Renewables Blog
FIT consultation: Tariffs for non-PV technologies and scheme administration issues
This consultation has been launched at the same time as the fresh PV consultation but on a slower timetable, running to April 26th rather than April 3rd2012.
Immediate Tariff Proposals
Modifications to tariffs are proposed to become effective in October 2012. Tariffs have been capped at the new proposed solar PV rate (21p/KWh) which affects some of the small wind tariffs, while Micro-CHP has attracted additional support.
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Comprehensive FIT review: Solar PV
Yesterday the government announced a further consultation on PV tariffs, in an attempt to bring transparency and certainty to the industry. Some issues have been clarified, but other remains highly uncertain. Our current understanding is:
What tariff will I get at different installation times?
Now to 3rd March 2012: uncertain, the government’s intended tariff is:
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Solar PV – astonishing cost falls point to a future boom for South West businesses and farmers
At the tail end of last year, just as the solar PV industry was reeling from the announcement of controversial proposed cuts in FIT tariffs, we hosted some seminars with a local law firm highlighting what a bright future the industry had in the South West.
Read moreWind Farms – cost effective additions to our electricity generation fleet
The Telegraph reported at the weekend that 101 Conservative MPs had written to David Cameron urging a re-think on policy towards onshore wind farms since, to summarise their apparent argument, they were inefficient and intermittent (and hence unreliable); they also urged changes to proposed planning legislation to help “locals” defeat proposed windfarms.
Read moreUK marine energy park announced for the South West
The minister for energy and climate change, Greg Barker, has announced plans for the first of a series of marine energy parks which is to be based along the coastline between Cornwall and Bristol. The South West Marine Energy Park (SWMEP) will be the UK’s first designated zone for the development of marine technology including wave, tidal range, tidal currents and offshore wind.
Read moreCommercial vehicles – Grants for driving down Electric Avenue
The Government’s ‘Plug-In Car’ grant has been extended with the creation of a new ‘Plug-In Van’ grant. Commercial vehicles have (historically) been unable to attract any grant finance but this new scheme encouraging business people to consider electric van technology could change that – an upfront purchase grant, when combined with lower running costs and tax benefits could make this an attractive option.
The grant reduces the cost of the van by 20% (up to a value of £8,000). The key qualifying criteria are that each van must:
Read moreChanges to Capital allowances on RHI/FIT equipment
A consultation was launched in the summer which set out to significantly reduce capital allowances available on plant and equipment that attract tariff payments under the FIT and RHI schemes. HMRC have now released their response which proves to be somewhat different (and more favourable) to the proposed changes. The initial proposals aimed to reduce all WDA’s (regardless of technology) to the special rate (8%) pool and remove the availability of the AIA.
Read morePV push blows the budget
The "effective date" for changes to small PV tariffs has now passed, despite the fact that the consultation on the change remains open (!).
Read moreFunding for community energy and public sector energy efficiency schemes
Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has announced that £30 million of government funding will be made available for community renewable energy projects and public energy efficiency programs.
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Renewable Heat Incentive – open for business
Following a long period of uncertainty, the Government has finally launched the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which was opened to non domestic applicants from 28 November 2011. This has followed an ongoing dispute that the original tariff for large biomass was in breach of EU state aid rules. This article summarises the key points.
What is it?
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