Protect Solar Energy in the South West Call From Engineers
9th September, 2010
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West have called on the government to think carefully before cutting funding and grants for solar projects ahead of this Autumn’s comprehensive spending review.
ICE are concerned that the value of solar energy to the region is not overlooked. Two planning applications for solar parks are currently with Cornwall Council and there is a growing interest in smaller scale developments and domestic installations.
Jacki Bell, Regional Director of ICE South West, said: “Investment in commercial and domestic solar energy through grants and funding initiatives is vital for the South West. The region, and Cornwall in particular, gets the highest amount of irradiation in the UK and the potential benefits of strategic investment in solar is significant.
“As part of the government’s ‘Green Deal’, Nick Clegg has said that he wants to see the UK undergo a ‘green revolution’ with a new green economy, creating energy efficient homes and thousands of jobs. We want to see that commitment extend to investment in energy supply and generation as well.”
Another reason the South West can benefit from solar energy as well as wind and wave, is that the region is dominated by its rural environment. For farmers this means solar energy can provide energy self-sufficiency through barn roof or field installations, and generate income through the, recently introduced Feed-in tariff scheme (FITs).
Under FITs, small scale and domestic suppliers receive 41.3p for each unit of renewable energy produced. These payments have been guaranteed for 25 years, making investment in renewables an attractive option.
There has been a growth in companies who supply homeowners with solar equipment and the energy generated for free but keep the money generated through FITs.
However, funding for domestic and public sector solar installation through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme has been closed and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which was to provide financial support for renewable heat installations has stalled.
Miss Bell continued: “Solar installations are by far the most popular form of small scale renewable projects being developed, however for the South West to reap the benefits of its environmental advantage, we also need to make these installations affordable.
“Scrapping schemes like the Low Carbon Buildings Programme and uncertainty over the future of RHI are not sending out the right signals to new business and householders. To create a green revolution capable of delivering jobs and economic growth requires integrated and strategic planning.”
ENDS
