The Coalition Government has published its new Strategy to promote microgeneration and decentralised energy, aimed at making localised energy a real possibility for householders and communities across the UK.
The plan is divided into workstreams each with key actions, milestones and responsibilities to drive the work forward.
The Strategy includes actions to improve the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) process, making it work more effectively for SMEs while continuing to protect consumers – for example by allowing greater flexibility in the treatment of micro hydro installations. This will be taken forward through the FITs comprehensive review launched later this summer.
Other actions include ensuring consumer protection is maintained across the microgeneration sector, and developing the skills and knowledge needed that are needed as it expands.
The Government said the Strategy will help bring small scale renewable technologies into homes, businesses and communities across the country, moving microgeneration from a niche market to the high street.
The strategy defines microgeneration as installations generating less than 50kW for electricity and less than 300kW for heat. In line with the terms of the Green Energy Act 2009, the strategy is restricted to England only, although some proposals may apply across Great Britain.
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