http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/3212/

The UK Government is today launching the first stage of its plans for homes, businesses and communities to generate their own renewable power.

Although the previous administration brought in feed-in tariffs for small-scale generation of electricity using solar panels and wind turbines, only around 100,000 homes and organisations have installed any microgeneration technology.
Climate Change Minister Greg Barker wants to see this change, creating jobs and developing the microgeneration industry in the process.
“By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon. I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing,” he says.
The consultation on the Government’s Microgeneration Strategy will look at four key areas. Under its definition, the Strategy will cover electricity generation technologies less than 50 kW in size and heat generating systems less than 300 kW.
First, the Government wants to explore how consumer confidence can be supported through standards for both equipment and installation.
Crucial to this will be ensuring that the microgeneration supply chain has the right skills to meet consumer demand, which will create jobs in the process.
Consumers, whether they be homeowners, organisations or small businesses, will also need access to advice and information about microgeneration technologies.
Finally, the Government also wants to examine how products can be improved by trialling new microgeneration technologies in the UK.
The move has been largely welcomed by the microgeneration industry. However, Dave Sowden, chief executive of Micropower Council, cautions:
“Our warm welcome for a new strategy is overshadowed by an emerging industry confidence crisis because the Government has not yet formally announced it will proceed with the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).”
The previous administration promised that an RHI would be introduced to complement feed-in tariffs, but the new Coalition Government has not yet confirmed its plans.
Contributions can be made to the consultation between now and December 22, 2010. The Government then plans to publish a final Microgeneration Strategy in early 2011.