Government slated for missing microgeneration deadline

Companies interested in installing small-scale wind turbines and air-source heat pumps are still having to clear demanding planning hurdles after the government missed a deadline for introducing permitted development rights for the installations.

Climate change minister Greg Barker found himself on the back foot on Monday after he was forced to explain why the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) had failed to comply with a statutory deadline to introduce micro-wind and domestic heat pumps into the planning system.

Permitted development rights allow certain types of development to be completed without the need for planning permission. Speaking at the launch of the government’s consultation into its microgeneration strategy on Monday, Micropower Council's chief executive, Dave Sowden, launched a scathing attack on the government for "breaking the law".

"The CLG failed to comply with a statutory deadline to introduce micro-wind and domestic heat pumps into the planning system. I am sure government officials are going to sort this out but it does draw into question what role Parliament has if it pushes laws through that government then ignores," he said.

A spokeswoman for the CLG told BusinessGreen: "The new government is committed to introducing permitted development rights for small domestic wind turbines and air-source heat pumps, as part of our agenda of supporting renewable energy, microgeneration and a low-carbon economy. We will be bringing secondary legislation to Parliament shortly before the summer recess.

"The small delay is just a logistical consequence of the change of government and the need to analyse the consultation responses to the complex issues, but we want to reassure the industry that we will be moving ahead quickly," she said.

Greg Barker said microgeneration was a key part of the vision to bring power back to the people and allow more homes, communities and businesses to generate their own energy. "By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. 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," Barker said.

Although the microgeneration industry welcomed the government’s root-and-branch review of microgeneration policy in the UK and publication of a new microgeneration strategy early next year, Sowden warned the industry faces a confidence crisis if clarity is not provided soon on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

"Investment and order books are now starting to dry up, and it will not be long before firms start shedding some of the thousands of jobs confidently created in the past year thanks to the strong support given to the RHI by ministers when in opposition. We urge the government to announce the RHI and its application to the microgeneration sector without further delay so that we can confidently build this brand new British industry," he said.

Greg Barker said the government was not yet in a position to make an announcement on the future of the RHI, however, it had an ambitious agenda on renewable heat and will make an announcement on whether or not the proposed subsidy scheme will go ahead as soon as possible.

The Micropower Council represents manufacturers and installers of microgeneration technologies as well as energy suppliers and other trade associations active in the sector. It campaigns on behalf of its members for a genuine mass market for small-scale, low and zero-carbon electricity and heat-generating technologies.