UK homes and businesses can already apply for the recent feed-in tariff for small renewable energy generation.
Renewable microgeneration
“By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon. I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing. Together we will create a marketplace for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people trust,” Barker says.
The consultation on the Microgeneration Strategy will look at four areas for development:
- Quality: ensure consumers have confidence that equipment and installation is reliable and adheres to the highest standards;
- Technology: examine how to improve products through more trialling of technologies new to the UK;
- Skills: develop the microgeneration supply chain to ensure it is properly equipped with the right people to meet the expected rise in demand, as well as creating and sustaining jobs in the UK; and
- Advice: provide more accessible advice and information about microgeneration to homeowners, communities and small businesses.
Chief Executive of the Micropower Council, Dave Sowden, says: “We’re delighted the Government is embarking on the development of a new vision for a true mass market UK microgeneration industry and bring sustainable energy self-production in reach of every citizen.”
The focus of the Microgeneration Strategy will be electricity generation technologies including renewable energy less than 50 kW in size, and heat generating technologies less than 300 kW in size.
This includes:
- Air, ground and water source heat pumps
- Solar photovoltaics (PV)
- Solar thermal water heating
- Biomass boilers
- Micro Combined heat and power (micro CHP)
- Micro wind turbines
- Fuel cells
- Micro hydro schemes
- Passive flue gas recovery devices