last updated 24th August 05
By 4ecotips

EST to examine potential role

The Energy Saving Trust is to examine the role of microgeneration in the UK's future energy strategy under an arrangement with the UK Department of Trade & Industry. The study is expected to be completed in a couple of months.

Microgeneration is an environmentally friendly method of producing heat and power on a small scale - it includes technologies such as solar panels, small-scale wind turbines and fuel cells.

The study and analysis will help to inform the UK Government's consultation on: 'Microgeneration strategy and low carbon buildings programme'. It will review current market barriers, identify the most cost effective measures to help microgeneration technologies and assist in developing a strategy to create the right competitive environment for these technologies.

Philip Sellwood, EST’s chief executive, says: “Large power stations which distribute to users hundreds of miles away lose a significant proportion of power in transmission and distribution. Micropower appliances, on the other hand, are situated close to their users and are far more energy efficient, with most releasing no carbon dioxide.

“A microgeneration strategy could offer a range of benefits to the UK - including strengthening the security of our energy supply by reducing our dependence on oil and coal. Using a mixture of these technologies could also make a significant impact in our ability to combat climate change. However, so far, there has been limited uptake of the technologies because of market failures and cost and legislative barriers."

Kathryn Newelll, Assistant Director, Building and Community Renewables at the DTI, says: “As an organisation with significant understanding of the UK energy system and incentive mechanisms within the microgeneration sector, the Energy Saving Trust is well placed to conduct a thorough and well balanced piece of research."