Press releases

Britain is about to welcome a revolution that will help to meet the two current challenges of climate change and the credit crunch. Businesses and householders are rapidly realising that they can take control of the power they generate to light and heat their homes; and government-set Feed-In-Tariffs (FiTs) set to come in force next spring will help them benefit financially.

Finding out more about actions to take and benefits that will accrue can be challenging. A new event being held at Wembley Stadium on 1 and 2 December this year is set to solve this and de-mystify the whole procedure. Smart Energy ‘09, with its conference organised by the Renewable Energy Association and exhibition organised by Media Generation Ventures, offers organisations and contractors working on behalf of individuals, the perfect one-stop-opportunity to learn, network – and do business.

The first day of the conferences focuses on ‘Smart Energy and Businesses’ and the second on ‘Smart Energy and Communities’ – both days feature sessions designed to explain the different technology options available, their features and their practical application, as well as an practical information on how each of these technologies will benefit under the new government incentives.

Powerful plenary sessions include speakers such as Jeremy Leggett, Executive Chairman of SolarCentury the leading provider of solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions in UK; Susan Pelmore, of Pöyry Consulting; and Pilgrim Beart, Chief Executive of AlertMe, the device partner of Google’s online PowerMeter.

“Britain is indeed on the brink of an energy revolution,” says Paul Stott of Media Generation Ventures (a member of the Media Generation Group who also organise All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference). “Thanks to FiTs and government emission reduction policy, the UK mind set is about to change. We will see our methods of lighting and of heating transformed on large scale projects and within small businesses and in our own homes. Indeed, there are some who believe that the revolution will transform how we live and how we think. Smart Energy ’09 provides a first step to understanding the possibilities that lie ahead.

“We are expecting energy managers and facility managers from a wide range of large organisations such as retailers, warehouses and offices; local, regional and national government; schools, hospitals and public buildings; factories and businesses; hotels, leisure centres and sports facilities; communities and housing associations to descend on Wembley Stadium to find out more.

“It is also the ideal opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and for those to whom householders are likely to turn to for advice such as architects, builders, plumbers and electricians to find out more. We welcome them all. Online registration is open at www.smartenergy.co.uk.”

There is no charge for attending the conference and the exhibition with its broad range of exhibitors including wind, biomass, solar PV, air conditioning, grid connection companies, project management consultants, and specialist advisors - both are open to all with a business or professional interest in the topic.  Some exhibitors, like Hoval, will be using Smart Energy for the launch of new products. Hoval’s is their innovative new CF ceramic filtration system.

Stimulating conference
A successful campaign, led by the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and Friends of the Earth, has resulted in exciting new incentives for organisations and individuals to produce their own green energy under the 2008 Energy Act. The Government’s consultation on Feed-in-Tariffs (FiTs) closed mid-October with over 700 responses to their proposals on how the FiTs scheme should work, including the proposed tariff levels, and work is now underway in DECC analysing these responses. The FiTs will be introduced from April 2010 to incentivise local renewable heat, power and biogas production. This will contribute to accelerated growth in the sector. The conference will reflect this growth.

Following opening plenary sessions, breakout sessions on Day 1 (Smart Energy and Business) are devoted to industry; public sector (own buildings); energy efficiency; heating and cooling; and power. Then on Day 2 (Smart Energy and Communities) the focus is on tariff technologies and energy efficiency; heating and cooling; power; community and social housing; household and historic buildings; and local authority (and regional). In all, up to 48 speakers and session chairs will take part in the packed and informative conference.

Presentations during the two days range from British Gas’ perspective on the new incentives, to the potential for renewables in the social housing sector; and from a case study relating to B&Q’s actions to reduce their carbon footprint to bringing energy efficiency to the workplace and beyond; as well as invaluable “how it works, what the benefits are and how it will benefit under the tariffs” presentations for all relevant sources of energy.

Through various case studies and practical examples, a wide range of industry and public sector experts will also explore:

• The role and importance of the retail sector in technological and social change in the face of climate change, particularly in relation to energy and the new populist incentives for renewables investment
• The huge opportunities for industry to drive social and technological change in the face of climate change and energy security concerns, as well as exploit new business opportunities, what pioneering work is being done by companies to reduce their carbon footprint and how they benefit from investment in ‘Smart Energy’
• The role of the public sector in driving a smarter approach to energy both in its own operation and in its wider influence with the public, how the new incentives can encourage local government to step up their leadership on renewables and the role that schools, hospitals and other public institutions have to play
• How communities, social enterprises and householders can use the new renewables incentives to take charge of their carbon footprint and their energy future. “If you are concerned with energy efficiency, the mounting cost of your energy bill or the impact of your carbon footprint, then the Smart Energy conference is for you,” says Sarah-Jane Freni, Events Manager REA. “It is very much a one-stop shop providing you with all the information you need from which technology is best suited for you, to practical examples of how other people did it, not forgetting valuable information on how the FiTs and heat incentive could benefit you. Come and learn all about it on 1 and 2 December 09!”

Strong support
Smart Energy is endorsed by DECC, sponsored by Partnerships for Renewables and the RES Group and supported by BEAMA, The Carbon Trust, EEEGR, Energy Networks Association, Energy Saving Trust, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Renewables East and Regen SW.

Partnerships for Renewables (PfR), a Carbon Trust Enterprise, works with the public sector to develop and manage onsite renewable energy projects and is currently working with over 100 Public Sector Bodies with a significant number of lead projects,” explains Tom Brinicombe, Head of Marketing and Communications, PfR. “Therefore we are pleased to encourage and support Smart Energy ’09 which has been set up to encourage both the public and private sector to look seriously at the range of advantages accrued by onsite renewable energy projects.

"The public sector is increasingly recognised as having a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions and providing leadership at a local level. With a large renewables potential, public sector projects could make a significant contribution towards meeting the UK’s renewable energy targets, and Smart Energy will certainly help awareness of this challenge and of the opportunities. Smart Energy will be equally valuable to the private sector, and this is to be applauded. Our chief executive, Stephen Ainger will be speaking at Smart Energy ’09 and we are greatly looking forward to this new event, which we believe is set to grow in size and stature in future years."

The conference programme and online registration is at www.smartenergy.co.uk. 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Bona fide journalists are very welcome to register via Judith Patten (details below) to attend Smart Energy. Full name, job title, publication/media sector, address and information on whether you will be with us both days or just for Day 1 or Day 2 would be much appreciated. A warm welcome will await you in the press office.
• Interested in any form of contra deal? Please contact Judith Patten to discuss
• Web buttons and banners are ready to send to you within seconds!

Issued on behalf of Smart Energy by Judith Patten at JPPR, 34 Ellerker Gardens, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6AA, UK from whom further press information/preview material is available – judithpatten@wwmail.co.uk and Tel: +44 (0)20 8241 1912.