Green Energy Cluster / Clwstwr Ynni Gwyrdd

April 2008 GEC Newsletter

2008-06-13T15:12:00.001Z

The April 2008 GEC Newsletter is available for download:
Download here

Practical Microwind - An Event For Installers

2008-03-05T11:27:00.000Z

11 March 2008 9.30am - 2.00pm

Cost: £88.13 inc VAT

Hill Close Gardens, Warwick
A 'hands on' event for installers to include examples of freestanding and building-mounted installations. This briefing will be led by Graham Eastwick and David Hailes. Both are chartered engineers specialising in small-scale renewables and energy efficiency technologies for buildings. Encraft is a leading microgeneration specialist, working on over 400 small-scale renewables projects since 2003. The company is closely involved in the development of the small wind market through leading the Warwick Wind Trial Project, and also runs specialist training in biomass and low carbon building design.
More information at www.warwickwindtrials.org.uk

Hidroenergia 2008

2008-02-20T10:12:00.002Z

11th-13th June in Bled, Slovenia

The British Hydropower Association is hoping to organise a free seminar at Hidroenergia
2008 around UK supply chain opportunities and/or UK renewable energy policy and regulations.
It will provide delegates from the UK with a platform to promote themselves, their products and/or services, to a European audience.

In order to participate in the BHA session you will need to be registered as a delegate for the main event.

Anyone interested in participating in this activity should contact Ellan Parry - with no obligation at this stage - by 28th February at the latest.

Renewable Energy Route Map

2008-02-20T09:40:00.002Z

Consultation on way forward to a leaner, greener and cleaner Wales.

In the One Wales document, the Welsh Assembly Government sets out its strong commitment to tackling climate change, including actions on diversified renewable energy generation. The Renewable Energy Route Map for Wales is the first strategic step to fulfilling our commitment.The map sets out specific actions on how we could meet a renewable electricity self-sufficiency objective, how biomass resources could be used for significant renewable heat production, and how we can support challenging energy efficiency and small-scale micro-generation ambitions.

Date consultation commenced: 19/02/2008
End of consultation: 13/05/2008

http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/envandcouncurrcons/renewenergymap/?lang=en

Welsh Energy Sector Training

2008-02-12T15:09:00.000Z

You are invited to the launch of the Welsh Energy Sector Training Project
- Business Opportunities
- Training
- Keynote Speaker
- Free Buffet, Networking

South: 13th February: Miskin Manor, Cardiff
West: 20th February: Technium Pembrokeshire
North: 27th February: OpTIC Technium, St Asaph

ALL EVENTS WILL RUN FROM 17:30 AND ARE FREE OF CHARGE
Please apply online

Green Leases

2008-02-12T15:00:00.000Z

The first in a series major UK seminars, supported by the British Property Federation, covering a multitude of issues relating to green buildings

Holiday Inn, Newport

Tuesday 4th March 2008

Tackling Future Challenges – the Code for Sustainable Commercial Buildings Liz Peace, CBE, Chief Executive, British Property Federation
Green Investment – an asset value? Miles Keeping, DirectorGVA Grimley
Implications of the Climate Change Bill for the non-domestic sector: The Building Market Transformation Project Dr Mark Hinnells, Project Manager Environmental Change Institute, Oxford
Environmental Best Practice into Commercial Lease Agreements – an innovative pilot project in Newport Angela Langley, Project Manager Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff
Achieving green credentials – the LES-TER project Patrick Brown, Senior Policy Officer British Property Federation
Barriers or green hurdles? -a Lawyer's perspective Paul Jayson, Partner Karen Halsey, Associate DLA Piper
Certification and Regulations Dr David Strong Chief Executive Inbuilt Consulting Ltd/ Chair DIAG

More details and booking form

Moving to a Low Carbon Future

2008-02-11T10:26:00.000Z

Limited exhibition spaces still available, please get in touch with Dilys Howells at the Energy Saving Trust advice centre to find out more - 01633 267824, dilys@sewenergy.org.uk

Professionals: Friday 29th February 2008, 3pm - 5pm
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
3.30pm 'Ask the Expert' panel session introduced by Helen Northmore, Head of the Energy Saving Trust Wales.
Confirmed panellists:
Nick Tune, BRE Wales
Ian Draisey, Dulas
Julia Williams, Welsh Assembly Government
Peter Draper, Rounded Developments

Public: Friday 29th February 2008, 5pm - 7pm
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
5.30pm talk by Rounded Developments Sustainable Building Centre about low carbon refurbishment.

Practical displays
• Micro-generation
• Low embodied energy products
• Experts and installers on hand to
answer your questions

Reservations will need to be made. To reserve your place please call 0800 512 012 or email lowcarbonfuture@sewenergy.org.uk

True Energy secures major contract

2008-02-06T14:17:00.001Z

GEC member True Energy (formerly Bright Light Solar) has secured a $600,000 UN contract to supply Solar fridges in Africa:

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-news/2008/01/30/solar-fridges-for-africa-deal-clinched-91466-20410270/

Welsh Energy Sector Training Project - Launch dates

2008-02-06T11:56:00.000Z

WEST - Welsh Energy Sector Training

Wake up to a low carbon future
You are invited to the launch of the Welsh Energy Sector Training Project
- Business Opportunities
- Training
- Keynote Speaker
- Free Buffet, Networking

South: 13th February: Miskin Manor, Cardiff
West: 20th February: Technium Pembrokeshire
North: 27th February: OpTIC Technium, St Asaph

ALL EVENTS WILL RUN FROM 17:30 AND ARE FREE OF CHARGE
http://www.welshenergy.org/events.asp?id=59

WEST Aims
- To promote the rapid commercialisation of research
- Encourage uptake of education, training and CPD
- Increase skills capacity and knowledge capital
- Increase use of renewable energy technologies
- Create a culture of expertise in Welsh businesses

ASIA 2008

2008-01-29T13:44:00.000Z

9th to 11th March 2008 – Vietnam
The 2nd International Symposium on
Water Resources & Renewable Energy Development in Asia
Organisers: International Journal on Hydropower & Dams with EVN
and BHA Seminar “UK Renewable Energy Policy: A model for SW Asia?”

The British Hydropower Association (BHA), in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), invites British companies from the whole of the UK renewable energy sector to participate in two specific areas, providing the opportunity to showcase the UK experience, expertise and potential offered in all renewable technologies to the global marketplace. The cost (stand space, design, construction, and registration fee) to each company will be £2,200 (plus VAT).

A technical exhibition running concurrently with the symposium will provide companies with the opportunity to demonstrate expertise to the international delegates and meet key decision-makers. The exhibition halls are immediately adjacent to the main auditorium and all lunches and refreshment breaks will take place in the exhibition area to ensure that participants have plenty of time to view exhibits during the two days. Companies are invited to participate in the UK pavilion and benefit from the high-profile presence - with the organisational headaches taken care of by the BHA.

Places are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to register your interest, contact Ellan Parry at the BHA, 01202 880333

Powergen India & Central Asia 2008

2008-01-29T13:33:00.000Z

New Delhi 3-6 April 08

The British Hydropower Association (BHA), in association with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the Department of Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) and BEAMA, is organising a UK pavilion stand at this high-profile international power industry event attracting over 9000 visitors.

The cost to each company will be £2,200 (plus VAT) and the BHA will take care of all the usual organisational headaches associated
with attending an international event. The BHA is also arranging several one-to-one meetings, by appointment, with selected key industry players and decision-makers, for UK companies to develop new contacts and open up business opportunities.

