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YouGen Blog
A giant gain for wind power: World's biggest wind turbines go online near Liverpool
Posted by Richard Vale on 24 May 2017 at 9:51 am
On a momentous day for renewable technology, the biggest and most powerful wind turbines in the world have begun generating electricity off the Liverpool coast. Dong Energy, from Denmark, has installed 32 turbines in Liverpool Bay, each standing at an impressive 195m tall. To put this into pe…
Petition rallies support for onshore wind energy
Posted by Trish O'Flynn on 28 October 2016 at 10:31 am
Thousands of people across the UK have signed a petition in support of clean energy – will you join them? 10:10 are asking members of the public to sign a petition to let Philip Hammond know that they object to policies that favour fossil fuels over clean energy. The charity says th…
Is the future of wind energy as high as a kite?
Posted by Jason Ramsdale on 4 October 2016 at 12:05 pm
Wind energy is often criticised for being unreliable. However, there is almost always wind blowing in the UK - it's just a little higher up than we currently reach. High above the friction with the ground, high altitude winds are stronger and much more stable than those close to gro…
Is my garden windy enough for a wind turbine?
Posted by Alex Barrett on 20 June 2016 at 10:05 am
Generating energy from a wind turbine seems like a great way to save on your energy bills. But how windy does your area need to be in order for a turbine to be viable? How do you measure wind speed and which are the windiest parts of the UK? We have a long history of using wind turbines to po…
Can we make wind turbines more sensitive to bats?
Posted by Anna Carlini on 4 May 2016 at 12:15 pm
A well-known downside of wind turbines is that they pose a small risk to our airborne wildlife: birds and bats. Over the years, many voices have protested against turbine constructions because of this fear. We need to reduce our impact on the habitats of rare species. So should we avoid putting w…
Three feed-in tariff caps exceeded within one day
Posted by Anna Carlini on 17 February 2016 at 9:30 am
Three capacity caps were reached on the first day that new applications for the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) were assessed. The new caps, which came into force 8 February, limit the number of installations eligible to receive the given FiT rate in each quarter. If the maximum is reached, unsuccessful app…
New Hornsea 1.2GW wind farm off Yorkshire coast will help power up to 1 million homes
Posted by Anna Carlini on 8 February 2016 at 9:50 am
The Yorkshire coast is preparing to host the world’s largest off-shore windfarm after the deal made with Danish energy giant DONG. The project is unprecedented in size and cements the UK’s presence at the forefront of offshore technology. The present first and second largest offsh…
Using the new Ace community energy projects support tool
Posted by Alex Steeland on 16 March 2015 at 11:45 am
If you’re thinking of setting up a community energy project, the Ace for Communities online tool is designed to help. This new tool, developed by the National Energy Foundation, provides detailed ideas, tips and real life case study examples on a wide range of community engagement activitie…
How do I set up a community energy project?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 4 March 2015 at 9:20 am
First things first: the fact that you’re even asking this shows you’re ambitious and that is good. You are embarking on a thorny and complicated journey and there will be many challenges along the way. But take heart! It is a journey many others have successfully trodden before and he…
MCS strengthens procedures - but will it kill the cowboys?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 17 November 2014 at 12:10 pm
Knowing that your installer (and the product they are installing) is going to do a good job is always important. In a new industry, with unfamiliar products and taxpayers money available to support it, it's even more important. This is exactly what the Microgeneration Certification …
Feed-in tariff rates from 1 April announced
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 20 February 2014 at 9:50 am
The new feed-in tariffs from 1 April 2014 are now available. For new applicants after that date the rate will degress (reduce) for the first time since July last year. New installations of 4kW or less will get 14.38p per kWh. Existing recipients of the feed-in tariff will get their annual cost of…
Community groups 'disappointed' with government's energy strategy
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 7 February 2014 at 9:19 am
The government’s new community energy strategy has been given a lukewarm welcome by groups who have already developed their own community energy schemes. Kevin Frea, part of the Halton Lune community hydro project and a director of LESS CIC, an energy saving community interest…
Will installing a wind turbine affect my RHI application for a heat pump?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 4 October 2013 at 9:36 am
Q: We have installed a ground source heat pump and will be applying for the renewable heat incentive (RHI). We are now considering installing a wind turbine. How will this interact with our heat pump RHI application, if at all? Our EPC rating will improve with a turbine and as I understand it RHI…
The UK's most energy-efficient period properties throw open their doors
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 11 September 2013 at 11:01 am
If you’re considering refurbishing your energy-guzzling period property to make it run more efficiently then here’s a chance to see how others have done it first. SuperHomes Open Days is a countrywide open house scheme where owners of 54 older, retrofitted homes throw open their d…
How to position your pole-mounted micro-wind turbine for best performance
Posted by Jason Hobbins on 28 June 2013 at 9:25 am
Location is everything, according to Phil and Kirsty. This is especially true of wind turbines, which if sited correctly will be an electricity-generating workhorse that will have earned its keep in less than 7 years. Variables including wind direction and wind energy levels means it&rs…
Reader's tip of the month - May 2013
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 31 May 2013 at 11:13 am
Retired, and living in a detached dorma bungalow built in the 1960s with almost no insulation, Tony Seaford and his wife were interested in reducing their domestic carbon footprint as much as they could without moving. "After double glazing and cavity wall insulation, we spent £800…
Why are wind turbines so ridiculously expensive?
Posted by David Hunt on 18 December 2012 at 3:22 pm
Q: For £5,995+VAT (advert NFU Farmer & Grower page 69 July 2012) I can buy a 34kW diesel generator (four cylinder Cummins diesel engine, Stamford alternator, diesel tank, radiator, frame, controls etc) whereas a 6kW wind turbine costs >£20k. Why are wind turbines so expensive - the mast? - the …
Review of Amelec Intelligent Solar Switch
Posted by Chris Rudge on 17 December 2012 at 9:27 am
For the cost, this looks to be really good value. The Amelec Eco2 Solar Switch is housed in a standard electrical housing such as used for consumer units and the like. As can be seen from the photo, it also has a standard DIN rail for fitting your selection of MCB/ RCD depending on application …
4 things to consider before installing a domestic wind power
Posted by Dave Houston on 14 September 2012 at 9:31 am
Wind turbines are a Marmite technology - you either love them or hate them. Whichever way you feel, they are still a credible source of energy for the home if you have a good site, so the pros and cons deserve serious consideration prior to installation. 1. Visual impact on the land…
Are the big energy companies obliged to take on new FIT generators?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 5 December 2011 at 9:22 am
Q: I am trying to sort out a FiT (feed-in tariff) supplier. I have emailed all the suppliers shown on the Ofgem website with a range of questions. As far as I can make out only two of the big suppliers will pay the feed-in tariff if you are supplied by one of the other big suppliers (British Gas and…
