Coalition outlines microgeneration ambitions

The government will today launch a major consultation exercise designed to identify how the UK can accelerate the rollout of small-scale renewable energy technologies.

The consultation will look at how the UK can expand its support for microgeneration technologies on the back of the introduction of feed-in tariff incentives earlier this year.

In particular, it will look at how to improve the reliability and performance of microgeneration technologies, build the skills base and supply chain necessary to support the rollout of small-scale renewable energy systems, and improve the advice available to businesses, households and communities interested in installing renewable energy technologies.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the consultation, climate change minister Greg Barker said he wanted to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy.

"By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies," he said. "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. Together we will create a marketplace for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people trust."

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said that about 100,000 homes and businesses have deployed microgeneration technologies, but repeated studies have shown that there is the potential to dramatically increase the levels of energy provided by smaller-scale energy systems.

DECC said the consultation would focus on electricity generation technologies with a capacity of less than 50kW in size and heat-generating technologies of less than 300kW, including air, ground and water-source heat pumps, solar panels, micro wind turbines, biomass boilers, micro-hydro systems and fuel cells.

Dave Sowden, chief Executive of the Micropower Council, welcomed the consultation, predicting that it could pave the way for "a true mass-market UK microgeneration industry".

"Microgeneration is already a notable British manufacturing, servicing and export success story," he added. "It brings a unique personal touch for citizens to do their bit in tackling the country's energy efficiency and sustainability needs, as well as helping supply security, fuel poverty relief and creating thousands of green jobs in recent years."

The consultation will be followed by a formal Microgeneration Strategy, which is scheduled to be released early next year.

The announcement comes just days after energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne revealed plans to repeal legislation that bans councils from selling energy to the grid in a move designed to encourage local authorities to invest in the rollout of microgeneration and community-scale renewables projects.