For more information and to register your interest, please contact Ellan Parry at BHA, 01202 880333. Places are limited and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

Green Horizons

2008-01-29T11:13:00.000Z

part of

ROYAL WELSH SMALLHOLDER & GARDEN SPRING FESTIVAL

RWAS SHOWGROUND 17 & 18 MAY 2008

Companies and organisations providing goods or services which contribute to Wales "green credentials" be it in building construction, energy matters, recycling, gardening or the general environment are invited to exhibit in the Green Horizons Section of the RWAS Spring Festival. With an expected attendance of over 25,000 this is THE Welsh event for environmentally orientated businesses. Contact rhian@rwas.co.uk.

Post suggested by GEC Member from Llysdinam Field Centre.

THE STERN REPORT: THE CHALLENGE FOR WALES

2008-01-29T11:12:00.001Z

Thursday February 28 Chwefror 2008
Holiday Inn, Caerdydd/Cardiff

IWA conference to include speakers from Welsh Water, Aberystwyth University, Manchester University, Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency Wales and Dow
Corning on:

The Climate Change Imperative
The Stern Report’s Implications for Wales
Moving the Welsh Economy Towards the Stern Agenda
Reconciling Economic Development with Environmental Limits
Meeting the EU Carbon Reduction Target in Wales
Climate Change: The Balance Sheet
The challenge of climate change on water supply and wastewater treatment in Wales
The Severn Barrage: a case study in climate change trade offs

Keynote address from Ieuan Wyn Jones AM.

To register please contact the IWA by email, download the booking form and programme or visit the IWA website

GEC Newsletter January 08

2008-01-29T10:49:00.000Z

Copies of the members' newsletter for January 08 can be downloaded here.

Send a message to the EGSi mailbox to subscribe.

Moving to a Low Carbon Future

2008-01-24T10:20:00.000Z

Professionals: Friday 29th February 2008, 3pm - 5pm
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
3.30pm 'Ask the Expert' panel session introduced by Helen Northmore, Head of the Energy Saving Trust Wales.
Confirmed panellists:
Nick Tune, BRE Wales
Ian Draisey, Dulas
Julia Williams, Welsh Assembly Government
Peter Draper, Rounded Developments

Public: Friday 29th February 2008, 5pm - 7pm
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
5.30pm talk by Rounded Developments Sustainable Building Centre about low carbon refurbishment.

Practical displays
• Micro-generation
• Low embodied energy products
• Experts and installers on hand to
answer your questions

Reservations will need to be made. To reserve your place please call 0800 512 012 or email lowcarbonfuture@sewenergy.org.uk

Housing: Affordability v Sustainability?

2008-01-22T09:16:00.000Z

Tai 2008 Summit to talk about?
Wales' Premier Housing Conference & Exhibition

1st – 3rd April 2008
Cardiff City Hall and the Hilton Hotel

TAI 2008 is the annual conference of Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru. One of the main themes will be around whether affordability and sustainability are mutually exclusive – something that is taxing the minds and ingenuity of many in housing and other disciplines. This is an issue of relevance to all sectors and will have a real and lasting impact on everyone.

In 2007 the event attracted 60 exhibiting organisations and almost 400 Welsh housing professionals over three days, bringing together 600 people.

Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities
The conference includes the largest housing exhibition of its kind in Wales. Exhibiting is the key opportunity to promote your product and services and raise your brand awareness to Welsh housing professionals. Now is the best time to secure sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Exhibiting costs from just £338 + VAT, and we have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to suit all budgets.

Full programme details including booking information

Olympic Tender Opportunities

2008-01-18T14:32:00.000Z

CompeteFor acts as a brokerage service between buyers throughout the London 2012 supply chain, and potential suppliers. Businesses of any size can use the CompeteFor brokerage service as a buyer or supplier of Games-related goods and services. You will first need to register the basic details of your organisation. This will allow you to view opportunities and gain access to Games-related business news and events. You will also be able to post opportunities as a buyer.

E-Marketing Seminar

2008-01-10T09:30:00.000Z

North Wales: Wed 23 Jan 8–10am, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
Mid Wales: Wed 23 Jan 5–7pm, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
South West Wales, Thurs 24 Jan 8–10am, Stradey Park, Llanelli
South East Wales, Thurs 24 Jan 5–7pm, The Vale Hotel, Vale of Glamorgan
£10 (inc VAT)

Harness the power of the world’s fastest growing advertising medium, with this highly informative seminar delivered by leading European expert, David Hughes.

He’ll show you how to grasp the Internet opportunities for your business and implement effective strategies for e-marketing success.

North Wales: Wed 23 Jan 8–10am, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
Mid Wales: Wed 23 Jan 5–7pm, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
South West Wales, Thurs 24 Jan 8–10am, Stradey Park, Llanelli
South East Wales, Thurs 24 Jan 5–7pm, The Vale Hotel, Vale of Glamorgan

For more information, e-mail PIB@cazbah.biz or download the PIB E-marketing leaflet.

Recent People in Business seminars have proved a big hit with business leaders and managers. So don’t miss your chance to learn from those who have made it! Book now!

The £10 cost includes breakfast for the morning seminars and refreshments for the evening seminars.

How to book:
Phone: 029 2047 1115
Book online at www.wales.gov.uk/pib

Download the booking form and post to People in Business, Cazbah Ltd, PO Box 734, Newport NP20 9FJ

Cow dung plan for housing energy

2008-01-10T09:18:00.000Z

A farmer says he can create enough energy to power 500 homes in his local village - by using cow dung.

Richard Tomlinson claims his 600 organic dairy cows can produce enough waste to provide renewable fuel for those living in Holt, near Wrexham.

BBC Wales story

Does Cardiff have the Greenest Street?

2008-01-08T08:27:00.000Z

Households on eight UK streets that contain the word "green" in their title are competing to cut their carbon emissions by a quarter, with the winner in line to receive £50,000 for a community project.

Streets taking part in the contest in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Cardiff have been given £30,000 to install energy saving devices, from lightbulbs to microgeneration heating systems.

As part of an initiative set up by British Gas, a cash bonus is on offer to the home which makes the most energy savings.

Full article at bhl.co.uk or more information about the contest from British Gas

After the Hype

2008-01-07T09:53:00.000Z

[Shock revelation: Wind turbines work better in windy conditions]

Home wind turbines dealt a blow
The energy from some micro power equipment would not operate a lightbulb, says official study.

Home wind turbines are significantly underperforming and in the worst cases generating less than the electricity needed to power a single lightbulb, according to the biggest study of its kind carried out in Britain.

An interim report revealed that homeowners could be being misled by the official figures for wind speeds because they are consistently overestimating how much wind there is - sometimes finding that real speeds are only one third of those forecast. In the worst case scenario, the figures indicate that it would take more than 15 years to generate enough 'clean' energy to compensate for the manufacture of the turbine in the first place.
The study, supported by government and the British Wind Energy Association on behalf of the industry, is a setback for hopes of a big uptake in micro-wind turbines to help slash the carbon emissions from big power generation.

But the environmental consultancy running the project, Encraft, said there was noticeable disparity between poor results in urban and suburban areas - such as the west London area where Conservative leader David Cameron hopes to put up a turbine - and far better ones in high-rise and coastal locations.

Guardian Unlimited article by Juliette Jowet

£10.5m of LCBP grants left unclaimed

2008-01-04T12:03:00.000Z

The government appears to have seriously undermined one of its key climate change initiatives by toughening up the rules under which householders can obtain financial assistance to erect wind turbines and install solar panels.

