April 17, 2012

Will Scotland’s Beauty Be Spoilt By Wind Farms?

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , — Newsroom @ 11:23 am

When anyone mentions Scotland, the first thoughts are of the splendour of the mountains and the views across the lochs.  The weather can change in an instant, with the possibility of snow, rain, wind and sun within a twenty four hour period.  Unfortunately, these beautiful images may soon be just a memory as companies promoting green technology are attempting to buy as much land as possible in order to develop large numbers of onshore wind farms.  The developers are desperate to benefit from the large taxpayer subsidies and are attempting to encourage local communities to support them by offering significant incentives.

Several groups are giving evidence to Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee.  Ramblers Scotland say that… “safeguards in the planning system to protect sensitive areas being ignored.”  They have asked for a reduction in the subsidies which should then slow down the numbers of onshore developments.  Their written submission to the enquiry continues “Planning authorities, public agencies, local communities and interest groups are overwhelmed by the number of planning applications for wind farm development that are coming forward.”

Communities Against Turbines Scotland are planning a protest march in Edinburgh next week with Donald Trump.  Mr Trump will be in Scotland to attend the same enquiry in which he has opposed plans for the building of an offshore wind farm which will be located off the coast from his Aberdeenshire golf resort.

The major problem appears to stem from the desire of Alex Salmond that all of Scotland’s electricity should be from renewable resources by the end of 2020.  Ramblers Scotland, which has 6,500 members say “the levels of inducement being offered to local communities to get permission for wind farms on their land is ‘little short of bribery’ and putting the integrity of the planning system at risk.”  They further commented that “all households are paying for this largesse through increased electricity bills” and concluded “the situation can be summed up simply as ‘never in the history of public subsidy has so much been given to so few for so little public benefit’.”

The chairman of a community council in Cameron, Fife, Gordon Ball, has criticised Scottish ministers “for failing to understand the concerns of local communities and warned residents have been left powerless to stop a green energy policy.”  He added “Targets and subsidies drive the market and these are massive forces.  By relying on the market and incentivising those who want to erect wind turbines to force the pace, it has left local communities feeling disenfranchise and disconnected from the processes that shape their lives.”

Scottish Renewables which represents the green energy companies concluded by stating that “its members only receive financial support when they begin to generate clean electricity, not for building wind farms.  Community benefit is an entirely voluntary gesture and not a material consideration for the planning authority when making a decision on a wind farm.”

April 5, 2012

There’s a Surprise – a Wind Farm on Shetland!

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , , — Newsroom @ 11:55 am

Final planning approval was given yesterday for the 370MW Viking wind farm which will be constructed on the Shetland Isles.  The Scottish government gave the nod to the project which, when complete will provide power for 175,000 properties.  An additional benefit for the island communities is the £20m which will be generated annually.  The Shetland Island Council (SIC) is obviously delighted with the decision.   Although there have been concerns from some residents, the council members are sure that the local economy will benefit as the project progresses.

The decision of the government will allow an interconnector to be constructed between the island and the National Grid on the Scottish mainland which will be a great advantage for the planned wave energy project and other green technology developments.  The new Viking wind farm will be the third largest in Scotland, even though the original plans which included twenty-five proposed turbines were rejected due to concerns regarding flight procedures at Scatsta airport.   The final approval is for 127 wind turbines which are anticipated to take five years to complete.

There will be approximately 140 jobs created for the construction phase and after completion there will be about thirty four operational jobs.  Local businesses will supply materials and equipment for the construction which will assist the local economy.  There are likely to be further opportunities which will provide the island community with additional benefits.

The annual income of £20m will be received by the Shetland Charitable Trust and will be invested in the provision of improved community services throughout Shetland.  This will benefit the whole of the island community on an on-going basis.

The plan to install a wind farm on Shetland isn’t something which has been decided quickly.  The council’s Economic Development Service has been working on the project since 2001.   This was several years before the joint venture was set up between Viking Energy and Scottish & Southern Energy.

Douglas Irvine, the Executive Manager for Economic Development commented for the council “This is quite a day.  An enormous amount of time and effort has been put into this project over the years by Council staff.  They have been instrumental in achieving this transformational project for Shetland.  With the developed wind farm and the interconnector in place, an innovative renewable energy industry will become a reality in Shetland.  In time there will be many more jobs, probably hundreds, with people engaged in wind power, tidal power and wave power projects.”

Scottish Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing commented further “…an interconnector which will connect Shetland for the first time to the National Grid – paving the way for more exports and further renewable energy opportunities for the Islands, including community projects and marine energy developments.”

