news
Would you like to know how much money you could earn with solar PV?
With the introduction of the Feed In Tariff (FIT), an installation of solar PV is now an attractive financial proposition. Have you ever wondered how much money you could save/earn if you installed solar PV?
How much should it cost?
What are the carbon benefits?
We are offering a “desktop ” survey special offer (for domestic clients), for [...]
Why you should use independent renewable energy consultants
“Why should I use an independent renewable energy consultant?”, is a question that we often get asked.
The answer to that can be explained by this case study of a recent project Viridis Energie Consultants have worked on:
Whilst the project included several renewable energy technologies, the main issue surrounded the main house-
The house (around 600m2) is [...]
Viridis can advise you on your Italian Solar PV project!
Viridis partner Peter Moore explains how confidence in the Italian feed-in-tariffs has opened new prospects for Solar PV applications in Italy. The Italian Ministry for Economic Development confirmed its commitment to feed-in tariffs for renewable energy for 2011-2013 on 9 July.
See below for the new renewable energy feed-in tariff, as approved by the Italian Government’s Unified [...]
Funding cuts will finish Britain’s clean energy race
In the 1970s the UK invested about 0.15% of GDP each year in research and development (R&D) into providing cheaper and cleaner energy. Britain was putting more public money into nuclear power and other new sources of electricity than almost any other economy.
From the mid-1980s the amount invested each year has fallen almost continuously. The figure [...]
Solar PV installers- Would you be prepared to work on an “install only” basis, on large projects?
With the concept of solar farms becoming more “popular”, it is possible that a client may look to procure the equipment seperately, and then look to “recruit” a team of MCS qualified professionals, to carryout the installation??
If you are an MCS accredited installer, how do you feel about this? For example, would you be prepared [...]
Spain overtakes US with world’s biggest solar power station
With the new La Florida plant, the nation’s solar power production is now equivalent to output of a nuclear power station
Spain has opened the world’s largest solar power station, meaning that it overtakes the US as the biggest solar generator in the world. The nation’s total solar power production is now equivalent to the output [...]
Overturn ban on councils selling green electricity
“This is great news!” says Peter Moore of Viridis as he examines the impact to Local Governments potential in developing significant income streams from renewables.
A ban on councils selling green electricity into the national grid is to be overturned, Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said that as the carbon footprint of every local council in [...]
Solar PV farms-Do you have spare land??
Owning and working agricultural land can be hard work, with little financial reward?? However, forward thinking land owners seem to be looking at solar power as a more profitable way of utilising their land?
With the introduction of the Feed In tariff (FIT), Many land owners are looking at building solar farms as an easier, guaranteed, [...]
Independent renewable energy consultants advising on solar farm projects:
Viridis Energie Consultants have, and are, consulted/ing on large scale solar PV projects.
Solar PV is, perhaps, becoming the investment choice for shrewd investors? With the introduction of the Feed in Tariff, many large investors are turning to renewable energy for a guaranteed (for up to 25 years), index linked. return (usually in excess of [...]
Independent expert advice for Solar farms
Viridis partner Mr. Peter Moore explains how solar farm projects can get going quicker with the right experience. ” At Viridis Energie Consultants we’re working with an increasing number of entrepreneurs and public sector organisations who can see the exciting prospects of guaranteed income from Solar farms without the nightmare of planning rules that stall [...]
Recently, Viridis Energie Consultants were asked to deliver a presentation at b2campeast, a meeting of key decision makers in the building, architecture, and renewable energy industry, on the benefits/workings on the Feed in Tariff (clean energy cashback scheme). Here is the presentation—- Feed in Tariff presentation.
Heat pumps to replace standard boilers??!!
Are the days numbered for standard gas/oil boilers?? Possibly!
Who’s heard of the “Renewable Heat Incentive“? (or RHI for short). Basically it’s a scheme being introduced in April 2011, where you will be “paid” an annual fee for installing renewable heat technologies such as solar thermal, biomass, and both ground source heat pumps, and air source [...]
Green industry beats recession!
Book of Green, the free eco living directory full of green and ethical businesses, confirms the strength and prosperity of the green sector. Despite the recession Book of Green has launched a larger edition of the paperback eco-directory, doubled its print run, and gone digital, launching an iPhone app.