A low carbon buildings programme started in April 2006 and due to end this summer, has seen only £7.5m of a potential pot of £18m claimed by private homeowners, it admitted yesterday.

Business and the public sector have managed to spend £18m since April 2006 - but there is still £44m of unclaimed grants under a separate, £50m programme that started in December 2006 and which is scheduled to end in the middle of 2009, the department of business, enterprise and regulatory reform (BERR), accepts.

Full article by Terry Macalister appears in Guardian Unlimited

How to Tender

2008-01-03T13:35:00.001Z

A ‘How to Tender Seminar’ will be held at The Technium at Aberystwyth on Thursday 17th January, 10-2.

This will benefit companies who wish to learn more about tendering for small and large contracts in both the Public and Private Sectors.

If you would like to attend please reply to llprice@anturteifi.org.uk by 11th January.

Places will be reserved on a first come first served basis as numbers will be limited.

Agenda

• 10–10.30 Registration, Tea or Coffee

• Module 1 – Why Tender?

• Module 2 - The Stages and Thresholds of Procurement

Buffet and an opportunity for networking

• Module 3 – The Tender

• Module 4 – Finding Tenders and Future Help

Questions

Environmental Investment

2007-12-12T11:32:00.000Z

The EIC Environmental Investment Network Welsh Reception

Wednesday January 30th 2008, 8.00am – 10.00am

The Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay

A unique collaboration between Clarkslegal LLP and The Environmental Industries Commission and sponsored by Lloyds TSB and Intellectual Property specialists, Mathys & Squire.

Designed to facilitate the raising of finance within the environmental sector and provide support, information and networking opportunities for investors seeking investment opportunities and companies, social enterprises and academic institutions within the environmental sector.

VIP Guest Speaker is Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economic Development and Transport for Wales.

The event will be chaired by Dafydd Downes, Partner of Clarkslegal and will include a free breakfast buffet and networking with representatives of Clarkslegal, The Environmental Industries Commission, Lloyds TSB Business and Mathys & Squire.

To confirm your attendance at this event and receive your ticket and itinerary, please RSVP to Matthew Evans, 029 2055 7559, mevans@forburyenvironmental.com.

www.environmentalinvest.com

Shaping Research for a Changing Climate

2007-12-11T09:53:00.000Z

Your chance to influence the direction of future research into climate change adaptation in the built environment.

Free two day workshop - Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th January 2008, Park Inn Hotel,
West Bromwich, Birmingham. Meals and accommodation are included.

Sustaining Knowledge for a Changing Climate is an EPSRC funded project that brings together researchers, industrial collaborators, practitioners, end-users and other stakeholders with an interest in research and its outcomes in the context of impacts of climate change and related adaptation strategies and measures within the built environment.

Potential research sectors:

flooding

transport infrastructure

electricity supply

urban planning

new and existing buildings

water resources

coast

Cross-cutting issues:

system vulnerability and resilience

extremes

decision making

adaptive management

Registration form and more information.

Technium Challenge

2007-12-10T13:16:00.000Z

Technium Challenge is an annual competition for start-up and spin-out technology businesses within Wales and the UK. Successful applicants receive a bespoke business acceleration programme, while the winner and runners-up receive a package comprising support with rent, legal and marketing advice. The competition also provides a fast-track route into Technium, Wales' network of innovation centres dedicated to supporting young technology businesses.

Plus - businesses intending to be based in Mid Wales could win an additional £1,000 towards rental costs at Technium Aberystwyth.

For more information on eligibility and the application process visit www.technium.co.uk/challengeuk.

New Products, New Ideas, New Technologies

2007-12-10T12:01:00.000Z

Innovation into Action

10-11th March, Cardiff

If you are...

An inventor or innovator
A developer in an SME, R&D department or academic institution. This event is for YOU!

or if you are...

A buyer, manufacturer or distributor
A technology scout, business development executive or R&D professional
A venture capitalist, business angel or investor This event is for YOU!

Register online now

Innovation Into Action 2008 is a unique event for professionals looking for new products, new ideas or new technologies to meet and discuss commercial opportunities direct with the developer.

This exciting two-day innovation brokerage event combines an innovation partnering event of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings to discuss potential deals with a showcase exhibition and networking lounge.

It is the FIRST and ONLY event to bring these two groups together to discuss collaborations, explore partnerships and make deals.

www.innovationintoaction.co.uk

Marketing Opportunity

2007-12-05T11:51:00.000Z

NEMEX Renewables Innovation Award

Have you taken an innovative approach towards the installation of a small-scale, embedded renewable system? How about your customers? Could your installation win the NEMEX Renewables Innovation Award presented during Sustainabilitylive (20-22 May 08)?

Entry form and further details available from www.sustainabilitylive.com

Greening the Built Environment

2007-11-30T10:20:00.000Z

06 December 2007 , 1730 - 2030

The Swansea Institute, Mount Pleasant campus

Free of Charge

The event will hold three presentations;
Interior Landscapes - Speaker, Dr David Skidmore, Director of Research and Development at the Welsh College of Horticulture and Project Director for the Knowledge Exploitation Fund’s Sustainable Constructed Environments project.
Interior landscaping is often a neglected area of construction and design. However, it not only provides an aesthetic workplace in which productivity is raised but also improves the health of employees and enhances the image of the property and businesses that inhabit them.

Green Roofs - Speaker, David Stanley, Area Manager, Alumasc Exterior Building Products Limited
Previously roofs have been regarding primarily as an element of the building weatherproofing envelope, whereas now, aspects such as rainwater attenuation, sustainability, biodiversity, pollution reduction, amenity provision and visual enhancement are becoming regular considerations of client, planner, designer and builder when selecting appropriate roof-types.

Sustainable Communities - Speaker, Gordon L. Gibson, Urban Designer and Chartered Surveyor
Some 90% of people in the UK experience our urban environment on a daily basis. Current research has developed from the growing need to deliver the UK Government's sustainable development strategy. The design of the urban environment is not just about infrastructure and buildings, it is more about producing a healthy environment and in doing so key areas such as air quality, layout, communication, water quality and the natural ecology of the environment need to be carefully researched.

If you would like to attend the event please contact Emma Georgiades stating your intention to attend, name and company BY NO LATER THAN 1500 ON WEDNESDAY 05 DECEMBER 2007.

www.rics.org

Greener Homes & Buildings

2007-11-30T08:58:00.000Z

National Exhibition

7th March 2008 - Trade/Professionals Only
8th-9th March 2008 - Public Days
Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

Promotional leaflet for you to download and distribute.

The exhibition is being actively promoted to sustainable construction companies in Wales, but if you are interested in exhibiting and have not been contacted details are available from: Jacinta Macdermot

Understanding Energy in Buildings

2007-11-29T10:06:00.000Z

BOOKING DEADLINE 30 November

UNDERSTANDING ENERGY IN BUILDINGS
4th December 2007
Armada House, Telephone Avenue, Bristol BS1 4BQ

Trying to deliver to the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes?

Wondering why energy and emissions from buildings in use are higher than
expectations?

Keen to deliver genuinely low energy, low carbon buildings?

A course for architects, architectural technicians, builders, developers and anyone who is involved with the design and construction of buildings and needs to enhance their understanding of:

How buildings work as systems particularly with respect to energy and environment
New and traditional building technologies available for managing energy in buildings
How to design buildings as a complete energy system to deliver low energy standards such as those in the higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes
The cost to attend this course (CPD) is:

£352.50 inc VAT per person (AECB member)
£470 inc VAT per person (non-AECB member)
Further information can be found on our website www.carbonlite.org.uk.

