27 February 2007
News on community renewables, funding sources, and forthcoming events.
SCHRI update
SCHRI: Community Stream
SCHRI Development Officers are currently working with community groups to develop projects to be completed next year. We have over 30 projects on site which include; Aboyne Academy installing a biomass boiler, the Gatehouse Development Initiative commissioning a 50kW wind turbine which will generate income for community projects; and we have a number of schools installing renewables (mainly wind), which will prove to be a great educational resource.
SCHRI: Household Stream
1575 grants have been awarded since the inception of the scheme, and householders continue to apply in significant numbers with solar thermal being the most popular grant, followed closely by ground source heat pumps. We are seeing continued industry growth and there are now 74 accredited installers based in Scotland.
We are also seeing an increase in the number of applications from installers for air source heat pump accreditation, and expect to see a growth in this technology.
Progress on Scottish Renewable Heating Pilot
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is running a pilot project on behalf of the Scottish Executive to test the suitability of renewable energy technologies in tackling fuel poverty in properties without the option of gas connection. The installation of approximately 60 renewable heating systems will be completed in the next 2 months. The majority of these installations will be ground and air source heat pumps, as the current cost of wood pellets and the biomass supply chain, is proving to be a problem in some areas.
There will be an additional 60 installations next financial year and clients are currently being visited to check their suitability for the pilot. There will be a monitoring and satisfaction evaluation undertaken, a final report is due in 2008.
Changes with Scottish Renewables Team
Gill Davies has taken over from Janet Mackechnie as Assistant Manager Scottish Renewables, and can be contacted on 0131 555 7901 or gill
davies
estorguk (gilldaviesestorguk)
Renewable news
Available Funding: There are a number of different funding streams available in the renewables field, so below is a very basic introduction to the different funds available and some guidance of the best funding to target.
Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI)
Householders in Scotland can apply for a 30 per cent contribution towards the costs of installing a variety of renewable technologies capped at a maximum of £4,000. An application form and further information can be obtained from www.est.org.uk/schri/ or by phoning 0800 138 8858. This scheme is open to all Scottish homeowners, and all the main microgeneration technologies except PV (Solar photovoltaic).
Community groups, which also includes not for profit, local authorities, housing associations and schools or universities, can apply for a grant up to a maximum of £100,000. For further information please see the web site www.est.org.uk/schri/community
This scheme is particularly good for community based groups as there is project support via the SCHRI Development Officers.
Low Carbon Building Programme Phase 1
This is a UK wide programme providing funding to householders and businesses, to assist the installation of microgeneration technologies.
For householders the level of grant varies depending on the technology and in some cases is a per KW figure. It is particularly useful for Solar PV and for the bigger wind and hydro turbines, otherwise householders are better off applying to SCHRI. Grants are allocated per month on a first come first served basis over the web, and demand is very high. For more information please see www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home
For businesses this is the only fund currently available for the full range of microgeneration projects, further information is available via www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home
Low Carbon Building Programme Phase 2
Public sector organisations can apply for up to 40 per cent of the total installation costs (excl. VAT). This is a new scheme and due to the potential for large grants (up to £1M) and the size of the fund (£46M), it could help public sector organisations mainstream microrenewables. It could for example assist a social landlord to install 200 solar thermal systems, or a local authority to put renewables in all their schools. It is necessary to use framework supply contracts, so the choice of installers is limited, but it may make procurement more straightforward. Funding is non competitive and first come first served.
The scheme is very good for public sector organisations pursuing large projects, and community groups can apply as well.
If you have an enquiry about phase two of the low carbon buildings programme, further information is available via www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk
Please note: none of the above funding streams can be matched against each other. There are a number of funding steams which can be used for match funding, for example The National Lottery Growing Community Assets, and many of the Energy Companies have Green Energy Trusts etc.
More news:
Argyll Family Wins Solar Panel in Energy Saving Competition
The Tayvallich Energy Awareness Steering Committee organised a competition and the first prize, a solar water heating system worth £3000 was donated by HICEC and fitted to the winner’s house. The winners cut £350 or 35 per cent off their bill by replacing two old fridges with a grade A energy efficient one, changing all bulbs to low energy and using their range instead of the kettle. All the entrants saved at least double their entry fee of £20, and on average saved £138 on their previous year’s bill.
The idea has proved such a success that other communities in Argyll are taking forward similar competitions. Tiree is in the process of forming its own energy saving competition, and any other communities wishing to undertake such a scheme should contact their local development officer see: www.est.org.uk/schri/community
Wood Chip Fuel supply on Mull
Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) together with funding from the European Community has jointly assisted two local businesses through the Highlands and Islands Woodfuel Development Programme, a scheme administered by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS). Robin and Sam Sedgwick now run Crannich Woodfuel from their farm at Crannich in Glen Aros near Salen, and both they and a holiday letting business at Sealladh Carrachan Tobermory are the first on Mull to install woodchip boilers.
For anyone interested in looking to start a similar project the Woodfuel Development Programme has now been replaced by the Scottish Biomass Support Scheme Support for more information visit www.usewoodfuel.co.uk.
Finally Ofgem has produced a guide for small generators (50KW or less) Ofgem administer the main schemes to promote renewable electricity generation and have therefore produced a guide to assist small generators. It details the Renewables Obligation where electricity suppliers are obliged to buy a proportion of their electricity from renewable resources, and how to register under this scheme.
For more information please contact Sarah Piggott, sarahpiggottofgemgovuk (sarahpiggottofgemgovuk) , Tel: 020 7901 7353.
Events
Scottish Community Renewable Network Event will be themed around community wind projects and held on the 29th March in Fintry between Stirling and Glasgow. Details of how to get there and an itinerary will follow.
Earthship Fife Visitors Centre are holding – Power To The People Workshops
26th May (micro wind power); 30th June (micro hydro power); 28th July (topic to be confirmed); 25th August (micro wind power); 22nd September (micro hydro power); 13th October (topic to be confirmed); workshops cost £60 or £50 for concessions. For more information phone 01592 891 884 or look on www.sci-scotland.org.uk/pttp.html
Green Living Staff Away days are also available. These are day long events designed to raise green consciousness in a company, and save money. They are a relaxing day out, a great opportunity to build team spirit, and give participants the information and motivation to make a difference to the environmental performance of your business. Costs are £50 per participant. More information on www.sci-scotland.org.uk/greenlivingawaydays.html
SCHRI and SCRN are funded by the Scottish Executive and managed on their behalf by the Energy Saving Trust.
Gill Davies
Scottish Renewables Assistant Manager
Energy Saving Trust
Tel: 0131 555 7904
Fax: 0131 555 7919
www.est.org.uk
