last updated 20th July 05
By 4ecotips

Thousands of homeowners to be encouraged down this route

Mini-power stations in homes which produce electricity and hot water and export power to the grid will replace many of the country's giant power generating plants, according to Malcolm Wicks, the UK Energy Minister.

In a report by Guardian environment correspondent, Paul Brown, Wicks is hoping to encourage thousands of householders to install micro-generators as an answer to fears over a shortage of home-grown energy and increasing carbon dioxide emissions.

He said at the launch of a government consultation on the plants that many households could be self-sufficient and make money by selling surplus electricity. “There could come a day when many people will receive a cheque alongside their energy bill.”

Joining the debate about the need for low-carbon electricity, the Green Alliance and some thinktanks have said that micro-generation would provide a better return on investment than new nuclear power stations.

However, although the Government's plans were broadly welcomed by environment groups and industry, those most closely involved in providing the new technology were disappointed. They said Government targets were needed to spur the economies of scale that would make mini-power plants a viable alternative energy source.

Dave Sowden, chief executive of the Micropower Council, said: “We had hoped the Government would ... consult on the detail of policy measures to bring micro-generation to the mass market.”