He also confirmed that “the government had taken extensive steps to minimise the impact of the wind farm on the local environment.  The development includes an extensive habitat management plan covering around 12,800 acres, which will restore peatland and offer benefits to a whole range of species and habitats.”

April 3, 2012

Loans For Businesses Wanting To Install Renewable Energy Systems

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , , , — Newsroom @ 12:40 pm

Although there are many small and medium businesses that would be interested in the installation of solar panels or biomass boilers, the difficulty in obtaining finance is causing these companies to delay in making anything more than tentative enquiries.  The word that the UK may be heading back towards a further recession isn’t doing anything to steady the nerves of small businesses.  The extremely high gas and electricity charges that have been major concerns to large number of business owners is attracting them towards green technology but unfortunately in a considerable number of cases their local banks haven’t been able to assist in providing the finance required.

ReEnergise Finance is a new Cheshire based company which has been formed in order to assist businesses which are having difficulty in obtaining bank finance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.  It currently has links with ten non-mainstream banks to help companies which are struggling to obtain the finance required for improvements and installations which are a part of the government’s Green Deal.

Businesses which want to borrow between £75,000 and £5million will be directed towards the banks to enable them to benefit from the renewable energy and microgeneration sector as the major problem faced by many small and medium businesses is the lack of availability of bank loans.

One of the directors of ReEnergise Finance, Adam Hewson, who was previously a GE banker, has said that the new company is already dealing with a number of schemes including biomass installations, and anaerobic digestion and large-scale photovoltaic projects.  Mr Hewson also commented that a partnership had just been formed with Panasonic Europe’s solar division in order to assist their clients to find funding.  Mr Hewson continued by stating that ReEnergise Finance had the expertise to obtain the best financial deals for green energy projects.  He said “In an environment where banks are restricted and reluctant to lend against what is perceived as new technology, there is a need for a specialist intermediary, in particular for commercial projects under the £10m mark.”

Mr Hewson continued “In reality, finance is available in the UK for renewable energy; the trick is finding it and working with a partner that will get you the right deal.  Government schemes are available but you have to have already invested in energy efficient equipment to qualify.  We’re offering businesses the chance to do that, what we see as the final piece in the energy puzzle.”

Domestic Finance

ReEnergise Finance are also preparing the launch of domestic finance in June 2012, before the government’s Green Deal commences.  They anticipate becoming a Green Deal provider.  Some details still need to be finalised including the length of time homeowners will have to repay their loans.  There are some months before the Green Deal commences in October 2012 and during the intervening months there will be much more information which will become available.

March 23, 2012

The Show Did Go On – Was it Popular?

Filed under: business energy — Tags: , — Newsroom @ 1:38 pm

At the end of a week where the 2012 budget was the headlining act on the UK stage, the final curtain is still waiting to descend on the principal players.  Who gave the best performance?  Which supporting act was the most popular?

Our major interest concerns business energy.  More specifically we can identify some details given to green technology, electricity and gas, but there are other elements which may need closer scrutiny.

It will be several days at least before all the various pieces can be joined together to form an overall picture.

Green Technology

The Chancellor confirmed that this is high on the list of priorities, but although embracing green technology he is insisting that it must be financially viable.

Solar Power is one of the alternative green technology which is most understood by the small business owner.  There are several issues still outstanding; however, the major sticking point relates to the level of FiT which will be paid to the consumer for exporting electricity to the National Grid.

Carbon Reduction Commitment is due to be completely overhauled to make it simpler to understand.  The chancellor said that the present system is “cumbersome, bureaucratic and imposes unnecessary cost on business”.  He continued by saying that if substantial reductions in the administration costs can’t be made then he “will bring forward proposals this autumn to replace the revenues with an alternative environmental tax”.

Fossil Fuels – Mr Osborne, although he acknowledged the high cost of oil “is of great concern across the world” he said that it had his full support, together with another fossil fuel – gas.    He continued by commenting that gas is cheap, with considerably less carbon than coal, and will continue to be the “largest, single source of our electricity over the coming years”.

And What about Electricity and Gas?

Very little was mentioned.  A coincidental report from earlier this week shows that inflation is down to its lowest level for fifteen months, which is mainly due to a reduction in gas and electricity bills.

Another report from yesterday makes heavy weather about businesses in general wasting forty per cent of their energy budgets.  It continues by stating that this is down to poor management in letting their energy contracts “roll-over”.   Over sixty per cent of businesses have allowed their contract to roll-over.  This was something discussed in our blog from earlier this week and is obviously a much greater problem than had been previously realised.

This is a major problem and as such every small business owner really should check their energy contracts as soon as possible.  If there isn’t any mention of when their contract expires, call the energy supplier and ask them.

