News

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Renewable Energy Could Create Almost 12,000 Jobs

Fri, 6 January 2012

The government has revealed that, so far this financial year, companies have announcement plans for almost £2.5billion worth of investment in renewable energy projects in the UK, with the potential to create almost 12,000 jobs across the country.
The report also shows that in 2010 3.3% of energy consumed was generate by renewable sources, an increase on 2008 of 46%. The UK has agreed to an EU target of 15% by 2020.
 

New Funding Database

Fri, 6 January 2012

The Energy Saving Trust’s website has a new guide to funding and a searchable funding database. They report that: ‘Initial feedback on both the guide and the database has been very positive. The guide and database include information on sources of funding for both energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, on council buildings, social housing, or other decentralised energy projects. We hope that you will find them useful in exploring opportunities for your authority to fund carbon reduction projects.’

The guide and database have been funded by organisations based in the West Midlands, but can be searched by region, with plenty of results currently available for the East Midlands.

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/england/funding/search
 

Low Carbon Community Network Conference

Fri, 6 January 2012

14th January, 9am start.
King’s Conference Centre, Oxford
Free. Please pre-book: www.lowcarboncommunities.net
Financial assistance for travel costs available for those who need support

This conference will focus on how we can develop strong local coalitions or groupings that link community level action to councils, to emerging community energy groups and social enterprises, to academics and to large and small private sector bodies active in the area. We’ve got a developing list of great speakers and workshops and we’re still open to ideas.

www.lowcarboncommunities.net
 

LEAF Funding Available – DEADLINE: 20th January

Fri, 6 January 2012

Community groups have until 20th January to apply for government funding which is available to communities in England and Wales who are playing an active role in the development of a low carbon society. Money is available to finance projects that increase understanding and uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and help to make energy supply secure and affordable for everyone in your community. Interested groups can submit an online application.

www.greencommunitiescc.org.uk
 

Successful Legal Challenge to FITS

Thu, 5 January 2012

 

 Friends of the Earth and two solar installers have successfully challenged the government’s decision to cut FIT rates by half before ending a consultation on the issue.
 
Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director said: ‘We hope this ruling will prevent ministers rushing through damaging changes to clean energy subsidies - giving solar firms a much-needed confidence boost.’
 
The government have since confirmed that they intend to appeal the decision this week. Greg Barker of the Department for Energy and Climate Change tweeted that ‘Budget means 4 every 1 new taker @ 43p, 2 homes won't get it at 21p.’ He also pointed out that: ‘many installers r telling us @ 21p solar pv still makes sense for right home.’
 
Critics of the government’s decision have pointed out that it has caused local authorities and community groups to cancel schemes for social housing and community buildings despite having already put in lots of work on these projects.
 
 

www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/fits_appeal/fits_appeal.aspx