Impact of changes to LCBP

2007-11-21T06:54:00.000Z

DRASTIC funding cuts for environmentally-friendly energy sources, like home wind turbines, are harming Wales’ green credentials, it was claimed recently.

New figures show the amount of grant money awarded to Welsh households to place turbines or solar panels on their houses, has fallen by nearly a third since April.

Western Mail article

Welsh Low-Carbon Institute launched

2007-11-21T06:52:00.000Z

The Welsh Assembly Government has announced £5.1m in funding for the all-Wales Low Carbon Research Institute that will co-ordinate research on clean energy technologies and their implementation in Wales.

More details

2007-11-16T09:15:00.000Z

G24i has now opened its 187,000 square foot facility in Wentloog, Cardiff, producing dye-sensitised thin film cells. Initially aimed at the mobile phone market, these cells are thin, lightweight and durable.

Speaking at the 187,000 sq ft facility the chairman of G24i, Mr Hertzberg, told the Western Mail of his ambitious plans to create a centre for sustainable technology development in Wales.
He said a cluster of green technology businesses could be created in South Wales, with G24i at its heart.

Western Mail article
G24i website

PV - a question of cost or Planning Policy?

2007-11-14T09:28:00.000Z

A Welsh solar panel provider is doing most of its work in England because of lack of demand in its home country, it has emerged. PV Systems, of Taff’s Well, near Cardiff, can supply panels for any type of building. But 99% of the orders it gets from businesses come from over the border.

In 1998 26 solar panels were installed at the Ford engine factory in Bridgend, at a cost of £1.5m, but since then there has been a dearth of major orders from the private sector in Wales.

Bruce Cross, managing director of PV Systems, said, “The commercial work tends to be in the south east of England – 99% is in England. “That’s just how it works out. I would love to have more closer to home.”

He said planners could set a minimum of renewable energy to be generated by each new building. “The requirement in many boroughs in England is 10% renewables. In London boroughs it’s 20% to get your planning consent.”

Bob Croydon, of property consultants King Sturge in Wales, said higher commercial rents in England paid for solar panels. “Commercial property values are much higher the other side of the river than in Wales. There’s an issue of quality. Solar panelling is perceived as an add-on. It makes the development even more marginal. It’s like buying organic food. In Hampstead, it’s relatively more affordable than if you’re on the dole in the South Wales Valleys.”

Full text article in Green Building magazine

What do blog readers think? Leave your comments on this item.

Solar bungalows shortlisted

2007-11-14T06:36:00.000Z

A project to refurbish six rural bungalows, incorporating the latest energy efficiency technology to reduce carbon emissions, warm homes and reduce fuel bills for Conwy council tenants in Cerrigydrudion has been shortlisted for a national award.

Denbighshire Free Press article

Growing Fuels

2007-11-09T10:25:00.000Z

Fuelling Our Future
Royal Welsh Showground, International Pavilion
Tuesday, 13 November

Speakers will include:

Llyr Jones, Corwen sheep farmer and a director of BML Biofuels Ltd, who aims to establish one of Wales' first on-farm bio-fuel enterprises.

Graham Redman, Research Economist working with biomass, anaerobic digestion, and bio diesel.

John Cook , consultant on production of biogas and electricity generation from anaerobic digestion of farm and food wastes.

Details: Geraint Hughes, 01758 612621 or 07740 721109.

Building Standards - The Challenge for Wales

2007-11-05T14:29:00.000Z

LABC CYMRU , THE CHALLENGE FOR WALES, CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

The Quality Hotel, Cardiff on Friday 30th November 2007.

One day Conference and Exhibition hosted by LABC CYMRU (representing the 22 Local Authority Building Control departments in Wales), in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government.
Aimed at all sectors of our industry involved in meeting the important and topical subject areas of climate change, achieving sustainability, inclusivity in design, and fire safety standards.

The Conference programme for the day will focus on these issues through a forum of expert speakers including a keynote address from Jane Davidson AM Minister for Environment Sustainability and Housing, and provides the not to be missed opportunity for delegates to confer with both experts and fellow professionals within the construction industry. In addition a comprehensive representation from the trade sector will be available to enable delegates to keep abreast of up to date products and technology.

Return your completed booking form no later than 15th November 2007.

Major expansion in Welsh pellet production

2007-10-26T08:17:00.000Z

Clifford Jones Timber of Ruthin is to invest £2.5M in a new wood pellet production facility. The site will produce up to 30,000 tonnes of pellets per year.

More details

CBI raises Wales eco-policy concerns

2007-10-10T09:56:00.000Z

Environmental policies in Wales should be co-ordinated with the rest of the UK or business will suffer, the CBI has warned.

The employers’ body warned that additional regulatory burdens on businesses in Wales would hamper their competitiveness and slow economic growth.

icWales story ...

Resource Efficiency Network

2007-10-10T09:42:00.000Z

The Resource Efficiency Network is a Knowledge Transfer Network, a service to UK industry and commerce provided through the DTI Technology Programme. The Network aims to improve use of materials and energy, encourage the use of industrial wastes as a source of chemicals, fuels and other valuable materials and promote recovery and processing of waste from one site, for use as a resource elsewhere.

As part of the free membership, members have access to a wide range of services on the web portal. Although primarily aimed at waste and recycling, opportunities for renewables firms also exist, such as this post on the forums:

Solar Energy for Power and Heat Applications Expertise Required
Posted: 9/25/2007 1:12:30 PM
I have a company in the East Midlands looking for advise on uses of Solar Energy Technologies for electrical power and heat for application in food processing. The would like to see if they have aaplications for it.

REN website

Carbon Trust drives by-product initiative

2007-10-10T09:34:00.000Z

Meat by-products may power the factories of the future. That is the belief of Carbon Trust Enterprises and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), which have announced a joint venture that will turn bio-waste into renewable energy.

More details ...

Combined Heat and Power in Buildings

2007-10-03T09:58:00.000Z

Tuesday 30 October 07, 10am – 4pm, The Building Centre, London WC1
£205 + VAT = £239.70

Aimed at technical, engineering and maintenance staff; building service engineers, building control managers, and facilities managers, this event is a detailed examination of the use of CHP plant within a range of building types.

Further details

Low uptake for revised LCBP

2007-10-02T15:23:00.000Z

"Since its relaunch in May when the grant money available was drastically reduced to a maximum £2,500 a home from £15,000, and the rules under which money can be claimed were tightened up, many frustrated householders have simply given up on the scheme, Labour MP Lynne Jones says."

Guardian Online article

2007-09-14T09:21:00.000Z

The September Green Energy Cluster newsletter has now been published.

http://www.energyanswerswales.co.uk/downloads/news-GEC_sep7.pdf

Green Energy Cluster Evaluation

2007-09-13T14:16:00.000Z

We are currently conducting an evaluation of the Cluster, reporting on both the achievements AND the failures of the first phase of the Cluster. A sample of attendees at either the larger "main" events or the smaller brokerage-type events have been contacted to ask for detailed feedback. The evaluation is actively seeking views from Cluster members about suggestions for future activities (and some suggestions have already been acted upon). In addition to the formal survey process, you are invited to comment on your experiences of Cluster activities, to make suggestions about the future direction of the Cluster, report (in strict confidence!) succesful deals assisted by the Cluster and to let us know what your company's needs are.

