Press releases

November has proved to be a month full of significant milestones for microgeneration and onsite renewable energy in the UK. These milestones will be celebrated and addressed at the inaugural Smart Energy exhibition and conference being held at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd December.

“November has been a highly significant month for small scale and onsite renewable energy,” says Paul Stott, Managing Director of Media Generation Ventures, who with the Renewable Energy Association are organising Smart Energy 2009. “First there was Royal Assent for The Green Energy Bill, which requires the government to conduct a root and branch overhaul of Microgeneration policy in the UK, as well as allowing air source heat pumps and micro-wind turbines (below a certain size and provided they are quiet enough) to be installed on the majority of domestic dwellings without planning permission. This historic Bill was followed by announcements from a number of different sources:

• Thanks to consultation being undertaken by the Department for Communities and Local Government, schools, stadiums and railway stations could see quick installation of renewable technologies. The consultation seeks views on Government proposals to introduce permitted development rights for small scale renewable and low carbon technologies in domestic and non-domestic settings.
• Households in rural parts of Scotland will be offered cheap to run, 'plug in' energy to help cut household fuel bills. Grants of up to £6500 are being made available through the Scottish Government's £60 million Energy Assistance Package, to install low-carbon air source heat pumps for people who normally have to rely on oil or solid fuels.
• The first energy tariff in the UK to pay back customers with microgeneration systems has been launched. Good Energy will pay households on its HotROCs scheme 4.5 pence per kilowatt-hour for any excess power they produce though their microgeneration systems and consumer watchdog Which? has recommended the product.
• The majority of new buildings constructed in the European Union and those undergoing significant renovation must prove their high energy efficiency as of December 31, 2020, the EU agreed. Buildings currently generate 36 percent of CO2 emissions in the EU and account for 40 percent of energy consumption in the union.

“These, and similar announcements help to emphasise the importance of Smart Energy 2009 as a source for up-to-date information,” says Paul Stott. “Importantly too, the results of the Government’s consultation on Feed-In-Tariffs (FiTs) is due to be announced during December. This new two-day exhibition and conference is perfectly positioned to take advantage of all of these dramatic changes and provides an unrivalled opportunity for representatives from a wide range of business sectors, from the public sector, and contractors working on behalf of individuals too to learn, network and do business.

“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.”

The Renewable Energy Association has organised the highly topical Smart Energy conference that takes ‘Smart Energy and Business’ as its topic for Day One, and ‘Smart Energy and Communities’ on Day Two. Plenary session speakers include Jeremy Leggett, Executive Chairman, SolarCentury; Dr Steve Howard, The Climate Group; Susan Pelmore, Pöyry Consulting; Toby Hammond, Managing Director, Better Generation; Virginian Graham, Chief Executive, REAL Assurance Scheme; Pilgrim Beart, Chief Executive, AlertMe the device partner of Google’s online PowerMeter; and Miguel Mendonca, Research Manager, World Future Council.

"Creating renewable energy in your own back yard has been very hard work until now - I know because I've done it and it takes serious commitment,” says Tim Smit of The Eden Project. “The Tariffs due next year will make it much easier and much more affordable to drive the renewable energy revolution from the grass roots. The Smart Energy conference will showcase the available renewable technologies and will offer all you need to know to get a head start. In this day and age, what could be smarter than taking control of your own carbon footprint and your energy security?"

The free-to-attend exhibition showcases an exciting array of decentralised energy technologies and services including wind, biomass, solar PV, air conditioning, grid connection companies, project management consultants, and specialist advisors. Details of exhibitors, and most importantly, what they are launching and featuring, appears on the Smart Energy 2009 website at www.smartenergy.co.uk

Further information on all aspects of Smart Energy 2009, and online registration is at www.smartenergy.co.uk - both the conference and exhibition are open free of charge to all with a business or professional interest in onsite renewable energy and microregeneration.

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.
• You will find “what they’re showing” information at www.smartenergy.co.uk/What_they_are_showing.html
• The conference programme is at www.smartenergy.co.uk/Overview.html (click on the orange session titles to reveal who is speaking in each)

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.