E-bulletin masthead

E-bulletin subscriber    

Companies working in renewables soon realise that the highly politicised nature of renewable energy creates a challenging environment with rapidly changing policies.

 

I expect to see the political opposition to renewables from Tory backbenches and right wind press continue to grow.

 

However, I was in No.10 last week briefing Cameron's environment advisor and I got a clear impression that there is now an understanding in Treasury of the importance of the sector for jobs and growth. Given that the top three political priorities are jobs, jobs and jobs - this really matters. The recent REA report "Made in Britain" is an excellent example of the message we need to keep hammering home.

 

We also need hard evidence of the economic benefits of renewables, so please take the time to fill in the survey for our annual 'progress report' and keep sending us press releases on any job and investment announcements you have.

 

Despite the challenges this is a sector on the up. It was great this month to see on one day sixty companies at a Regen SW Marine Energy Park meeting attended by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and fifty at a meeting we held on solar and the Feed-in Tariff with DECC. The Feed-in Tariff event sent a strong message to DECC that their proposed further cuts are based on unrealistic price drops - the indications are that they are listening.

 

We are also looking forward to our conference "Financing Renewable Solutions" on the public and private sector working together in Bristol on 12 June, with speakers from DECC on Green Deal and speakers from CLG on new developments and building regulations. Thanks to Bristol City Council and Burges Salmon for their support - more information at www.regensw.co.uk/events

 

Finally can I welcome our new members Evance Wind Turbines Ltd, Rainbow Renewables Ltd, Midas, Energy, Auto Dynamic Positioning Services Ltd, Bournemouth Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council Living Space Architects Ltd, Earth Force Ltd, Renewable Power Ltd and Pipex px ® and thank you all for your support.

 

Kind regards

 

Merlin

 

Merlin Hyman

Chief executive

 

QUICK LINKS

UPDATES

General news and policy
Offshore renewables

Onshore electricity generation
Microgeneration and energy efficiency 

Renewable Heat   

EVENTS
Regen SW events
Other events  

Jobs

 

OffshoreRenewablesUpdateOffshore renewables update

Regen SW update

 

 www.regensw.co.uk/projects/offshore-renewables 

 

Contact:

Johnny Gowdy, programme director (jgowdy@regensw.co.uk

Nicholas Kirsop-Taylor, marine and offshore wind project manager (nkirsoptaylor@regensw.co.uk
 

We can now see that the south west's investment to support marine energy is beginning to bear fruit. This month we have seen another significant milestone with the deployment of the new Fred Olsen "Lifesaver" wave energy device at the FabTest site in Falmouth Bay (click here to read the full story on Business Green http://is.gd/3j9XVL), and earlier this month we held the latest South West Marine Energy Park (MEP) partnership meeting.  The level of engagement from industry was exceptional, and more than 60 businesses attended and several others who couldn't be there followed up with emails of support.  Chris Pook from BIS was impressed by the strength of commitment and passion from the private sector - and he is taking that message back to government.  We have now drawn up an action plan, which sets out some concrete steps forward.

 

In the next couple of months we expect to see further headlines announcing the opening of a new world leading Marine Sciences building at Plymouth University and a number of other exciting developments.

 

Regen to host national Offshore Wind Supply Chain Conference

One way for companies to develop in the marine energy sector is to attend our events, and one that should not be missed up is the Offshore Wind Supply Chain Conference on 31 May at the NEC, Brimingham.  Hosted by Regen SW in partnership with the Crown Estate, this event is an excellent opportunity to engage with the major offshore wind developers and tier one suppliers.  For more information go to our events page www.regensw.co.uk/events

 

OnshoreElectricityUpdateOnshore electricity generation update 

Regen SW update

 

Contact: 

Josie Ashe, data coordinator (jashe@regensw.co.uk) 

 

 

This month the onshore electricity team has been continuing to understand and digest the impacts of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  In particular, we will be contacting Local Planning Authorities offering to support them in reviewing their energy policies in the light of the NPPF.  Of note for developers, the NPPF advises local authorities that pre-application discussions, though not legally required, are an important process that should be encouraged wherever possible. For more information, contact Hazel Williams (hwilliams@regensw.co.uk).

