ecoConnect and over 200 diverse organisations have signed a letter to PM David Cameron and DPM Nick Clegg asking them to ensure their Government provides clear and consistent leadership on renewable energy [2].
See the letter: www.r-e-a.net/news/letter-to-pm-and-dpm-urging-clarity-on-renewables-growth-and-support
The letter follows growing concerns about the slow pace and complexity of DECC’s policy framework and a series of interventions by the Treasury, creating confusion about Government objectives and leaving key renewable power technologies without the clarity they need. The recently published Renewables Obligation (RO) Banding document was meant to define support levels for renewable power technologies until 2017 [3]. However, onshore wind, solar power and anaerobic digestion now have a year or less of forward visibility.
Illustrating the strength and breadth of support for the renewable energy agenda, the letter has been signed by signatories as diverse as investors Novusmodus and Climate Change Capital, the TUC’s Frances O’Grady, the University and College Union, the NFU, environmentalist Tony Juniper and major companies npower renewables and Fred Olsen. The letter has also been signed by several associations, from the REA and Solar Trade Association to the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association and the Country Land and Business Association.
REA Chief Executive Gaynor Hartnell said:
“The reasons for doing renewables have evolved over the decades. Right now we are on the cusp of pure economics being the main driver. Even the least developed renewable technologies are on a par with carbon capture and storage and nuclear power, and in fact most renewables are significantly cheaper. Our leaders must see the sense in this, and ensure the UK is not left behind.”
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) is sending a letter to Government urging: that the Treasury systematically and publicly appreciates the long-term benefits of investment in renewable energy, not just the short-term costs. Also to clarity on support levels for investors in all renewable power technologies under the RO, and under EMR. Finally, that the Coalition Government is committed to the popular and successful Feed-in Tariff scheme.
Please sign this letter as we have (CEO levels please). To do so send an email of support to Leonie Greene, Head of External Affairs at REA: lgreene@r-e-a.net. Deadline is this Wednesday
Let us hear feedback! The Government’s response to Feed-in Tariffs Comprehensive Review Phase 2B: Tariffs for non-PV technologies and scheme administration issues has now been published.
These include the Government’s final decisions on tariffs for new anaerobic digestion, hydro, wind and micro-CHP installations, which will take effect from 1 December 2012, and on a range of other proposals included in phase 2B of the review.
Full details can be found on the Feed-in Tariffs Comprehensive Review Phase 2B Consultation page and there is also a Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Further information on the scheme in general can be found on the website -www.decc.gov.uk/FITs
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for industrial, commercial, public sector and not-for-profit and community installations will open its doors for applications from Monday 28 November 2011. This follows the successful passage of the revised RHI Regulations through Parliament this week. Read the release from DECC and comments from The Renewable Energy Association’s Gaynor Hartnell.
See the RHI release with comments from Gaynor Hartnell from The Renewable Energy Association
Whether or not you agree with or even understand the concept of what the Green Deal is about, what is clearly evident are the potential business opportunities for this program,.
But also the high level of confusion around how to engage with it.
We have formed this group to do something about it. The Green Deal Business Network will help you find / make connections and build effective partnerships to support and engage with the Green Deal program. We welcome your participation.
Click on http://linkd.in/rGK8ia or look for Green Deal Business Network in LinkedIn Groups.
With new evidence that cuts to solar subsidies are leading to layoffs, two Government Committees are now opening inquiries into Government support for the industry. It looks like employers are not only revising their employment growth plans, but are actually set to cut employment in the emerging small scale solar sector. A survey of 140 companies (4,055 workers) found that half (56%) would cut their workforce if the cuts to the feed in tariff went ahead as planned.
The firms surveyed by the Solar Trade Association (FT, 8 November 2011) look likely to shed around 1,700 jobs. Projects in the social housing sector will be especially hard hit, with over 31,000 installations cancelled and only 1,441 proceeding. The tariff changes will take place on 12 December, 11 days before the end of the current DECC consultation. This has led to a serious threat of legal action by environmental NGOs if the Government sticks to this plan.
The Environmental Audit Committee and Energy and Climate Change Committee are calling for evidence on the Feed-in Tariffs for small-scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy, with a view to hearing oral evidence later this month.
ecoConnect seeks to determine your views on the UK Government’s proposals for green and low carbon industry (cleantech).
We greatly value your input and would appreciate you taking one or two minutes to complete our pulse survey on 7 multiple choice questions concerning the impact of Government policy on UK cleantech industry.
Here is the Link to the survey http://svy.mk/omUho5
We will publish and make available the results in a few weeks time, the results will also be distributed to policy makers in DECC, Defra, BIS, Treasury and Transport Departments.
Your views are very important and we urge your participation!
The UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) last week published its decision on the FIT Review consultation. The Government has decided to proceed with its decision to slash the FIT rates for installations with a declared net capacity of greater than 50kW. There has been some better news for small-scale Anaerobic Digestion (AD), with an increase in FIT rates. The full decision document can be found here: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/fit_review/fit_review.aspx.
Read Industry Impact Summary Here
ecoConnect has joined a diverse group supporters of solar from major NGOs, industry, farming, the construction sector, social housing, community groups and trade unions who last week submitted an open letter to the Prime Minister urging him to intervene in the Treasury funding cap that threatens to derail the UK’s solar power prospects. READ MORE HERE – ecoConnect Supports Solar Industry June 2011
ecoConnect believes that the concept of building a green industrial economy is not an option; it is a government and business imperative for ensuring prosperity and the UK’s economic and environmental survival.