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A new world record for tidal power generation
Posted by Louisa Clarke on 11 September 2017 at 10:30 am
As many of you will know, we love keeping up to date with advances in renewable energy. At the end of August, the Pentland Firth tidal project in Scotland broke the world record for monthly electricity production by tidal power. The MeyGen project developed by the marine power generators ‘A…
How green is Hydroelectricity?
Posted by Alex Barrett on 5 May 2017 at 4:24 pm
Large hydropower schemes account for the majority of the world’s renewable energy supply. Unlike wind and solar, hydroelectricity can provide a constant stream of renewable power, regardless of the weather or the time of year. Hydroelectric dams can be used to store power, and can quickly b…
Can we generate 100% of our energy from renewables?
Posted by Alex Barrett on 11 November 2016 at 11:46 am
In early May of 2016 Portugal covered all of its electricity demand for four days using only renewable sources, energy prices in Germany briefly turned negative, as renewables met almost all of the demand for a day, and the UK didn't use any coal fired power stations at all during several low…
Feed-in tariffs on rocky ground
Posted by Helena Ripley on 3 September 2015 at 10:50 am
The department for energy and climate change (DECC) has started a consultation on the future of feed-in tariffs (FiTs). The government is looking at phasing out the subsidy by 2018/19 but if the scheme can’t be put on an “affordable or sustainable footing” then payments of the g…
How does degression work with FiTs?
Posted by Sharon Russell-Verma on 24 July 2015 at 2:25 pm
If you have installed a renewable energy technology or low carbon technology in the past few years and you are receiving Feed-in Tariff (FiT) payments then you may have come across the term degression. But what exactly is a degression, what is its purpose and how does it work? What is degress…
Abstraction licence fees rise for small scale hydroelectric schemes
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 23 March 2015 at 4:30 pm
I was chatting with Peter Downs from Itteringham Mill about his hydroelectric project when the matter of abstraction licences came up. An abstraction licence is a legal requirement for anyone who removes more than 20 cubic metres of water from a public source per day. This covers pretty much …
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…
Heat pumps and hydro electricity: how to get your energy from a river
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 12 March 2015 at 12:25 pm
When a river runs right past your house, as in Liz and Peter Downs’s case, it makes sense to use that water to heat and power your home. The Downs bought Itteringham Mill, a 1778 Norfolk watermill in 2004 with the intention of turning it into a bed and breakfast with holiday cottages a…
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 …
How do I calculate the feed-in tariff for a hydropower project?
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 5 March 2014 at 10:46 am
Q I am considering creating a new hydropower scheme. Can you please explain how to calculate the feed-in tariff for a small hydropower project? A Under the government’s new community energy strategy, greater financial incentives have become available for groups looking to generate power…
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…
Community hydro power project close to realisation
Posted by Tasha Kosviner on 5 November 2013 at 12:20 pm
The water that is regularly let out of the Dove Stone reservoir used to tumble, unchecked, into the River Tame. The so-called compensation flow was simply part of United Utilities obligations in maintaining the reservoir and was of scant interest to local residents so long as the water …
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…
Otter and Kingfisher are regular visitors to hydro system
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 16 March 2012 at 12:05 pm
The range of wildlife species has increased at Devon Wildlife Trust's (DWT) new offices at Cricklepit Mill, Exeter, since it installed a hydro electricity system. The impact on fish is often one of the greatest concerns for hydro installations - and one o…
Hydro turbine generates nearly a third of Devon Wildlife Trust's power
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 2 March 2012 at 9:14 am
When Devon Wildlife Trust moved into historic Cricklepit Mill in Exeter, it decided to use the Anglo Saxon mill leat to generate electricity. In 2010 it installed a an Ecowave cross flow micro-hydro turbine, manufactured in nearby Crewkerne. There have been watermills on the spot since 12…
Feed-in tariff accreditation for micro-hydro to be reviewed
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 9 September 2011 at 9:05 am
Micro hydro and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) have had a rocky start. The MCS is designed to protect domestic consumers and covers small scale installations. Access to government incentives such as the feed-in tariff and the renewable heat incentive (RHI) are subject to both the ins…
Strict enforcement of G83/1 restricts installation of 4kWp solar PV
Posted by Chris Rudge on 30 August 2011 at 9:54 am
Many installers may have already encountered the newly enforced grid connected inverter G83/1 requirements recently. In simple terms, all the District Network Operators (DNO's) have finally got together and are now insisting that all installations should completely comply with G83/1 requireme…
Beware: receiving grants from public funds may make you ineligible for feed-in tariffs
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 18 August 2011 at 8:52 am
The feed-in tariff is intended to replace grants from public funds as the main way of incentivising microgeneration. So anyone awarded a public grant to install or buy generating equipment is in danger of not being eligible for the feed-in tariff (unless they repay the grant). There are some exem…