March 12, 2012

Green Technology is Here to Stay

Filed under: Renewable Energy — Tags: , , — Newsroom @ 1:45 pm

Further to explanations which we started on Friday, 9th March, a question was posed to me over the weekend relating to green technology.  I was asked what it is and will it go away.

I must admit that I was quite surprised by the question.  Although there are many people who don’t necessarily embrace change as readily as others, I thought that green technology or alternative methods for electricity and gas supplies had been recognised by virtually everyone.  I made a few phone calls to older neighbours over the weekend, and to my relief they were all aware of green technology, particularly solar power.

I think that it may be the words “green technology” which concern and may confuse people rather than asking specifically asking about alternatives to gas and electricity.

Biomass Boilers

These are great for businesses and private consumers who live in an area without mains gas.  There are a considerable number of properties which are, although not isolated, may not have mains services.  It is perfectly feasible to live comfortably without access to mains services now that there so many alternatives available.

A biomass boiler can provide heating and hot water by using wood pellets or chips to generate the heat.  The pellets do require some storage facilities but this is a really sustainable form of heating even though the wood burning does release CO2.  Trees are grown specifically for the purpose, cut down and further trees are planted to replenish them.

Other Alternatives

There are several other forms of alternatives to electricity and gas, and during the next few years there will be variants from the original green technology.  Air Source Heat Pumps extract the heat from the air.  It then converts it into heat for the premises and is used in conjunction with an existing central heating system or underfloor heating system.  Some electricity is necessary to run the system, but the benefits gained far outweigh the costs of the electricity.

Another new system is the Micro-combined Heat and Power which like an existing boiler can also provide heat.  It also generates low carbon electricity which then reduces electricity bills.  The micro-combined boiler burns gas, some of which is converted into electricity.  By a somewhat convoluted method the overall result does provide savings for the consumer.

Consult an Expert

It really isn’t necessary for either the business or residential customer to know exactly how these systems work; it is enough for the vast majority of people to know that they do work.  In many cases the car owner puts fuel in his car and the car takes him from one place to another without any problems.  The driver doesn’t need to know the workings of the engine – unless he is particularly interested.

The independent energy consultant is able to provide the customer with all the information, and to discuss the best options for them.

Tomorrow we’ll look at the way in which they will be able to assist your business.

March 9, 2012

Plan For The Future With Green Technology

Filed under: Renewable Energy — Tags: , , , , — Newsroom @ 2:25 pm

When you mention green technology to both commercial and residential consumers, on many occasions there can still be a glaze which comes across their eyes.  In a high proportion of cases it isn’t that the person doesn’t understand the principle, it’s usually that they don’t know the terminology.   This then leads them to believe that they really don’t know what the experts are discussing.

This can be seen as patronising – when a government minister, or the head of a multi-million pound company use words and phrases that the rest of us consumers don’t understand we either don’t listen any more, change channels on the TV or radio and then let our minds wander on to more interesting subjects.

We don’t want to be treated like children; we just would like to have the information given to us in palatable chunks with even the occasional light-hearted comment thrown in for good measure.

Microgeneration

This is a title given to providing alternative forms of energy to the normal gas and electricity supplied by the big six energy companies.

Solar Energy

This is available in two different forms.   There is Solar Water Heating which does exactly as it states.  It provides hot water from solar panels which are fitted onto a roof.  This hot water is stored in a cylinder until required.  If there isn’t sufficient hot water provided by the solar panels then it can be topped up by the use of an immersion heater.  The use of solar panels for heating hot water is particularly popular in the UK as it doesn’t require the sun to shine in order to provide hot water.  They will reduce the consumption of energy enormously, leading to much lower energy bills.

The second form of solar energy is when the sun’s energy is converted into electricity.  This is known as Photovoltaic Solar Heating which is where the sunlight shines on the panels which usually has some layers of silicone.  The resulting electric field caused by the sunlight generates electricity.

Turbines

In the UK we are all aware of Wind Turbines.   The blades are turned by wind power which produces electricity which can be stored and used when required.  Excess electricity can also be sold back to the national grid.  We have some very windy locations in the UK which will ensure that producing electricity by this method can be sustainable over a considerable period of time.

This can be used in both commercial and residential properties and is a particularly efficient way to heat a home by using conventional central heating radiators or as underfloor heating.

There obviously needs to be the space for the turbine and the underground piping which is necessary.   Properties in very rural locations may find that this is a viable alternative which is likely to become more popular over the next few years.

Large companies are also choosing to use wind turbines to provide their electricity and just to give one example Ford UK now have three wind turbines supplying electricity for their Dagenham site.

