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Making renewable energy happen. Presentation to Renewable Energy in Action Simon Roberts Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy. Introduction. The scale of the challenge: climate change & Government Energy Policy The role of renewables The policy framework (and its gaps)
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Making renewable energy happen Presentation to Renewable Energy in Action Simon Roberts Chief Executive, Centre for Sustainable Energy
Introduction • The scale of the challenge: climate change & Government Energy Policy • The role of renewables • The policy framework (and its gaps) • The importance of community-scale renewables • The case for action: seeing the full benefit
Government Energy Policy • Energy White Paper, February 2003 • Strong targets on carbon emissions to address climate change • Really strong targets • 20% cut by 2010, 60% cut by 2050 • Eliminate fuel poverty amongst vulnerable households by 2010 and completely by 2016 • Renewables and energy efficiency hold the keys to low carbon future
The role of renewables • Target for 10% renewable electricity by 2010 • Most from on-shore and off-shore wind power • Aspiration for 20% by 2020 and 40% by 2050 (“and possibly more”) • Government sees strong potential for ‘UK plc’ • Innovation support for new and near-market technologies (wave, marine and tidal current, biomass, solar, fuel cells, GSHP) • Need to increase deployment rate five-fold
The policy framework • Renewable Obligation on energy suppliers to meet 10% target for 2010 • Tradeable Renewable Obligation Certificates creates value for ‘greeness’ – now c. 4.7 p/kWh • Current consultation to offer ROCs for micro-scale generation (>500kWh per year) • ‘Embedded generation’ requires changes in nature of electricity distribution system
The gaps in the framework • Lack of certainty for post-2010 policy undermines confidences of finance community • Slow to address distribution system changes • No target or support mechanism for renewable heat (solar water, biomass & biogas, GSHP) • Ambivalent, unimaginative or ill-informed approach to community-scale renewables … But still plenty of opportunities and support
The role for the smaller-scale • Edmund Burke knew a thing or two • Community-scale and domestic-scale are where people really engage with the changes required
The role for the smaller-scale • Edmund Burke knew a thing or two • Community-scale and domestic-scale are where people really engage with the changes required • Education setting creates potential to change attitudes and behaviour across two generations:
The role for the smaller-scale • Edmund Burke knew a thing or two • Community-scale and domestic-scale are where people really engage with the changes required • Education setting creates potential to change attitudes and behaviour across two generations: • CSE’s Energy Matters education programme secured energy saving behaviour in 75% of homes of participating pupils • Beyond the technology: curriculum-linked resources, teacher support, home-based exercises to engage families, opportunities for continuing pupil involvement • Embed in holistic approach: control demand and green supply
Support from CAfE • Community Action for Energy • EST-backed initiative to encourage and support community-engaged sustainable energy initiatives • More than 1,000 members – roughly 50:50 split of energy professionals and community activists • Case studies (3 on renewables), training, funding info, conference, expert advice, newsletters etc • www.est.co.uk/cafe and helpline on 08701 261 444
The case for action • Need to put energy supply on a sustainable footing • Need to engage people and communities to achieve lasting change • Potential to realise significant educational benefits if planned and integrated into project • Wide range of grant and resource support available • Making it happen – from feasibility to fulfilment
Contacts www.cse.org.uk www.est.co.uk/cafe