December 2006
Support For Microgeneration
Progress has been made this year in the implementation of the national Microgeneration Strategy (published March 2006). The strategy covers renewable energy and other low carbon technologies that are likely to play an increasing role in providing us with locally generated heat and power.
The strategy has also charted progress towards market viability and identified the barriers to take-up.
Renewables Obligation Certificates
These are a subsidy available for all registered renewable electricity generation sites, the number eligible relating to the amount of electricity generated. They are available to small generators but have been difficult to access, so from April 2007 agents can be appointed to aggregate production from small generators including householders. You too could register as an agent and claim ROCs for yourself and your neighbours or the local community.
Export Rewards
When small generators export surplus electricity to the grid they more than usually get paid nothing or a less than fair price. Under the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 suppliers are required to offer a fair price to small exporters and agreement on a scheme has nearly been reached with the DTI. This will begin to make it more attractive to invest in microrenewables. For the medium term other schemes are being explored to give better returns for specific technologies that are further away from market viability.
Householder Planning ‘Permitted Development’ Rights
The recent Barker Review of Land Use planning recommends that "permitted development rights should be widened to help combat climate change. In particular, proposals to extend rights to domestic microgeneration should be extended to commercial settings". Signs of chaning government attitudes suggest that this will be accepted although there remains uncertainty around micro wind turbines.
Zero Carbon Homes
In Gordon Brown’s recent pre-budget statement he announced an aspiration that by 2016 all new homes would be built as zero carbon homes. To encourage the industry to move faster, from February 2007 all such homes will have zero stamp duty when bought.
In welcoming the announcement, Philip Wolfe, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association said:
"It's vital that the Government also starts work now to ensure that the next revision of the Building Regulations in 2009 makes a giant step forwards in delivering this 2016 zero carbon goal. Already, many of our member companies are working closely with volume house builders to slash carbon emissions by using on-site renewable energy systems. The Government now needs to do more to promote current best practice and ensure that the next Part L revision requires on site renewables such as solar, biomass, micro wind and heat pumps in every new development."
Low Carbon Buildings Programme Grant
Do you want to get a grant to install renewable energy plant at your home? There has been such an enthusiastic take up of grants by householders that money has been switched from other parts of the programme to maintain support. Nevertheless it is expected the £6.2m will run out by mid 2008 and it is possible that the level of grants may be reduced to stretch funds further.
If you want a grant get a quote and apply sooner rather than later. Full details are at the LCBP website.
Details of LCBP Phase 2 Grants (public bodies / charities) have just been announced by the DTI. The £50m fund will be allocated over the next 18 months. Seven ‘Framework’ companies (BG, EON, Dulas, Solar Century, Filsol Solar, Renewable Energy Systems and Glen Dimplex) will supply and install products under five technologies: solar PV, solar hot water, wind, biomass and ground source heat pumps. Grant rates for applicants range between 30% and 50%.
The programme aims to stimulate the market for certain microgeneration technologies so that at the programme’s close they can be commercially supplied to the market at a lower price than at present.
For further details go to the LCBP Phase 2 website.
Print this page