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. Help is on hand for Londoners and those living in the Home Counties - 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 individuals the perfect one-stop-opportunity to learn, network – and do business.

“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 from throughout London and the surrounding counties 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.”

Both 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, are free to attend for all with a business or professional interest in the topic.

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

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 overview of how each of these technologies will benefit under the new government incentives.

Plenary session speakers include Jeremy Leggett, Executive Chairman of SolarCentury the leading provider of solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions in UK; and Pilgrim Beart, Chief Executive of AlertMe, the device partner of Google’s online PowerMeter.

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 “how it works, what the benefits are and how it will benefit under the tariffs” presentations for all relevant sources of energy. The full conference programme is online at www.smartenergy.co.uk

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.

Further information and online registration 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.