All comments - positive, negative or mixed - are invited, and will be used to help the Cluster become more responsive to your needs.

comments to egsi@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Renewable Energy '07

2007-08-22T08:39:00.000Z

Thursday 1 November 2007
ICO Conference Centre, London
£395+VAT (£50 off if you book by 24 August)

In response to the need to reduce CO2 emissions, investment in renewable energy is at an all time high. The EU has recently declared an initiative for renewable energy sources to meet 20% of Europe’s energy demands by 2020. London boroughs are also well under way in implementing the 10% Merton rule. The industry must therefore get to grips with working with renewables as they become ever more prevalent and even a necessity in the UK. Attending Renewable Energy ‘07 will help you to meet this challenge.

This conference aims to equip engineers and anyone else involved with renewable energy with the information that they need to take full advantage of this vibrant and rapidly expanding sector. Tackle policy and technical issues and meet the key players in renewables who are driving the sector forward.

Further details

Shell Springboard

2007-08-22T08:33:00.000Z

The latest round of the Shell Springboard awards is now open. Shell Springboard is a UK-wide programme that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK, with up to six awards of £20k - £40k in each of three regions.

In short, the judges are looking for business plans for a product or service which:
will lead to greenhouse gas reductions;
are commercially viable; and
are innovative.

The closing date for applications is Friday 9 November 2007.

http://www.shellspringboard.org/

Seminars

2007-08-15T09:18:00.000Z

RIBA organise regular seminars, aimed primarily at architects and designers. Below are a number of ones that may be interest to readers. Further details of these and others are avaiable on the RIBA website:
http://www.riba.org/go/RIBA/About/RSAW_261.html

Make Low-carbon Housing a Reality
Gavin Hodgson & John Willoughby, BRE
Thursday 4 Oct 9.30am to 5pm
Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff

Building Regulations: Part L
Nick Evans, UWIC
Tuesday 16 Oct 4pm to 6pm
National Botanic Garden, Carmarthen

The Role of Design Review and Achieving Design Quality
Cindy Harris, Design Commission For Wales
Tuesday 23 Oct 5pm to 6.30pm
The Cambria, Aberystwyth

Reegen offers free energy audits to business

2007-08-10T09:40:00.000Z

Reegen, an Aberystwyth-based member of the Cluster, is offering a web-based starter energy audit for businesses. The simple-to-use free "bronze" web service takes a few minutes to complete, and offers businesses a report on energy consumption.

More detailed "silver" and "gold" services which help businesses to identify efficiency savings and recommendations on different energy technologies are also availaible.

http://www.reegen.co.uk/energy-audits.php

Green Energy Cluster Directory

2007-08-08T13:11:00.000Z

The Green Energy Cluster Directory is now available for download from:

http://www.energyanswerswales.co.uk/downloads/GECdirectory.pdf

Should you require printed copies, please contact us via email:

egsi@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Additional funding for community renewables

2007-08-08T10:13:00.000Z

E-ON, one of the UK's electricity generating and supply companies, offers grants up to £30,000 to community and not-for-profits as funding for energy efficiency and renewables.

E.ON has to be the sole corporate sponsors of the project but applications from projects supported by joint funding from matching public sector funding (such as the LCBP) are accepted.

Further details

List of other funding

Wales emissions "worst in UK"

2007-08-08T10:04:00.001Z

Carbon emissions per person in Wales are the highest in the United Kingdom and the 12th highest in the world, according to a report.

BBC Online story

Travis Perkins opens renewables centre

2007-08-08T09:11:00.000Z

Travis Perkins, one of the UK’s leading builders’ merchant, has opened its first dedicated renewable energy centre in Chelmsford. The centre offers energy saving products and technologies, along with specialist advice to support the trade in using and promoting renewable energy solutions.

Item on TP website

Solar heating jobs at risk

2007-07-21T10:22:00.000Z

ABOUT 85 jobs in Cardiff could be under threat after a solar heating company went into financial difficulties.

Partners in the Business Recovery Service at PricewaterhouseCoopers were sent in to the Thermomax Group, which is headquartered in Bangor, Co Down, and also has a base in Cardiff.

icWales article

Large-scale trial of smart meters

2007-07-18T06:40:00.000Z

The government and energy supply industry yesterday began a £20m trial to encourage households to curb their use of gas and electricity and reduce Britain's emissions of greenhouse gases.

Guardian Online article

Zero carbon britain by 2027?

2007-07-10T10:50:00.001Z

A new report From CAT (the Centre for Alternative Technology) details exactly what would be needed for Britain to become carbon-neutral within 20 years:

Daily Telegraph article
zerocarbonbritain website (includes downloadable report)

Cwmaman church goes solar

2007-07-03T05:59:00.000Z

St Joseph's Church in Cwmaman, Cynon Valley, has recently been renovated, and with 30 solar panels fitted, is hoping to export significant amounts of electricity to the grid:

BBC Online story

NHS climate change progress report

2007-06-27T05:43:00.000Z

A progress report on the improvements that the Welsh NHS is making to its carbon footprint calls has identified a number of successes - but calls for additional action to meet its target of a 15% reduction in emissions by 2010.

Press release
Taking the Temperature full report

Green Building Network for Wales

2007-06-25T16:22:00.000Z

Construction Knowledge Wales has been launched by the Centre for Research in the Built Environment (CRiBE) to strengthen links between the construction industry and the expertise available in Welsh academia.

www.constructionknowledgewales.org.uk

Barrats to build zero-carbon demonstration home

2007-06-25T16:16:00.000Z

Designed by Gaunt Francis, the demonstration home will be built at the BRE's Innovation Park, near Watford.

Building.co.uk story

GEC newsletter

2007-06-15T10:08:00.000Z

The June GEC newsletter is now available for download:

English version
Fersiwn Cymraeg

Energy Answers Wales database updated

2007-05-16T11:10:00.000Z

The website at www.energyanswerswales.co.uk has now been refreshed with Green Energy Cluster company information that is already in the public domain. Please check your entry, and contact us if there are any errors or omissions in your listing.

Microgeneration Certification Scheme opening

2007-05-11T05:37:00.000Z

"STOP PRESS

Subject to final authorisation we are pleased to inform you that the new Microgeneration Certification Scheme is opening to applications. Pilot assessments will be performed during May and the first certificates will be issued in June following approval of the scheme. Application packs will be posted to all existing Clear Skies and PV programme members and everyone else who has expressed an interest to join the scheme and we expect them to arrive late next week. This information will also be sent out electronically 3 days after the initial packs have been posted."

BRE Microgeneration certification website

LCBP Householder scheme to be relaunched

2007-05-11T05:20:00.000Z

On 29th May the householder grant scheme for renewables will be relaunched, and in addition to the extra money announced in the Budget, changes have been made that reduce the maximum grant for some technologies, and also tighten up the time allowed to complete the installation:

Solar pv : was £3000/kWp, max £15,000 and is now down to £2,000/kWp, max £2,500. Rate remains 50%
Wind Turbines and Small Hydro: was £1,000/kWp, max £5,000 at 30%. The maximum grant is down to £2,500, otherwise unchamged.
Planning permission, specified energy efficiency measures and quotes required BEFORE application.
No monthly cap.
Significant tightening of both offer period and extensions policy.