 

There are further types of green technology which we’ll continue with next week.

October 13, 2011

Training Opportunities – But Let’s Do the Job Properly

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , , — Newsroom @ 9:10 am

There is a momentum which appears to be gathering pace and over the past couple of days there are details being given about different companies all signing up for alternative green technology.  This is good news for businesses across the UK – not only will the new technology reduce their energy bills, but there will necessarily be employment created for  many workers.

How long will it be before there are so many companies wanting installations of solar panels and biomass boilers, before there is a shortage of staff able to fit them.  There are recruiting advertisement already starting to appear, which offer training courses to quality successful applicants in the installation of solar panels – one such course offers full training in only three days!

Perhaps I am a little naive as I had been under the impression that entrusting expensive installations would have been to experienced installers with more than a three day on-the- job training.  Not that I am, in any way, denying that the creation of jobs is good.  I am equally sure that all training will be more than adequate to carry out the tasks required by the installation companies.  I am further convinced that a newly-trained employee will be partnered with installers with considerable experience.

My major concern is not with these new recruits – I am more than delighted that job openings will be popping up throughout the UK.  My worry stems from the fact that as the technology is fairly new, the numbers of really experienced installers will be somewhat limited.  Over the passage of time matters will evolve and of course, fitters and companies alike will soon be totally up-to-speed with the work involved.

It is important that when these new staff are sent to fit a new system, that they have all the answers to the inevitable questions from homeowners and business owners alike.  If the client/customer doesn’t immediately feel that the person sent to do the work has all the information and  answers they want then confidence will dip very quickly.

This is an excellent opportunity to improve the UK unemployment figures, to provide training which leads to a worthwhile job.  Let’s not rush everything through so quickly leading to accidents – which will completely reverse the good intentions.  I don’t want to be pessimistic, I always hope that the best will happen, and usually this is correct.  I’m apprehensive because this is such a big deal, not only for the UK, but globally.

Let’s be positive, and ensure that all training given is to an exceptionally high standard.  If the instructors know what they are doing and have the qualities which are so important for all teachers to encourage their students whilst, at the same time, providing constructive criticism.  No-one benefits if every trainee passes the course, when patently they should have been failed.  Every teacher wants to think the best of their students, and this is fine – however, the standards achieved by the students must be high.

October 10, 2011

UK Companies Helping To Solve US Energy Problems

Filed under: Energy News — Tags: , , , — Newsroom @ 11:18 am

We are all aware of the necessity to reduce the amount of energy being used in both the workplace and in the home.  More people are beginning to be aware of alternative green technology, and when the government’s green deal starts to have an effect with homeowners and business owners alike, then solar panels and biomass boilers and other energy saving devices will be installed throughout the UK.

In the meantime, it is interesting to note that in the US they also have an energy crisis.  Not that it is unexpected of course however the companies involved in trying to improve the situation may surprise many UK residents.

A consortium of big business players have been organised to provide low cost loans to enable homeowners to make their properties more energy efficient so that there is less wastage.  A stipulation for receiving a low-cost loan is that the improvements made must pay for themselves by generating lower energy bills.  Improvements can include the installation of new windows and air-conditioning upgrades.

Six South Florida cities including Cutler Bay and Miami are the first in the US to receive this funding from the consortium which was set up by Sir Richard Branson.  His company, Carbon War Room, which is a non-profit venture, started the ball rolling by bringing together the other companies which are providing the $550 million finance.  These companies include Barclays Bank, Lockheed Martin – the defence and technology corporation, Ygrene which provide energy start up finance, Energi Insurance Services and Hannover Re – the world’s third largest reinsurance company.

The US cities involved in the partnership have already started to sign up the first deals with the consortium and the upgrades will commence early in 2012.  A second partnership in Sacramento with the same consortium of businesses has also commenced with $100 million finance in place.

Briefly the system will work by a homeowner or business owner contacting Ygrene.  They will arrange for a specialist energy audit of the premises, and indicate the improvements required and the total energy savings which can be made.  If the savings, over twenty years, are more than the cost of the improvements, then the premises are eligible for a low-interest loan.  The customer then agrees to pay for the improvements by a surcharge on their local tax bill.  A local contractor is appointed to do the work and on completion is paid by Ygrene.  If the property changes hands then the new owner continues with the repayments.  This scheme also benefits the local economy by providing many new jobs as in many instances local contractors will be used.  When the improvements are at larger commercial organisations Lockheed Martin will apply to be the contractor.

There is obviously an opportunity for all of the US states to look for funding in this manner, and all eyes will be on the two areas chosen to start proceedings.  If successful, and there is no reason to think otherwise, it is a good opportunity for several large conglomerates to join forces to provide services on a huge scale to the benefit of everyone.