 

Communities for Renewables

Under our Communities for Renewables programme, we are currently looking for additional community groups who want to drive a large scale renewable energy project in their area.  For more information, contact
 

MicrogenerationUpdateMicrogeneration and energy efficiency update 

Regen SW update

 

www.regensw.co.uk/projects/microgeneration-and-energy-efficiency

 

Contact: 

Lee Richards, programme manager (lrichards@regensw.co.uk

  

 

April has been a busy month for microgeneration. The Phase 2a FiT consultation (PV) has now closed with the Phase 2b consultation deadline approaching on 23 April, and Regen SW responded to the Phase 2a consultation with member input and a series of high-level recommendations.  For our detailed response to this visit http://is.gd/IYsRkE

 

The Phase 2b consultation deals with all other FiT eligible technologies and proposes no changes to levels on 1 April, but will look to slowly degress tariff levels from Oct 2012 to April 2014 with a 5 per cent degression thereafter.  Another key point that come out of the Phase 2b consultation is that community schemes could have their tariff levels fixed for six months to allow for the longer timescales in deploying community schemes.  Full details can be found at:  http://is.gd/LFRJij

 

Future of solar PV parks briefing

Regen SW ran a successful members briefing on the future of solar parks and the FiT consultations on 17 April to address these key issues.  The event was attended by more than 40 member businesses, who heard from expert speakers and had the chance to discuss in detail the effects of the FiT policy consultations with Rachel Solomon Williams, Head of FiT review, DECC.  The meeting raised many interesting points, and comments were collated for DECC to use in their future thinking on FiT reform.  To download the presentations, planning guidance notes, and comments made during the event please visit http://is.gd/L63Xm2

  RenewableHeatRenewable Heat update

Regen SW update

 

www.regensw.co.uk/projects/renewable-heat

 
Contact:

Tim Crook, project manager (tcrook@regensw.co.uk)

  

 

Since November 2011, when the Renewable Heat Incentive was formally launched for non-domestic installations, Ofgem (which administers the scheme) has accredited 15 projects, 13 of which are biomass.  Throughout March and April, Ofgem ran a series of events focusing on the application process, and Regen SW members will shortly be receiving an update on some of the outcomes of these workshops.

 

The FOREST programme is continuing to support businesses growing in the woodfuel supply chain, and its online supplier search and community pages will be available shortly. This will be an exceptional free resource for all things woodfuel and it provides a forum for businesses to develop partnerships in the UK and EU.  For further information on FOREST and how you can get involved, call the Regen office or visit www.forestprogramme.com

 

GeneralAndPolicyNewsNews and policy update

£20 million marine demonstrator scheme opens

The government has launched its a £20m Marine Energy Array Demonstrator Scheme (MEAD), which will support up to two pre-commercial projects to demonstrate wave and/or tidal device arrays. Companies that have already demonstrated their devices will be able to bid for a share of the £20 million if they apply by 1 June.

To read the full story visit http://is.gd/r33Wbz

 

67 per cent of public in favour of more wind power

Two-thirds of the UK public are in favour of wind power according to a new poll, published on the same day as a national anti-wind campaign launched in parliament. 67 per cent of Britons were in favour and just 8 per cent against when asked: "to what extent are you in favour of or opposed to the use of wind power in the UK" in the Ipsos Mori poll.

To read the full; story visit http://is.gd/nzKnsD

 

UK Renewables sector employs 110,000 people

According to a new report, the renewables industry employs at least 110,000 people and is worth £12.5 billion to the UK economy.

To Read the full story visit http://is.gd/EKBuRx

 

Businesses call for fairer cost control for feed-in tariffs

A large coalition of businesses have urged the government to set a fairer cost-control mechanism for solar subsidies, including setting an "under-deployment trigger" that will raise feed-in tariff rates for solar PV if less than a quarter of the expected capacity is installed in a year.

To read the full story visit http://is.gd/AbyIA1                   

 

DECC releases national heat strategy

DECC has releases a national heat strategy 'The Future of heating: a strategic framework for low-carbon heat'. It sets out heat is supplied and used today and describes how the heat system will need to evolve over time.

To read the full document visit http://is.gd/eDxzrx


Supporting SMEs with the low carbon ideas
DECC announces £35m for Energy Entrepreneurs Fund, £3m for heat storage innovation and launches a new online funding navigator, the Low Carbon Funding Landscape Navigator.
Read the DECC press release  http://bit.ly/IchrWr
Visit the funding navigator website www.lowcarbonfunding.org.uk

 

To see all of the sustainable energy events that Regen SW is aware of, visit www.regensw.co.uk/events

 

RegenSW_eventsRegen SW events

Save the dates

  

10 June 2012 

Nominations open for the South West Green Energy Awards nominations.  Keep a look out for more information!

  

20 November 2012 

Renewable Futures Conference and Exhibition at the Assembly Rooms in Bath.

 

Financing Renewable Solutions, 12 June, Bristol

Financing Renewable Solutions is Regen's annual conference bringing together leading government and private sector speakers to examine how the public and private sector can work together to unlock these opportunities. It's a chance to learn about the latest government policies to explore the opportunities for economic development and revenue generation.

For more information and to book your place visit http://is.gd/TXOX4g

 

UK Offshore Wind Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition, 31 May, Birmingham

As part of The Crown Estate's third round of national Offshore Wind Supply Chain events, Regen SW and partners from Offshore Wind England are hosting an event at the National Exhibition Centre in May. Building on the success of previous years, this event will be an excellent opportunity for businesses to engage with the major offshore wind developers and tier one suppliers to understand how they can expand their presence or break into this growing industry.