“In less than a week since the [...]
Biomass is better for older properties!
Ground source heat pumps seem to be a “popular” choice for those who are looking at renewable energy technologies for heating. However, beware, they are not suited for everyone!
Heat pumps (both ground source and air source), are great, but only in the right situations. IE a well insulated property, ideally with underfloor heating.
Whilst they are [...]
UK based Solar farm developments
With very attractive returns on investment here in the UK, Viridis Partner Peter Moore explains how their involvement in grid connected Solar Farms in the UK is pushing forward electrical technology to the limit to meet demands of this growing area of Renewable Energy.
The rapid increase in the construction of photovoltaic (PV), grid-tied solar farms [...]
Calling All Kent Based Charities:
Calling all Kent based charities.
Are you interested in renewable energy? Would you like to install solar PV? Would you like financial assistance?
We have a client (a private investor), who’ s looking to invest in renewable energy, preferably with a Kent based charity.
Ideally they would like to “part invest” in a solar PV project. So, if [...]
£4M worth of funding for North-West renewable projects
The Rural Carbon Challenge Fund (RCCF), which is being delivered by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), aims to help communities achieve renewable energy projects.
It will fund at least five, large-scale renewable energy projects throughout the northwest’s sub regions. The funding will focus on whichever wind, water or wood fuel energy is most relevant to the community and will also [...]
Eco Environments strengthens Board:
June 1st 2010: Eco Environments Ltd, a leading UK Renewable Energy solutions company that designs, installs & commissions solutions across a range of technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Buchanan to the board.
Working with the management team Mark will focus on group growth & strategy, structure and financial reporting.
Mark brings [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter June 2010 Coming soon…. Energy monitoring systems for all office sizes!! Also An exciting business opportunity!!! You can also follow the “Greenenergychap” on Twitter For the latest news, please visit the website – www.viridisec.co.uk 180 Eureka Park, Upper Pemberton, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4AZ. 0845 437 4484
Government Grants for Renewables Closed!
It had [...]
Viridis advising on UK based Solar Farms
Cornwall’s reputation for sun, sand and surf could soon be challenged by silicon if a proposed £40m network of solar farms gets the go ahead.
Next week, public consultation will begin for a 15-acre “energy farm” on a green-field site at St Kew, three miles east of Wadebridge, the market town which acts as the gateway [...]
£1m community hydro share offer launches
Businesses, individuals and social investors are being invited to invest in three new community hydroelectric schemes in the UK.
The £1 million share offer is being launched by social enterprise H2oPE. The hydroelectric schemes – one in Bainbridge, Yorkshire, and two in Stockport, Greater Manchester – together will create 45 kilowatt (kW), 54kW and 76kW of [...]
Many investment funds seem to be “dipping their feet” into renewable energy technologies!?
Rumour has it that private investors (in particular pension funds), have seen the financial benefits of renewable energy.
Barry Nutley of Viridis Energie Consultants (independent renewable energy consultants) commented, “With the recent introduction of the Feed in Tariff, we have had several enquiries around [...]
Half of UK businesses use or plan to use renewable energy
This is one of the key findings of a new survey commissioned by InvestinCornwall, the newly launched inward investment service.
The poll of 523 UK adults working at board level or above also found that UK business leaders believe Britain’s growing renewable energy sector is more important than both the financial and retail sectors for the UK’s long-term economic [...]
Lack of understanding around “Clean energy Cashback” scheme!
Today I attended a seminar run by the REA about the benefits of the Feed In Tariff scheme (FIT) (also known as the “Clean Energy Cashback” Scheme). The audience was largely made up of installers, “would be” installers, and builders/developers.
I was horrified at the lack of understanding in the room, on how the scheme actually [...]
Plans for a new energy bill announced
Householders will be entitled to borrow money from a green investment bank to pay for carbon-reducing measures
The new coalition government promised a raft of green initiatives in yesterday’s Queen’s speech that will see a radical overhaul of the country’s housing stock and loans to allow more households to invest in measures such as solar panels.
Promising a [...]
