New rates have been announced for the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme for 2016 onwards including a 64% cut to the domestic tariff bringing down rewards from 12p/kWh to a measly 4.39p/kWh. The subsidy cuts however were smaller than expected for small to mid scale solar, wind, and hydro projects, although plans for a £100m cap […]
Extension granted for wind energy projects
After much controversy over the premature closure of the Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme, the government has bent under the pressure and allowed an extended grace period. There are no plans to bring back the RO scheme, as Amber Rudd sticks to her pledge amid claims she is protecting customers against high bills. “As we have […]
Tories debate over renewables and energy policies
After public concern after cuts to renewable energy subsidies, the Tories gathered to discuss energy policies at a conference fringe meeting. Conservative MP for the Wells constituency and member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee, James Heappey cautioned: “Certainly we should not be making an enemy of the renewables sector.” He was responding to […]
Offshore windfarm application rejected by DECC
A 970MW offshore windfarm application has been refused by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) due to the potential visual impact to the landscape. Energy secretary Amber Rudd said that the project posed a “significant adverse impact” to viewers standing on the Dorset coastline, much of which is designated by Unesco as a […]
New shadow energy secretary Nandy after Flint resigns
Caroline Flint has resigned as shadow energy secretary after four years paving the way for Lisa Nandy to fill her shoes. Despite controversy that Flint had left due to Jeremy Corbyn’s appointment as party leader – several other cabinet members resigned in protest – she claims her return to the back benches was a move […]
Government rejects four Welsh wind farm proposals
Four Welsh onshore wind farm projects have been denied by the UK government amid concerns over their effect on local biodiversity, local traffic, landscape and visual impacts. “Careful consideration has been given to each application, and the planning and energy issues involved,” a DECC spokesperson said in a statement. The proposed Llanbadarn Fynydd, Llaithddu, Llanbrynmair, […]
Planning approved for largest onshore wind farm
Scout Moor has received planning permission to add a further 14 turbines to its current site of 26 making it the largest onshore windfarm in England. Peel Energy and United Utilities requested 16 extra turbines but only 14 have currently been approved with the other two pending. Rossendale Borough Council gave the go-ahead, which will […]
First energy producing home opens
Grand Designs eat your heart out this week as the first low cost ‘energy positive’ house is built in Britain. This three-bedroom house generates more energy than its inhabitants will use and only cost £125,000 to build as it is powered quite simply, by the sun. Using batteries to store the electricity, which it generates […]
Renewables to become top source of electricity in 2030
Coal will no longer be the world’s top source of electricity by 2030 if global pledges are kept to support renewable energy generation. Promises have been made as part of a global climate change deal to limit carbon emissions and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Schemes have been introduced to stop global temperatures warming […]
Blue Energy buys trio of windfarm developments off SSE
SSE is selling three of its Scottish wind farm developments for an undisclosed sum to renewable energy developer Blue Energy. Blue Energy has taken over ownership and the projects are believed to have a combined installed capacity of up to 98.7MW when constructed. Martin Pibworth, SSE’s Managing Director, Wholesale, said: “We are pleased to confirm […]