For more information and to book your place visit http://is.gd/1ofL12

 

House of Commons Members' Reception, 11 September 2012

Regen SW is holding a prestigious Members' reception at the House of Commons, which will provide a unique opportunity for members to network and engage with key policy makers, opinion formers and investors. The event will showcase the exciting renewable energy businesses and projects in the south west and the potential for the future and make the case for a supportive public policy framework and for sustainable energy to be identified as the key economic development priority.

For more information visit http://is.gd/H18SC2

 

 

  Other_eventsOthers' events

   

The Royal Town Planning Institute South West

Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy,  The Eden Project, St Austell, 18 May 2012 

A core theme for planners everywhere,  this informative and interactive day will be looking at innovation in sustainable construction and sustainable energy production in an award winning venue.  The day will include an insight into Cornwall's solar farms and the successes of overall sustainable energy across the county.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/JMF7Cb.

 

To book please contact Helen Clarke at  southwest@rtpi.org.uk or call 07974 531405.

 

2012 Cornwall Renewable Energy Show, Gaia Centre, Delabole, Cornwall, PL33 9DA, 26-27 July 2012

In 2011 Cornwall Council organised a highly successful Renewable Energy Show. The event was attended by over 60 exhibitors and had over 1,000 visitors/day - it was one of the largest events in the SW. The Gaia centre was built as the visitor facility for the Delabole Wind Farm - the UK's first commercial wind farm - it's a very large (100m x 50m) building, directly adjacent to the windfarm and perfect for this event. You may wish to view this short video of last years event. This can be viewed on our Renewable Energy Show page here   www.cornwall.gov.uk/energyshow or the direct link to the video is here  http://vimeo.com/29392211

 

Preparations are now well underway for the 2012 Cornwall Renewable Energy Show. This will take place on 26th and 27th July between 9am and 5pm and is free for delegates.

For stand prices and booking details please visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/energyshow

 

Confor South west AGM and spring meeting, 2 May 2012

This meeting will provide an opportunity to hear about the RHI and whether it can make the installation and running of a wood fuelled system, whether that be logs, chips or pellets, a financially attractive proposition, especially if the wood supply is local.

For more information visit http://is.gd/NgLnWr

 

International Training Seminar on Biomass heating - market development and technologies, Linz/Austria, 10 - 13 September 2012

The 3-day international training seminar will provide information and know-how on local market development and technologies for automatic biomass heating, based on the experience in Austria.

for more infomation and detials on booking visit www.oec.at/en/projects/events

 

Planning and permissions for energy projects, Taunton, 19 May

This session will outline the processes involved in local authority planning, show you how you can get involved, and how to apply for consent.

For more information visit http://is.gd/C7jrQR


All-Energy Exhibition & Conference,Aberden, 23-24 May 2012

All-Energy Exhibition & Conference is the UK's largest renewable energy event.  Showcasing the complete range of renewable and sustainable technologies, the event has a world-class multi-stream conference alongside.  Also exhibiting at the event - with their own pavilion - will be the South West Marine Energy Park.

For more information visit http://is.gd/fHhpqO

JobsJobs

Regen SW Jobs

  

Communities for Renewables project manager, Falmouth, Cornwall, £18-£20k pa

Communities for Renewables CIC (CfR) is recruiting a project manager to take day-to-day responsibility for developing two community wind projects in Cornwall, which are currently at feasibility stage. The Project Manager will work with the rest of the CfR team (based in Exeter and Bath) and will be supervised by CfR Director Jake Burnyeat (based in Falmouth). It is a challenging role that would suit a highly motivated graduate with a renewable-energy-related degree.

 

For more information, download the job description and application details at  http://is.gd/3rEkHw

 

Events and Communication Internship

We are currently looking for a intern to work in our events and communications team to help deliver Regen SW's programme of events and to support the events and membership manager with day-to-day communications
activities.
The intern will ideally be looking to work in the events or communications sector and will have a relevant qualification in this area, as well as an interest in sustainable energy. There is the potential for the internship to turn into a paid position for the right candidate.

 

For more information, download the job description and application details at http://bit.ly/IondUS

 

Other jobs


Environmental executive, Acre, Bristol, £35k + benefits

Acre is looking for someone that can provide environmental awareness and champion good practice across a large number of buildings in which it operates in a number of locations across the South of England.

For more information and to apply, visit  http://is.gd/3CapM6

 

Renewable Energy Site Surveyor, SunGift Solar, Exeter, £20k + company car

SunGift Solar is lookin for a site surveyor with technical knowledge of renewable energy systems and practical experience of working with either plumbing or electrics. The role will include visiting 

prospective customers and designing renewable energy systems, including solar thermal, solar PV, wind, biomass, CHP and heat pump systems.

For more information and to apply, visit http://is.gd/fRhbTM  

 

Footer