It had to happen!! The LCBP phase 2 funding has closed! In other words, there are now no central domestic grants available for any of the renewable energy technologies.
Barry Nutley (Viridis Energy Consultants) commented “It was no surprise really! As more and more people realised the financial benefits of renewable energy technologies, it was a [...]
Funding for Rural renewable energy schemes
The Country’s first renewable energy initiative aimed specifically at community groups, small businesses and social enterprises in England’s rural Northwest is open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for just two more weeks.
The Rural Carbon Challenge Fund (RCCF) offers grants from £200,000 up to £500,000 to support community groups, social enterprises and businesses. The fund aims [...]
Biomass shows the way for Domestic renewable heating.
Bioenergy represented 31.7% of the final energy use, compared to 30.8% oil, according to preliminary Swedish Energy Agency statistics presented by the Swedish Bioenergy Association (Svebio).
Svebios says the total share of renewable energy, using the definition in EU:s renewable energy directive (RED), was 46.3% in 2009 – well ahead of the EU target trajectory, and only [...]
Solar PV returns better than expected!
We contacted Eco Environments for a quote on under floor insulation and landed up with solar panels, how did that happen? Easily really. Having a long friendly chat with David Hunt on the ‘phone led to our interest in solar PV being discussed and the offer of a free survey and quotation at the same [...]
Are you interested in renewable energy? Would you like your views to be read? We are looking for guest bloggers for our website.
If you are interested, then let us know by filling in the form below, with a few details such as:
Who you are? What you do? What is the specific subject you wish to [...]
E.ON opens new onshore wind farm in Portugal
E.ON has put another major onshore wind plant into operation in southern Portugal. The Barao Sao Joao wind farm has an installed capacity of 50 MW and cuts CO2 emissions by about 60 tonnes annually.
Frank Mastiaux, CEO of E.ON Climate & Renewables: “With the commissioning of our new wind farm in Portugal we are strengthening [...]
Countryside to sprout solar farms as firms cash in on subsidy scheme
Fields in Gloucestershire’s rolling countryside, immortalised by Laurie Lee in Cider With Rosie, may soon be covered by thousands of solar panels.
Despite the lack of guaranteed sunshine, the solar farms will make a guaranteed profit because of a generous subsidy funded through increases in household energy bills.
The rate of installation of solar panels will increase five-fold [...]
As independent renewable energy consultants we are keen to establish an MCS accredited installer base. Around 80% of our clients ask ”where do we get it?”. We have MCS accredited installers in many places throughout the UK, but are always interested in knowing more. If you are an MCS accredited installer (or [...]
Green spending in UK increases by 5 per cent
As the world looks to a more sustainable future and climate change, it seems that British consumers are taking their own steps towards a sustainable future.
Spending on green products and services over the past year has increased by 5 per cent, with each UK household now spending on average £251 on items such as energy [...]
We want your views on renewable energy..
We really need your thoughts on renewable energy.
For example:
Is it worth it? Why should we do it? Are the financial benefits (from the “clean cash back” scheme) enough?
If you have any questions around renewable energy, then post them here. As independent renewable energy consultants, we will give you totally honest answers…
Energy reports emphasise renewables
Two reports from European energy thinktanks suggest that the EU could be powered by largely low carbon and renewable sources in forty years time. A report by the European Renewable Energy Council explains how the European Union could switch to a 100% renewable energy supply for electricity, heating and cooling and transport by 2050, and [...]
Offshore windfarms to be used for air defence
Offshore windfarms will double as radar defence systems in a pioneering deal involving the Ministry of Defence, which previously opposed the erection of almost 1,000 wind turbines off the UK’s eastern seaboard because of fears over their ability to scramble defensive radar.
Wind energy projects across Britain have been held up for years because of planning disagreements, [...]
UK homeowners rush to take advantage of feed-in tariffs
The introduction of feed-in tariffs this month has led to a record number of inquiries about solar panel installation, as homeowners rush to take advantage of the scheme.
The energy company npower has reported an 80% rise in inquiries for solar panel installation and record numbers are having panels installed in response to the introduction of the Clean Energy Cashback [...]