Further details on the LCBP website

Green Dragon Energy

2007-05-04T09:01:00.000Z

A new visitor information and community resource centre has been built at Aberdulais falls in Neath. The new building is designed for high solar gain, and the National Trust appointed Green Energy Cluster company Green Dragon Energy to advise and supply the energy efficient heating. An air-source heat pump has been installed, which draws the majority of the energy needed by the underfloor heating system from the ambient air. Power to drive the heat pump is supplied by a hydro-electric water turbine.

more: Voltimum UK case study

Anger as LCBP funds remain stalled

2007-04-25T12:27:00.000Z

"Renewables firms are laying off staff because the government has shut its grant scheme that helps households adopt green energy technologies such as solar panels. The grant suspension means not a penny has been committed to any household since March 1, leading to accusations that it has made a mockery of the government's green credentials."

Guardian Online article

Towards a wood-powered internet?

2007-04-25T12:11:00.000Z

The modern world relies heavily on computing technology, from e-commerce webistes, to email servers to financial processing computers. For efficiency reasons large datacentres provide the resources to run many thousands of these computers on one site, with customers administering their machines remotely over the internet.

One of these companies, Rackspace, seeking to move on from its experiences in carbon-offsetting its activities, has constructed a pioneering datacentre in Slough drawing its power from a local wood-fired CHP plant.

"At first glance the idea of Rackspace's wood-fired datacentre may look like a rather primitive solution for reducing the firm's carbon footprint, but in fact CHP plants represent one of the more technically feasible sources of clean energy and it would be no surprise to see growing numbers of firms and business estates investigating how this model could also work for them."

With the provision of the right information infrastructure, Wales with its ready access to biomass reserves, is well-placed to attract projects of this nature.

IT Week article

Towards A Low Carbon Global Economy

2007-04-25T08:12:00.000Z

5th June 2007 No Charge Church House,Westminster,London

A one-day conference for businesses to engage with influential international officials involved in shaping future policy on climate security and the low carbon economy. This is a knowledge share event for stakeholders in emerging economies to meet, discuss and feed back views to senior Ministers and officials.

Registration deadline 18th May

For more details, check out the conference website at:
www.ukti-lowcarboneconomy.org

Meet the Buyer opportunity

2007-04-20T10:34:00.000Z

It’s not too late to register your place for the free ‘Meet the Buyer’ event taking place at Sustainability Live! , 1st-3rd May. This is the perfect opportunity to meet serious buyers and specifiers looking at a number of environmental sectors, including renewables.

The Welsh Assembly Government, working with UK Trade and Investment, is bringing serious international buyers from across the world to this show. They are looking for Environmental products and services from the UK.
Buyers will be attending from: • TAIWAN • BRAZIL • PORTUGAL • SAUDI ARABIA
• PHILIPPINES• MALAYSIA • ROMANIA • THAILAND

This event is free for UK companies; it is one of the most cost effective ways of getting one to one sales meetings with international buyers.

If you follow the link, http://www.meetthebuyer2007.co.uk/ you can find information on the exact requirements of the international buyers present this year. If you feel your skills, products or services match their requirements please don’t hesitate to book your free meetings.
More information on Sustainability Live can be found at www.sustainabilitylive.com

Consultation: Draft Climate Change Bill

2007-04-18T13:02:00.000Z

Deadline: 12 June 2007

"The UK Government is committed to addressing both the causes and consequences of climate change and to that end is bringing forward proposals for a Climate Change Bill.
The Bill will introduce a clear, credible, long-term framework for the UK to achieve its goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and ensure steps are taken towards adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Our objective for this consultation is to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to contribute their opinions at an early stage of policy development. We are asking important questions about the shape of our policy proposals and what issues we should take into account, when developing the Climate Change Bill.
We are seeking and welcome your views on all parts of the consultation document, and in particular your responses to the specific questions posed throughout Section 5 and also in the partial Regulatory Impact Assessment."

DEFRA consultation website

Green Horizons 2007

2007-04-05T10:22:00.000Z

19-20 May 2007

Following the success of the Greener Homes and Buildings Exhibition at the 2006 Smallholder Festival, the Society is considering staging and developing a section encompassing a broad range of renewable energy ventures, green projects and environmental protection topics at the 2007 event.

Royal Welsh info page

Energy: Renewables: Environment

2007-04-04T08:50:00.000Z

"New Business Opportunities"
Wednesday, 18th April 2007 Cardiff University
Free
Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3QN
Registration from 6.00 pm
Presentation begins at 6.30 pm

The Innovation Network’s third event of 2007 trains the spotlight on market opportunities for new and existing businesses offered by the need to address the UK’s looming energy gap.

Sources of energy are becoming less available and more expensive, but demand for power shows little sign of declining. Ensuring a secure, affordable and environmentally acceptable supply of energy opens up exciting opportunities for businesses ready to exploit both existing and innovative new technologies, especially in the areas of renewable and low-carbon energy and the design of energy systems.

We are delighted to be joined on this occasion by John Loughhead, Executive Director of the UK Energy Research Centre and author of the authoritative, multidisciplinary report “How to Plug the Energy Gap”. We will start with an overview of the future of energy in the UK and highlight the challenges involved in bringing about the fundamental changes required in the production, demand and use of energy. John will illustrate that the future of energy is not just a threat for your business but that it also offers multi-dimensional opportunities.

Stay with us to exchange ideas and network over a free buffet supper following the presentation.

Don't miss this exciting chance to hear from one of the leading authorities on the energy challenge. Feel free to pass this invitation on to any colleagues who may be interested in attending.

Cardiff University Innovation Network7th Floor30 - 36 Newport RoadCardiff CF24 0DE
Freephone: 0800 801750
http://www.innovation-network.org.uk/

Information Leaflets

2007-03-23T12:00:00.000Z

As announced at the recent meeting, Cluster Members can now download and print-off a series of eight information leaflets, produced bilingually, in pdf format. The leaflets can be used to provide background information to potential customers, and have a space that you can use to add your contact details/logo/company stamp.

1 - Efficiency / 1 - Effeithlonrwydd
2 - Grants / 2 - Grantiau
3 - Solar Thermal / 3 - Ynni Solar Thermol
4 - Solar Photovoltaic / 4 - Ynni Ffotofoltaidd Solar
5 - Wood Fuel / 5 - Ynni Coed
6 - Wind Energy / 6 - Ynni Gwynt
7 - Hydro Energy / 7 - Trydan Dŵr
8 - Heat Pumps / 8 - Pumpiau Gwres

(EGSI supports the use of Open-Source Software. Software used in producing these leaflets includes: OpenOffice, Ubuntu and GIMP.)

Report from 4th GEC meeting

2007-03-22T12:00:00.000Z

Sustainable Design: Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Buildings

15th March 2007, National Botanic Gardens of Wales

Ninety-five people, representing 30 private businesses and 26 public sector or non-for-profit organisations attended the event. This was the first event where we have needed to put people on a waiting list and turn down last minute registrations, reflecting the relevance of the information and contacts we were providing and also the benefits of choosing an attractive venue.

The first presentation, from Trevor Roach, Head of Science and Education at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, set the context for the Garden’s installation of a biomass boiler and their long-term commitment to sustainable development. This was followed by a short tour taking in the biomass boiler, the water treatment system (the cleaned water from which is used on the biomass plantation) and the glasshouse heated by the boiler. Delegates were split into five groups, mixing suppliers with customers, separating people from the same organisation into different groups, and with an EGS team member in each group to act as informal facilitator.
The afternoon series of presentations covered aspects of Low Carbon design and demonstrated the involvement of key players in the installation of a renewable energy system – in this case solar thermal technology in a Gwalia Housing Association project. Speakers came from the company that designed and installed the system (Filsol), the architects (PCKO) and the housing association (Gwalia).