What is the aim of the feed-in tariff? And what do you think it should be?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 24 June 2011 at 12:20 pm
Ask 10 people what the aim of the feed-in tariff is, and you'll probably get 10 different answers, at least that's the impression I got at this week's MicrogenerationUK conference. DECC officials were speaking about the renewable heat incentive and the feed-in tariff at a session on financing…
Which energy company is the most helpful about the feed-in tariff
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 28 April 2011 at 9:44 am
Choosing your feed-in tariff supplier is important. Their efficiency, or lack of it, will affect how quickly and accurately you get paid for the electricity you generate, and you don't have to use the same supplier as you use to buy electricity. A recent blog outlined the questions you sh…
Six small wind turbines gain MCS; micro-hydro still 'in transition'
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 20 January 2011 at 10:50 am
Small wind turbines and micro-hydro systems have been the anomaly in the MCS system since the feed-in tariff was introduced in April last year. For an installation to be eligible for the financial incentive both products and installers must be accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (…
Selling the electricity you generate to the grid
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 20 August 2010 at 10:13 am
The feed-in tariff has made it simpler to sell the electricity you generate, but don't use in the house, back to the grid. It has set standard rates to be paid for electricity generated which are dependent on type of technology and size of system, and all exported electricity is paid at 3p per kWh. …
Feed-in tariff for early adopters: an update
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 6 August 2010 at 10:28 am
Prior to the general election, the Conservatives promised that early adopters of microgeneration technologies would receive full feed-in tariffs (and not the much lower 9p rate currently on offer). Since the coalition government formed there has been a deafening silence from Whitehall on the subject…
Early adopters and the feed-in tariff: an update
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 12 July 2010 at 10:05 am
The Conservative party promised, prior to the election, that early adopters of microgeneration will get the feed-in tariffs. Since the election the silence on the subject has been deafening. Until now. An early adopter has just sent me this letter from DECC: "As set out in the Coalition Progr…
Can I get the feed-in tariff and a grant?
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 7 July 2010 at 12:15 pm
Community groups and schools that received Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP) phase 2 grants have been told that if they want to receive the feed-in tariff they will have to pay the grant back. As many of them went ahead and installed in the belief that they would be entitled to the feed-in …
Feed-in tariffs: how to claim them
Posted by John Martin on 5 July 2010 at 9:39 am
Feed-in tariffs are now up and running and many people are keen to take advantage of the potential returns. This is a guide to how to qualify and apply to receive these payments. If you are applying for an installation commissioned after 1 April 2010 you will need to ensure the following: …
Ashden Award winner an inspiration for community energy schemes
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 2 July 2010 at 12:12 pm
Energy use on the Isle of Eigg is half the national average and carbon emissions have fallen by 47% since the islanders switched to renewable energy. The islanders' pioneering approach has won them the 2010 UK Ashden Award, and you can watch the video case study here. Until Febuary 2008 each …
MCS explained, plus quick guide for wannabe installers
Posted by John Martin on 14 May 2010 at 9:58 am
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) appears to be suffering in a similar way as the Gas accreditation scheme did when it was introduced. It is shrouded in mystery, with rumour-mongers spreading the word that 'none shall pass' and that 'its only for large companies'. This situatio…
EDM adds weight to campaign for equal rates for microgeneration pioneers
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 12 March 2010 at 9:29 am
Sixty seven MPs have signed early day motion 953 calling for equal clean energy cashback (feed-in tariff) for pioneer microgenerators. You can check whether your MP is one of them on the parliament website. If not, why not ask them to sign it. The easiest way to do this is at Write to Them. The m…
Three ways we could improve UK feed in tariffs
Posted by Matthew Rhodes on 22 February 2010 at 9:17 pm
I am a stalwart supporter of feed in tariffs, and anticipate a revolution in UK microgeneration in the next few months as a result. Their introduction is long overdue. However, on Monday I sat through a lengthy discussion both of feed in tariffs (FiTs) and the proposed renewable heat incentiv…
Conservatives support fair treatment for all microgenerators
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 17 February 2010 at 9:07 am
If elected, the Conservatives will pay early adopters of microgeneration technologies the same rate of Clean Energy Cashback (the government's new financial incentive for renewable generation) as new installers according to a new campaigning website. Charles Hendry, the shadow minister for energy…
Feed-in tariff scheme is shortsighted
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 8 February 2010 at 12:46 pm
A last, we've got our foot firmly on the road to making renewable energy part of the UK's energy mix. Yes, the Feed-in Tariff rates could be higher. The government's goals for microgeneration could have been more ambitious. But the rates are probably attractive enough, especially in the current e…
Feed-in tariff: your questions answered
