News and Events
Regen SW rates the government's low carbon strategy
The government's low carbon and renewable energy strategies, launched today, will lead to ‘a big step forward in sustainable energy in the south west', says the region's sustainable energy agency Regen SW, but the key test of delivery on promises is still to come.
Here, Regen SW's chief executive, Merlin Hyman, rates how effective he feels the government's plans will be in some key areas for addressing the needs of businesses in the sector and the uptake of renewables in the south west:
‘Clean energy cash back' (feed in tariff and renewable heat incentive)
This is a big step forward. The government has now committed to giving a fixed amount of money, per unit, to those of us that produce our own renewable energy. This undoubtedly makes fitting technologies such as solar panels to our houses and community buildings much more attractive. The scheme for renewable electricity will come into operation next April, and the scheme for renewable heat will come into operation in April 2011.
The length of time to get an incentive for using sustainable wood fuel is disappointing for the south west which is leading the way on this technology. But - importantly - the government has confirmed anyone who goes ahead now with fitting renewable energy will be eligible for the incentive when it comes in.
More wind farms expected
The government is introducing regional strategies on planning for building renewables. This is very encouraging, and will ultimately lead to quicker planning decisions. Regen SW is ready to take the lead and support the south west in ‘getting on and taking action', ultimately increasing the number of wind farms in the region. Exactly how the planning system will change, however, is still vague, and we need to move the government to move urgently on this.
The south west - a centre for marine energy
The news that the south west will be a centre for marine energy is a big boost, and we can now move forward and drive the marine energy sector. The future includes £100 million investment in marine renewables in the south west (kick-started by £19.5 million from the government) and the official go-ahead for the Wave Hub, putting the region at the forefront of this emerging global industry.
THE OVERALL PACKAGE
There's no doubt that the Renewable Energy Strategy and Low Carbon Industrial Strategy is a big step forward in terms of getting a policy framework that allows the south west region to get on with delivering secure and renewable energy. But, it is the delivery of these commitments that will really count and, in many areas, there are still more questions than answers."
-ENDS-
Interviews
To interview Merlin Hyman, Regen SW chief executive, or to speak to the south west RDA about the region as a centre for marine energy, please contact me using the details below.
Notes to editors
About Regen SW
Regen SW, which receives its core funding from the South West of England Regional Development Agency, is the sustainable energy agency for South West England. It was previously the region's renewable energy agency, and it now has an extended remit to include energy efficiency.
Regen SW's purpose is to speed up the transition to a low carbon economy in the South West England. It works to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy, champion energy efficiency initiatives and to grow the region's sustainable energy businesses.