After a brief presentation updating delegates on developments with the Microgeneration Action Plan and Low Carbon Building Programme, the day was finished with four presentations from GEC companies. Two of the presenting companies, Dulas and Filsol, were recently successful as the lead partners tendering to be framework suppliers for the Phase 2 LCBP funding.

Presentations are now available from the meeting. All presentations are copyrighted by their respective owners, and delivered in pdf format at the maximum compression available. Users on dial-up should be aware that some presentations may take several minutes to download.

Trevor Roach - National Botanic Garden of Wales (2.6MB)

Katharine York - EGSi (80kB)

Cindy Harris - Design Council for Wales (4.4 MB)
Haf Roberts - Gwalia (2.2 MB)
John Blower - Filsol (Burry) (324 Kb)
PCKO (3.6 MB)

Enviropower CHP (200 kB)
John Blower - Filsol (1.5 MB)
Mat Hutchinson - PBE (1.2 MB)
Ian Draisey - Dulas (373kB)

Budget 2007

2007-03-22T05:49:00.000Z

In the budget yesterday, Gordon Brown announced:

50% increase in funding for householder element of the Low Carbon Building Programme (an additional £6M)
Stamp duty on first £500,000 to be abolished until 2012 on all new zero-carbon homes
Ofgem to be called in to investigate how people who have installed microgeneration schemes can be better rewarded for the electricity they sell to the national grid.
Proposals to be made to EU to reduce VAT from 17.5% to 5% on energy-saving/environmentally-friendly products in the home
Banks have been asked to draw up proposals for "green mortgages" to help finance energy-efficiency measures.

all Official Budget documents in pdf format
Independent Online article
Guardian Online article

***UPDATE***
As part of their Budget announcement, the DTI have indicated that April's expected allocation of householder funding will be suspended while the scheme is re-structured. Proposals will be brought forward "in May"

LCBP homepage with announcement

Hiatus in Microgeneration accreditation

2007-03-19T15:47:00.000Z

On the 16th March 2007, the Clear Skies accreditation scheme ceased taking new registrations. As the replacement UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme is not yet open, there is considerable concern in the industry that no mechanism exists for accrediting new installers under the LCBP. Currently no information is available about the expected start date of the MCS.

Clear Skies installers list
UK MCS information page
Guardian Online story

Wind Turbine Cuts Welsh Mutton Farm’s Diesel Use by 90%

2007-03-19T15:43:00.000Z

A spectacular 90% annual reduction in diesel usage for power generation purposes has been recorded by the specialist organic mutton producers, Elan Valley Mutton Co., following the installation of a FuturEnergy one-kilowatt wind turbine and a solar panel array at its remote farm in the picturesque Elan Valley, mid-Wales.

Farming UK article

Lampeter: Transition Town

2007-03-19T15:36:00.000Z

In April 450 people, including business leaders, farmers, and representatives from local institutions and authorities, are expected to attend a public meeting to consider a proposal to turn Lampeter into Wales' first Transition Town.

The Transition Town scheme, which has already been adopted by a handful of towns in England and Ireland, develops a model for towns to reduce their reliance on oil and fossil fuels by becoming more self-sufficient.

The talk will be entitled “Preparing West Wales for a future without oil”, and takes place on Tuesday 3 April 2007 from 4.00 till 8.30pm at the Arts Hall, University of Wales, Lampeter.

There will be an open discussion with experts which will be chaired by John Lloyd Jones, Chair of CCW. Places are limited so advance booking is essential. Telephone Antur Teifi 01239 710238 to book. For more information about this meeting please email lampeterapril3rd@yahoo.co.uk

Western Mail background piece

Climate change bill launch

2007-03-13T08:24:00.000Z

13th March
The government today is set to launch its climate change bill, setting targets to cut CO2 production by 60% by the year 2050:

BBC News story

Pressure rises to extend LCBP scheme

2007-03-03T17:44:00.000Z

189 grants, representing £635,340 were allocated on 1 March, exhausting the month's allocation within 75 minutes. This Independent article describes the rising tide of frustration many are experiencing:

"The cap is just a liability in the marketplace," Graham Meeks of the Renewable Energy Association said yesterday. "How can you run a business on a lottery? You still have to carry out sales and marketing but no matter how good a salesman you are or how good your product is, in the end you depend on the customer sitting in front of a computer and being quick off the mark to get a sale."

Independent article

Small wind turbine planning regulation changes

2007-03-03T17:39:00.000Z

Replying to a question during a blogging session on the Downing Street Web site, David Miliband said that from October 1 local planning regulations would be amended to "make it as easy to install a wind turbine as a satellite dish"

Reuters article

Renewable Energy and the Nuclear Debate

2007-02-28T15:14:00.000Z

16 May 2007 Abergele £85
Organised by the Institute of Civil Engineers

The North Wales Conference of the ICE will feature sessions on:

The ‘Energy Review’ and Government Policy
The Nuclear Debate
Renewable Options and The Energy Mix of the Future

Further details

LCBP funds under pressure

2007-02-20T08:07:00.000Z

Due to demand hugely outstripping supply, the LCBP grants for householders are now divided into monthly allocations of half a million pounds. The scheme accepts grant applications from 9am on the first day of each month. In February the funds lasted around 75 minutes before running out. Paper applications take around 15 days to process - if no funds are available at that point, the form is returned to the applicant, inviting them to re-apply next month.

Guardian Online story
Official LCBP advice to householders

In the press: Welsh Biofuels

2007-02-15T06:32:00.000Z

Bridgend-based Green Energy Cluster member company, Welsh Biofuels, is featured in the Western Mail. MD Ken Shaw speaks about the increased demand for wood pellets, their export success and their plans for expansion.

icWales feature

Has your company/organisation featured in the news? If you would like to spread the news about your successes, drop us an email, with a link to the online story, and we will be happy to consider a similar "In the press" story. egsi@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Rooftop wind turbines

2007-02-07T13:14:00.000Z

The use of rooftop wind turbines for microgeneration has had a somewhat checkered history, with many arguing that they are seriously inefficient, and may represent a negative return on energy invested in many circumstances. The Warwick Microwind Trial aims to provide conclusive and objective data on real installations.

http://www.warwickwindtrials.org.uk/

Network of Eco-friendly homes launched

2007-02-07T13:00:00.000Z

Bristol and the East Midlands will this week be named as the first places where a new network of eco-friendly houses is to be created.
Ministers are working with English Partnerships, the regeneration agency, to establish dozens of small-scale communities across England made up of only zero-carbon or low-carbon houses, to help reduce the impact of climate change. Initially 1,000 such homes will be built.

Guardian Online story

Investment to double PV production

2007-02-04T06:58:00.000Z

Sharp is investing £9.3M in its Wrexham PV manufacturing facility, doubling the production capacity to 220MW with the installation of a new production line. The investment comes as a response to the enormous global demand stimulated by German (and other European) feed tariffs.
icWales report

Biomass in the Countryside

2007-02-02T10:27:00.000Z

February 15th 2007, National Botanic Garden of Wales FREE

This event has been designed to promote biomass as an additional or alternative income to farmers, landowners and wood users. Experts will be on hand to explain how using existing woodland, forestry and the growing of sustainable crops can further your income. Take this opportunity to learn more about the future of renewable energy and forge links with potential end users.

