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Dec 12, 2005 -- M2 PRESSWIRE
Mini wind turbines, solar panels and other small scale technologies could provide a substantial portion of the UK's energy needs by 2050, according to a new report from the Energy Saving Trust, that is published today. The report - Potential for Microgeneration, study and analysis - was commissioned by the DTI to inform the Low Carbon Building programme and the wider microgeneration strategy, that is to be published in spring 2006. It has looked at the current status of the industry and perceived barriers to the wider uptake of the different types of technology. It has also suggested when each of these technologies could become more cost effective. The main findings include: * That by 2050 micogeneration could potentially provide 30-40% of the UK's total electricity needs * That by 2050 microgeneration could help to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% per year The Chief Executive Philip Sellwood of the Energy Saving Trust, said: "Our findings paint a promising picture for the future energy needs of the UK. Over the next 10 to 40 years a large proportion of homes in the UK could be generating their own energy, saving tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and helping to prevent climate change." Commenting on the report energy minister Malcolm Wicks said: "This report makes an important contribution to the debate on microgeneration. "I would like more micro wind turbines, solar panels and other technologies on schools, homes and businesses as they can make a real difference in reducing the UK's carbon emissions, as well as helping people to understand better where our energy comes from and increase their energy efficiency. " Notes to editors * The report was undertaken by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the DTI in conjunction with Element Energy Limited, E-Connect and Cambridge University Faculty of Economics. For the executive summary, go here: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/consultations/pdfs/microgeneration-est-summary.pdf * A full copy of the report can be obtained here: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/consultations/pdfs/microgeneration-est-report.pdf . * The DTI will publish its microgeneration strategy in spring 2006. The consultation document can be found here: http://www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/files/publication-1505.pdf * Almost 200 responses to the consultation were received, they can be viewed here: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/consultations/microgeneration-responses-alphabetical.shtml * The Energy Saving Trust - was set up by the government after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the UK's leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change. It aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy for households, small business and the road transport sector. The Energy Saving Trust is a not for profit organisation funded by Government and the private sector. The Energy Saving Trust runs a number of national programmes which provide funding, information and advice to encourage the installation of microgeneration technologies, including the PV Major Demonstration programme, Community Energy programme and Scottish Communities and Household Renewables Initiative. * Element Energy - is a dynamic and growing engineering company specialising in strategic energy consultancy and design and development services in the renewable and alternative energy sectors. * Econnect - is an electrical engineering consultancy operating globally in the renewables and embedded generation sectors. M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com. News Provided By |