£10m for renewable energy initiatives by UK communities
Twelve UK communities have received grants to install solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable energy technologies, under a national challenge to reduce carbon emissions.
Communities selected in the first round of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge will use their grant of £500,000 to install a range of green and renewable energy measures to reduce their carbon [...]
Population pressures could make water shortages a UK crisis
We’ve had one of the wettest winters in history, and it would be easy to think that we have no issues with the level of potable water in this country. I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that there are other issues that suggest that water (or potential lack of it) is still a problem we need [...]
Wales has great prospects for Renewable Energy!
Wales has the potential to generate twice its electricity demand from renewable energy sources within 15 years, according to environment minister Jane Davidson.
“Wales should be at the forefront of the transition to a low-carbon energy as part of the global fight against climate change,” she said at the launch of the Assembly Government’s ‘Energy Policy [...]
UK’s most generous Feed in Tariff rate unveiled
Ecotricity, the world’s first green electricity company, has confirmed that its new Microtricity initiative, based around the government’s ‘Feed in Tariff’ scheme, is to offer existing home generators the highest rate in the UK.
Microtricity has been created to help people generate their own energy at home, primarily using solar PV panels or mini windmills. Under [...]
Is your French property lying idle? France has introduced new feed in tariffs
France has introduced new feed in tariffs for 2010 with higher geothermal, biomass and intergrated solar PV tariffs.
Media reports of the new solar PV tariffs have overshadowed the significantly higher tariffs for geothermal-electricity generation, and for biomass. Sex sells, and solar PV remains “sexier” than humdrum geothermal power plants and downright old school biomass plants.
Feed-in [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter April 2010 Free seminars for Schools!. In conjunction with our friends at The PA group, and GBE associates, we are planning to run a series of free seminars to Schools, focussing on environmental, and energy issues. Keep an eye out for further details. But, to register your interest, please contact us [...]
Tories plan controversial reform to UK renewable energy incentives
The Conservative Party has responded to rumours that it is preparing a major overhaul of the UK’s renewable energy policy by confirming that if elected it plans to effectively phase out the government’s Renewable Obligation scheme.
The news was met with considerable disquiet from across the renewable energy industry, with insiders warning that any disruption to [...]
More guest blogging for Viridis!
Such was the success of our last guest blog for Sarah Beeny. We have been asked to blog for another extremely popular property website, “My Property Mentor”.
This further confirms our status as one of the country’s leading voices on renewable energy technologies.
Read the blog here
http://mypropertymentor.co.uk/blog/2010/04/green-energy-week-is-renewable-energy-just-for-greenies/
Government incentive schemes confirmed
The introduction today of two carbon cutting Government incentive schemes will see homes and businesses playing a key role in contributing to UK emissions reductions of at least 34% on 1990 levels by 2020 through improved energy efficiency and small-scale low-carbon electricity.
The Government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC EES) for organisations and Feed [...]
Keeping the lights on in Kent.
Local Kent charity Protect Kent are holding a seminar at the award winning Pines Calyx in St Margarets Bay, nr Dover, to discuss issues on energy. The day includes talks from various speakers, including Sir Crispin Tickell, and Peter Harper from CAT.
The afternoon session is a question and answer session with various panellists including Barry [...]
Changes to the Carbon Trust Interest Free, loan scheme.
We are proud to announce that in the last financial year the Carbon Trust has
supported UK businesses through offering over £70m in interest free loans to replace
old equipment with more energy efficient versions. These loans should save a total
of 148,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
In our continuing effort to support UK businesses move to [...]
Take it from me, Renewable energy is worth it!
This week’s announcement on solar panels is good news for homeowners wanting to install green energy systems, simplifying the procedures and shortening the payback time of renewable technologies, writes Peter Moore of Viridis.
I fitted solar photovoltaic panels on my house nearly three years ago. They are great – we get 90% of our electricity off [...]
Viridis “Guest” Blogs for Sarah Beeny!
At Viridis, we believe in giving independent, impartial advice on renewable energy technologies, such as solar thermal (for hot water), solar PV (for electricity), biomass, wind turbines, and heat pumps (both air source and ground source).
This has been recognised by Sarah Beeny!! As a result, we have asked to contribute to her website as a [...]