October 6, 2011

Reduce Gas and Electricity Usage

Filed under: Energy Efficiency — Tags: , , — Newsroom @ 10:39 am

With all the conversations continuing regarding the new green technology, now is a good time to remind all small and medium business owners that they should be making every possible effort to reduce the amount of gas and electricity currently being used whilst running the business.

It may be a timely opportunity to reconsider how the business actually functions.  Just because the business has always operated in one fixed way, doesn’t mean that it needs to into the foreseeable future.  A business in the service industry may be able to function with a skeleton staff in the office, and other staff members perhaps can work from home for part of the time.  Some thought to reducing overheads, and in particular energy costs, may result in the business actually working better.

If some rooms will be left empty now is the time to turn off the central heating radiators.  In rooms where there are staff working ensure that tinfoil is placed behind every radiator to reflect the heat back into the room.  Change all light bulbs for low energy bulbs which will save a considerable amount of money across the lifetime of each bulb.  Another good cost saving when it comes to electricity and gas is by reducing the temperature by one degree.  Adjust the thermostat on the boiler and this will result in a substantial saving of about ten per cent.  There are other savings which can be made by switching computers off overnight, rather than just leaving them on standby.

The best way to establish the full amount of savings which can be made is by consulting an independent energy broker who will be able to arrange an energy audit of the business premises.  They will be able to arrange a new contract for your energy when your existing contract has ended to ensure that you pay the lowest possible price.

It is still very worthwhile to consider the opportunity to restructure the business in order to reduce overheads.   As costs are only likely to increase over the next few years, changing the business model could be a positive way to reduce overheads whilst staff members will be able to continue their work from home.  Bear in mind, that this will also reduce their travelling costs considerably, and shorten their working day.  Many staff members enjoy the opportunity to work from home, when this is possible.

It may be, if some workers are required in the office that this could be on a rota basis, with the rota changing, perhaps each week.  It should be possible for other members of staff who normally do most of their work on a computer, to continue with this work from home, and via emails with the office.  When phone calls are necessary to customers or clients, these can be made by the staff in the office at that time. This may all take time and effort to change, but by reducing costs considerably it may safeguard the life of the business into the future.

September 8, 2011

UK – Our Green and Pleasant Land?

Filed under: Energy Efficiency — Tags: , , , , , — Newsroom @ 10:55 am

Just when you think that people are beginning to understand about green technology, what it entails and the necessity for embracing it, new information shows that we are deluding ourselves!    A new survey confirms that over 50% of those questioned didn’t know that the government’s Green Deal relates to energy efficiency.  Those asked thought that it probably relates to the protection of national trees or the increase of hybrid cars.

Whilst many people are happy to consider the possibilities of solar panels etc there is a huge gap in any knowledge about the installation, cost implications and the benefits.  One major problem is the perceived high installation cost of solar panels, together with lack of easily understood information about the savings, or even about the earnings from the green energy sources.  Two thirds of people were totally oblivious about the feed-in tariff scheme from the government.

A further worrying situation is that a quarter of UK homeowners won’t consider installing double glazing, loft and cavity wall insulation, or energy efficient boilers in their homes even when they are aware of the level of savings which can be made from their energy bills.

It is hardly surprising, when faced with the above information, that small and medium sized business owners also lack knowledge and understanding regarding renewable energy.  Many people don’t even want to use low energy light bulbs and don’t switch televisions or computers off overnight, preferring to leave them on standby.  This whole situation implies that it is actually quite a minority of the UK population as a whole who is close to being proficient about green energy and what it involves.

There have been television programmes of many different types over the past few years giving information regarding green issues so it is difficult to comprehend such a poor level of knowledge.   Perhaps there needs to be a series of documentaries on one of the terrestrial channels refurbishing a property with the inclusion of as many renewable resources as possible.  As an upscale to that, perhaps a small village can be encouraged to make these changes with advice from experts.  These are only suggestions, but if the Government want the UK to reach any targets at all regarding carbon footprints and greenhouse gasses etc there needs to be considerable education provided in the near future.  We all need to accept some responsibility for the current position and for letting it continue.

Business owners and residential customers need to be more aware about green issues from the simplest information regarding loft insulation and low energy light bulbs to biomass boilers, solar panels and wind turbines.   Further education is required to explain the specific details.   If UK residents don’t understand the importance of keeping this green and pleasant land for as long as possible, there isn’t going to be any chance of improving the situation for our children, and our grandchildren.  We are all culpable and there need to be rigorous and sustained effort to ensure that awareness leads to action.

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