Power Engineering - UK Microgeneration Council launched

23 April 2004 - Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the UK's new energy industry body, the Micropower Council, in central London Wednesday, Lord Derek Ezra argued that the time is right for a home energy revolution. He called for a united effort by Council members, which include technology manufacturers, trade organisations and professional institutions, to bring about a change in the way the country generates energy.

Lord Ezra said: "The microgeneration industry in this country is at a turning point. A number of technologies - wind, PV, and micro combined heat and power (microCHP) - are now commercially available. The passage of the Energy Bill through parliament, and the continued implementation of policies set out in last year's Energy White Paper, provide a tremendous opportunity."

Lord Ezra's words come hot on the heels of those of Chancellor Gordon Brown in last month's budget. The Chancellor announced a cut in VAT to 5% on microCHP appliances (pending the successful outcome of commercial trials already underway) - a clear indication that microgeneration is gaining ground. One of the key aims of the Micropower Council is to keep this momentum going.

Dave Sowden, appointed as the Council's acting Chief Executive, said: "With the right policy framework, microgeneration can help bring about genuine consumer engagement in tackling climate change. The Micropower Council, in bringing together all those with interests in microgeneration, will act as a focal point for government's contact with the industry. We look forward to working in partnership with government regulators and others to develop and implement a favourable policy framework to stimulate the sector. Clause 127 of the current The Energy Bill (which requires the drawing up and implementation of a strategy for microgeneration) could be the spur to massive investment in microgeneration"

The Micropower Council agreed a detailed Action Plan for the coming months which includes: support for clause 127 as well as encouraging education and debate on consumer-based electricity generation among MPs of all political persuasions and at ministerial level; power network charges also need to properly reflect the benefits that microgeneration delivers to existing electricity distribution networks, relieving pressure on the national grid.

At a consumer level, the Council will be pushing for the introduction of financial incentives to encourage consumers to invest in new forms of home-based power generation, which use either renewable energy or other energy-efficient technology.

Present procedures for network connection and metering are also complex and the Council will be pressing for simplification and standardisation, and for adequate remuneration for home electricity generators who export surplus to the national grid.

At the domestic installation level, micropower technology is still an unknown quantity to many building inspectors and domestic energy installers operating locally around the UK. The Council is already working to ensure that microgeneration parameters are integrated into Building Regulations, and that a skilled installer pool will be developed for the future.

Lord Ezra again: 'With the UK boiler replacement market alone standing at 1.6m units a year, the potential for microgeneration is enormous. We shall be pushing for microgeneration options to be part of planning guidance for all new builds in the future. Its highly efficient, low carbon impact makes microgeneration highly desirable for 'UK plc'.

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