Flyer (.pdf 466kB)

Wokingham integrates microgeneration into key worker housing

2007-01-31T12:37:00.000Z

Like most Local Authorities, Wokingham struggles to recruit and retain key workers due to overheated housing markets. By incorporating renewables and good energy-efficiency measures right from the design stage, the final housing is cost-effective, and the low energy running costs of the building add significantly to the attractiveness of the houses to the key workers.

24dash.com article

Fourth GEC Meeting

2007-01-24T14:13:00.000Z

Thursday March 15th, National Botanic Garden of Wales

Sustainable Design: Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Buildings

A FREE event providing essential information, practical guidance and key contacts for renewable energy and building design professionals.

Policy and environmental drivers mean that low carbon design and on-site renewable energy generation will be integral to new build development. The UK and Welsh government have put in place key measures to ‘kick start’ sustainable design and renewable energy in low carbon buildings.

This free one day event will provide inspiration, information and key contacts to those involved in renewable energy systems and the specification and design of low carbon buildings. The event is aimed at building-linked renewable energy suppliers, manufacturers and installers, as well as housing professionals, architects, local authorities, housing associations and developers.

Details (manylion yn Gymraeg)
Registration form

Poll: Voluntary carbon offsetting

2007-01-18T13:36:00.000Z

(voting now closed)

Carbon offsetting, the process by which carbon dioxide-producing activities can be offset by contributing to a scheme that reduces carbon dioxide production (or removes CO2 from the atmosphere) by the same amount, is an increasingly big business. Many voluntary offset schemes have seen their business increase 10-fold in the past year.

Questions remain about the validity of these schemes, involving some very basic issues - different schemes quote identical flights as producing very different levels of CO2, some schemes advertise "Offset your flight by as little as £1", the regulated CDM (Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Protocol) cost of Co2 is $8.50 per tonne, compared with the average unregulated voluntary offset price of $1.25

Many voluntary offset schemes are beginning to address some of these credibility issues (with a big reduction in tree-planting elements of the schemes. The independant Gold Standard organisation, which regulates projects in the mandatory sector is now checking them in the voluntary sector too. However only three schemes (and none UK-based) offer to offset flights with Gold Standard certified schemes.

Members of the Cluster tend to have a great deal of knowledge on these issues, so what do you think:

Are voluntary carbon offsetting schemes a credible mechanism for tackling climate change?

Yes - 18.2% (4 votes)

No - 81.8% (18 votes)

Nemex Renewables Innovation Award

2007-01-17T12:09:00.000Z

Deadline for application : 28 February 2007

For innovative installations in solar thermal, micro-hydro, solar pv, heat pumps, micro-wind and biomass embedded on the client's own site.
Entry form

Marks and Spencer launches £200m eco plan

2007-01-17T11:56:00.000Z

What is interesting from this announcement is the level of detail (a 100-point plan!) that a major retailer feels is now necessary. This begins with a commitment to reductions in energy use, through purchase of "green" electricity, piloting anaerobic digestion plant to generate their own renewable energy and only using "offsetting" as a final resort.

Press release

Skills provision in the Welsh energy sector

2007-01-11T15:09:00.000Z

Skills and Capability Exchange for the Energy Industry in Wales
Thursday February 15th 2007, Cardiff City Hall

Organised by the Department of Lifelong Learning and Skills, Welsh Assembly Government

The Skills and Capability Exchange will assess the skills requirements of the energy sector in Wales and the services offered by the providers of training. The intention is to identify:

* gaps in training provision
* issues of funding for training - including priority areas to fund (DELLS has responsibility for the Assembly's delivery of skills provision)
* opportunities for providers in Wales to supply the global market

The Exchange covers the whole of the energy industry - including utility-scale generation, oil and gas, but also specifically renewables. As renewable energy generation is expected to continue to grow significantly over the next ten years, we feel that the skills issues in this sector deserve particular attention (and indeed may benefit greatly from experiences in more "mature" industries), and DELLS have indicated that they are sympathetic to this view.

If you want to influence provision of funding and training for your sector, or if you want DELLS to be made aware of training you offer, see the flyer for more details.

Flyer (.pdf 1.1MB)

Micro-Hydro Seminars

2007-01-10T13:40:00.000Z

Tue 23rd January - Centre for Alternative Technology, Mid Wales OR
Wed 24th January - Clynfyw Countryside Centre, Pembrokeshire

Organised by the British Hydropower Association, these seminars are aimed at individuals and community groups interested in their own small hydro schemes, landowners, developers and Local Authorities. They will include talks from the Environment Agency, developers and established community groups.

The cost is £50 per delegate.

For more information:
telephone: 01202 880333
email: info@british-hydro.org

Government announces strategy for zero-carbon housing

2006-12-15T08:15:00.000Z

The consultation document "Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development" has been launched by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly .

From 2008 all new homes will have a mandatory rating under a new Code for Sustainable Homes.
A Planning Policy Statement on climate change will require planning strategies to optimise carbon performance and be resilient to climate change.
A framework for progressively tightening building regulations up to 2016 to increase the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of new homes will be put in place.

The announcement defines a "Low carbon development" as one that achieves a reduction in carbon emissions of 50 per cent or more from energy use on site, on an annual basis.

A "zero carbon home" is one with ‘zero net emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO²) from all energy use in the home’. This could be at the level of the individual home or "site-wide strategies".

The Code for Sustainable Homes is based on the BRE's EcoHomes system, which BRE will maintain during the transition to the Code.

As 70% of all homes that will exist in 2050 have already been built, the existing housing stock also comes under the spotlight, with the Energy Efficiency of Dwellings - Initial Analysis forming the basis for developing proposals to improve the existing housing stock. It is essential to consider the existing stock if long-term targets for carbon reductions are to be met.

News Release
List of documents released

A Science Policy for Wales

2006-12-13T15:27:00.000Z

A Science Policy for Wales (the Welsh Assembly Government's Strategic Vision for Sciences, Engineering and Technology) has been launched, with research in low carbon energy systems forming one of its three main strands. Launched at a time when the costs of sustaining research facilities in the South East are becoming harder to maintain, the policy is intended to capitalise on the opportunities to build a vibrant science research sector in Wales.
www.welshenergy.org/news.asp?id=36

Carbon Trust offers loans to non-SME's

2006-12-13T15:21:00.000Z

"In Wales we now have interest free loans for non-SME’s. Loans are available for between £5k and £100k for projects with a simple payback of fewer than 5 years (subject to a Carbon Saving Threshold). A limited ‘pot’ of money is currently available, projects would need to be committed by March ’07 and will be allocated on a ‘1st come 1st served basis’. It is an unsecured, interest free loan and repayable over a period of up to 4 years.

Energy-Efficiency Loans are intended to encourage qualifying companies to invest in energy saving equipment that either upgrades or replaces existing facilities. Examples of the type of equipment that can be supported include:

• Energy saving lighting
• High efficiency electric motors and drives
• Boilers and heater controls
• Building insulation
• Compressed air systems and fittings
• Insulation for boilers, hot water tanks, and pipe work
• Heat recovery systems
• Lighting controls

Note also that the loan may be used to cover, for example, installation and commissioning as well as the capital cost of the equipment provided the payback criteria are still met.

You can register your interest and request an application pack from our helpline – 0800 085 2005."

Carbon trading "credit cards for all"?

2006-12-12T06:56:00.000Z

In a Guardian interview, David Milliband discusses the possibility of individual carbon allowances linked to personal accounts and accessed through a carbon "credit card" - possibly within 5 years.
Guardian story