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 8 February 2010 at 12:02 pm
Read the updated version of this article here. The introduction of the feed-in tariff (known as Clean Energy Cashback scheme) opens a new and exciting era for microgeneration. Here we answer some of the most common questions on the new scheme. If you've got any more, please add a comment bel…
Feed-in tariff explained in video
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 3 February 2010 at 3:41 pm
For those of you who prefer your information visually, here's a great video from Solar Century. …
Feed-in tariff rates: the headline figures
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 2 February 2010 at 12:57 pm
At last the uncertainty is over - we now know what the rates are for the Clean Energy Cashback (feed-in tariff) which starts on 1 April 2010. Its purpose is to encourage installations of wind turbines, solar photovoltaic panels, micro hydro and microCHP schemes of up to 5MW capacity to produce low …
Back UK jobs, innovation and manufacturing through renewable energy
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 9 December 2009 at 10:25 am
With the announcement of the final feed-in tariff rates postponed until (probably mid) January, a frenzy of lobbying has erupted for a more ambitious settlement that will deliver more renewable energy, and more British jobs in manufacturing and installing. If you want to join in, here are some sugge…
Feed-in rate announcement may be delayed
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 24 November 2009 at 4:07 pm
The much awaited results of the consultation on feed-in tariffs may take a little longer than hoped. Internal wrangling between government departments is to blame according to the Guardian, and it's not clear when we're going to find out. Ed Milliband had apparently hoped to have the policy i…
Learn how to generate your own electricity
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 8 October 2009 at 2:19 pm
Wind farms - you either love them or you loathe them. I'm on the side of love. Ever since the first time I drove down the A395 in Cornwall, and they loomed, eerie and magnificent in the bleak dusk, I've been a wind turbine fan. So I'm excited to hear about Good Energy's Power from the People day …
Equal feed-in tariff for existing generation has heavyweight support
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 30 September 2009 at 10:10 am
Support for equal feed-in rates for those who already have small solar PV, wind turbines or hydro came from diverse parts of the renewable energy sector at yesterday's RegenSW conference in Bristol. Sponsor Christine Griffiths of Aeolus Power got her passionate call in early in the day - to be me…
Island grid increases energy security aspect of microgeneration
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 28 September 2009 at 10:04 am
Security of electricity supply is one of the main reasons that people install their own solar panels or wind turbine. However, a system that is connected to the national grid currently doesn't afford total control. The benefit of grid connection is that you can sell any excess you generate to the…
Existing generators angry at feed-in cuts to income
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 15 September 2009 at 8:32 am
Feed-in tariffs are designed to incentivise people to invest in renewable sources of energy generation. Yet, the government's proposals will give much lower rates to existing microgenerators, leading to a cut in income for many. This seems a perverse move from government. The numbers of micro wi…
Feed-in tariffs are not fair to renewable energy pioneers
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 14 August 2009 at 9:17 am
Renewable energy pioneers have been dealt a dismal hand by DECC's proposed rates for the feed-in tariff. Existing microgenerators (whose installation has been accredited under the Renewable Obligation) will be automatically transferred to the feed-in tariff on a rate of 9p per kWh (kilowatt hours)…
Welsh ease planning rules for renewable energy
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 12 August 2009 at 9:40 am
Welsh planning rules for domestic renewable energy installations have been changed to make it easier for homeowners to generate their own heat and electricity. Following Scotland's lead, the Welsh Assembly has announced new regulations which mean that some microgeneration technologies will no lon…
Will feed in tariffs change the market?
Posted by Matthew Rhodes on 7 August 2009 at 9:03 am
The announcement by the Government last month of proposed feed-in tariffs (FiTs) for renewables from next April marks a fundamental change in the way small scale renewables are incentivised in the UK, and is long overdue. There is no question that feed-in tariffs are the right mechanism to use. …
2009 is the year for hydro power
Posted by Matthew Rhodes on 8 June 2009 at 6:12 am
For reasons that escape me, we have been asked to do more small scale hydro power projects this year than ever before. Hydro projects are a personal favourite of mine because they are the most bespoke of any renewables, and because they often involve the most interesting local issues. History comes …
Selling the electricity you generate
Posted by Cathy Debenham on 1 June 2009 at 10:12 am
If you think that choosing your utility supplier is complex and painful, then just wait until you start exploring the tariffs for exporting the electricity you generate back to the grid. There are two main ways of selling your electricity. Some suppliers pay for all the electricity you gen…
Support for microgenerators increased this month
Posted by Graham Eastwick on 20 April 2009 at 8:42 am
Financial incentives for people generating electricity with photovoltaic solar panels (PV) are provided though the system of renewable obligations certificates, (commonly referred to as ROCs). All electricity providers have to buy these certificates each year, in proportion to the amount o…