Funding Support for Renewable Energy Projects in Rural Areas
Funding Support for Renewable Energy Projects in Rural Areas across the North West of England
What is the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund? Funded through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and managed by the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA), the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund is a £4 Million initiative to support the delivery of renewable energy [...]
Conservatives plan to promote renewable energy.
Conservatives recently announced a 12-point action plan to boost renewable energy and nuclear power. The plan would also entail a substantial change to the energy sector. The plan recognizes the historical abundance of oil and gas in the country as well as the relatively recent rise of concern over pollution, resource depletion, and the green house [...]
Tesco joins the stampede to supply DIY electricity
TESCO will start selling solar panels this week, leading a stampede of retailers aiming to cash in on a controversial new subsidy scheme.
The rush has been triggered by the launch of the government’s new feed-in tariff (Fit) programme. Taking effect on Thursday, this pays homeowners and small firms for generating electricity from photovoltaic solar panels [...]
Households and communities who install generating technologies such as small wind turbines and solar panels will from April be entitled to claim payments for the low carbon electricity they produce.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband today announced the feed-in tariff (FITs) levels and also published a blueprint for a similar scheme to be introduced [...]
March 2010
Making business sense of
climate change
The UK is aiming to cut its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, but these ambitious targets will only be achievable if Government, business, and consumers join forces. Our research shows that 86% of consumers want their favourite brands to help combat the threat of climate change by reducing their [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter March 2010 Homebuilding & Renovations show. Following on from the success we had at Ecobuild, we are now exhibiting at the Homebuilding & Renovations show at The NEC, Birmingham from the 18th-21st March. So why not come along and visit us on stand M62 for a glass of wine, or two!! [...]
Heat is the biggest use of energy in the UK. Just under half of the UK’s CO2 emissions and 60% of domestic energy bills are used on heating space and water. Heat in the UK is currently supplied predominantly by fossil fuels – less than 1% comes from renewable sources. The proposed renewable heat incentive (RHI [...]
EU names and shames renewable energy laggards
The European Commission yesterday confirmed that the EU is on track to narrowly beat its goal of generating 20 per cent of its energy from renewable energy sources by 2020, releasing new figures that predict member states will together generate 20.3 per cent of their power from renewables by the end of the decade.
The data shows that [...]
Buyers of renewable energy technologies beware!!
With the introduction of the Feed In Tariff in April of this year, and the Renewable Heat incentive in April of 2011, one would assume that this is fantastic news for those thinking of installing renewable energy technologies?
It is, but be aware that you will only be eligible for these payments if your installation is [...]
Lack of engineers could scupper renewables revolution
Sunday Times says 60,000 heating engineers are interested in fitting renewable energy devices but are put off by the three-year certification process
The revolution to green the UK’s homes is being held back by a lack of qualified engineers who can fit renewable energy devices.
According to a report in the Sunday Times there are only 500 [...]
UK’s No. 1 self-build & renovation event
NEC Birmingham 18 – 21 March 2010
The UK’s biggest self-build and renovation event is crammed full of all the advice, ideas, inspiration and innovations you need to create the home of your dreams – all under one roof.
Don’t miss your opportunity meet over 450 of the UK’s leading self-build and renovation companies and view the latest products, [...]
Plans unveiled to allow councils to sell renewable energy
Councils across the UK could be allowed to sell electricity generated from renewable sources under new proposals published for consultation last week (March 2) by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Currently, the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 includes a provision preventing local authorities from selling electricity generated from, for example, a council-owned wind [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter
February 2010
Viridis will be exhibiting at Ecobuild 2010!
The World’s biggest show of its kind!
Anyone who’s anyone in the industry will be there! We are!
Come and visit us on stand
To register for
1275 alongside our partners at:- free tickets for this event being held at Earls Court 2nd-4th March, visit:- http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/register.html
For all the latest [...]
Incentives are about to make solar thermal a financial “no-brainer”!
Government incentives are about to make solar water heating panels a financial no-brainer for millions of households across Britain, as long as they have a south-facing roof.
