbon capture plant at a later date.

“Not only will the plant in Spalding provide a significant amount of base load electricity, the waste heat could also be used locally. We have made it a condition of the consent that the developers must install the necessary plant and pipework to enable the station to supply waste heat to local users if the opportunity to do so materialises,” said the minister.

 

10/11 Solar farm seeks approval

Just a few miles from Cambridge, Bourn Solar Farm could be one of the first solar farms in the UK and vogt solar aims to plan, develop and operate it in consultation with the local community.

Part of a German group, which is recognised as a pioneer of the established photovoltaic (PV) industry on the Continent, the company was founded in 2009 to be a local partner for the UK solar market.

Sue Sutcliffe, business development manager at vogt solar, said: “We understand how important it is to engage with people in an open and accessible way and with help from Consense we are confident of achieving this.”

Consense will manage the engagement process, from initial planning, messaging and strategy to organising a public exhibition, running online consultation and providing full reporting on feedback.

See the online consultation at www.bournsolarfarm.co.uk.

 

 9/11 UK project financing for AD plant

A team of six lawyers comprising finance, projects, energy and property experts from Scottish-based Brodies LLP has completed the project financing of the new 1MW anaerobic digestion plant at Carr Farm in Lancashire, advising The Co-operative Bank plc which provided the loan for the plant.

The development is considered to be particularly important as the UK Government is now consulting on the 'grandfathering' of ROC support of bio-energy projects and has indicated that it is minded to grandfather anaerobic digestion plants.

Keith Patterson, head of projects at Brodies LLP and a member of its renewable energy group, said: "The development of the market has been hampered by the unpredictability of fuel supply arrangements and the unavailability of finance.

“However,” he added, “the combination of grandfathering and the completion of the first project-financed scheme could prove the spur the sector needs to start to follow through on the sector's potential.”

See www.brodies.com

 

9/11 Solar PV warning

While admitting that solar PV was very appealing because a project could be up and running much quicker than other renewable alternatives, Mr Morgan warned that investors should follow some basics ground rules before spending any money.

“Bear in mind that in this rapidly growing market, two years ago there were 200 installers of PV, now there are 600, “which means 400 have just appeared and examining their credentials has to be a good start,” said Mr Morgan at the first of a series of AMC- sponsored “The Truth About…” events which aim to dispel common myths and give farmers and landowners the correct information for renewable investment projects.

He advised investors to also check that their roof was strong enough to support PV panels and that the instalkers were MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited or else they would not qualify for the Feed-in Tariff payment.

It was also important to get a proper site assessment first, because any shade on the panels could reduce the effectiveness of a whole array’s effectiveness.

See www.7y.co.uk for further information.

 

14/09 Probe into renewable transport fuel

Consultants have been appointed by the Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) to review the impact of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) on UK industry. The assignment will cover the biofuels supply chain including agriculture, obligated companies such as fuel suppliers, and non-obligated companies including biofuels producers. A spokesman for the consultancy, FiveBarGate, said the project would cover the costs and benefits of the RTFO, as well as analysing market costs. It would include a series of meetings with market participants, as well as a stakeholder workshop, which will take place in London on October 4. It is anticipated that the assignment will be completed by the end of October.

 

13/09 New wind farm for Scotland

Scotland's Minister Jim Mather has just opened one of the UK's largest wind farms near Dunbar. Crystal Rig II consists of 60 Siemens 2.3MW turbines representing a total capacity of 138MW, taking the total Crystal Rig wind farm to 200MW. The wind farm is connected directly in to the high voltage line running through the site and represents almost 10% of Scotland's operational wind capacity (as of August 2010). The turbines are sited predominately to the west of the existing Crystal Rig Wind Farm with turbines both within the Scottish Borders Council and the East Lothian Council. Dunbar is the closest town (approximately 10 km from the wind farm). The nearest village is Cranshaws (5.5 km south-southeast of the wind farm). The site takes Fred.Olsen Renewables' wind portfolio up to 315MW, making it the country's largest non-utility based developer.

 

13/09 All together now for 'green' energy

More than half the population in Scotland (51%), particularly those aged between 18 and 34, would be interested in helping to set up and run a community-led energy project, according to a recent MORI poll. The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition, also found that the majority of those surveyed (73%) felt that the Government should provide financial support to companies looking to set up their own renewable energy schemes, for example windfarms and hydro-electric generation projects. Antonia Swinson, chief executive of the coalition, said: "These are significant findings, showing a real appetite for community-led projects and could have a considerable contribution to future economic sustainability of Scotland's communities." Nicholas Gubbins, chief executive of Community Energy Scotland, said: "This poll confirms our daily experience of working with hundreds of community groups across Scotland on their renewable energy projects. "There is tremendous enthusiasm at community level. Scotland is leading the way in drawing in the benefits to communities from renewable energy. It's vital that we keep this momentum going."