Two weeks ago Guardian Money outlined the attractiveness of electricity generating panels as a result of the introduction of “feed-in” tariffs, which will pay households for the extra energy [...]
New solar cell design could offer flexibility
A new design for solar cell technology could allow the renewable energy source to be used in a variety of different ways.
Advancements in the design of solar panels could make the renewable energy generators easier to install, according to an industry representative.
Researchers from America have devised a way of making flexible solar cells [...]
How will the RHI affect the financial performance of solar thermal?
Now we have confirmation of the “Feed in tariff” payments, and we can work out the finances for solar PV and wind turbines. Perhaps we should look ahead at how the “Renewable Heat Incentive” will affect the finances?
Lets’s start with the most “popular” renewable-solar thermal (or solar for hot water)::
O.K. Let’s take an “average” sized [...]
Liverpool City Council in partnership with Foundation, a climate fund for the North West, has become the first local authority in England’s North West to launch a community renewable power initiative that will deliver measurable carbon savings.
Grants are available to charities, community groups and schools based in the city for micro generation schemes such as [...]
Carbon Trust awards first £500k loan, and calls for more applications
The Carbon Trust today announced that it has awarded its first interest-free loan of £500,000, the maximum amount that can be offered under the government-backed company’s Big Business Refit energy efficiency loan scheme.
The loan was provided to Bedford-based IT support company Blue Chip and has allowed the firm to install energy efficient evaporative cooling technology [...]
Funding awarded to ‘green’ school
An environmentally-friendly school has been awarded funding for renewable energy systems.
An environmentally-friendly school in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire has been awarded a funding boost for its efforts.
Blue Coat Primary School has been granted £7,000 from Scottish Power’s trust to allow the school to install renewable energy technology.
Peter Moore of Viridis, commented: “I believe it [...]
The Feed in Tariff-Some of your questions answered.
The introduction of the feed-in tariff (also known as The Clean Energy Cashback scheme) opens a new and exciting era for microgeneration. Here we aim to answer some of the most common questions on the new scheme. The information below refers to domestic installations of less than 50kW. Other information on the tariffs can be found in our earlier [...]
Why you shouldn’t leave your money in the Building Society!
Yesterday, I was talking to a very good friend of mine, and we got onto the subject of money and savings. Our life is so exciting! Anyway, they were complaining that their small savings in a building society are earning them next to nothing!
For their £4000 savings, they recieved just £4.13 in interest payments in [...]
Tax needed for transition to low carbon economy
A new report from the Environmental Audit Committee claims that carbon prices are not high enough to make the Emissions Trading Scheme effective.
MPs have warned that the carbon market is too weak to make the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) conducive to hitting climate targets.
A new report from the Environmental Audit Committee has found that the [...]
Low carbon towns programme launched today
The UK government is to embark on an intensive green home building programme, which aims to build over 600 homes to the strictest ever environmental standards.
Following on from its recent launch of the compulsory code for sustainable homes, the government will use the areas of Whitehill-Bordon, St Austell in Cornwall, north west Bicester in Oxford [...]
Renewable energy ‘now a viable proposition’
Using renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines, will be a viable option for many UK households and businesses with the introduction of the feed-in tariffs, it has been suggested.
Barry Nutley, of Viridis Energie Consultants, explained that the scheme offering financial incentives to people who install renewable energy technologies means that a [...]
£8 million for community renewables in Wales
Over £8million will be made available to help community organisations in Wales invest in new technology to generate clean, renewable energy, Environment Minister Jane Davidson has announced.
Ms Davidson made the announcement during a visit to the Cwmclydach Development Trust in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where a project is being developed to generate electricity from hydropower, as [...]
1 February 2010 – Press Release – Cash Rewards for Low Carbon Electricity and Heating
Feed-in tariff for small scale low carbon electricity finalised for 1 April introduction
Power from solar panel could earn £900, on top of £140 reduction on household energy bill
Blueprint published for world first incentive scheme for renewable heat
Tariff levels index linked
Micro combined heat and power piloted in the scheme to kickstart the industry in the UK
Households [...]
UK’s biggest wind turbine tower factory planned for Wales
Engineering company Mabey Bridge has unveiled plans to build a £38 million wind turbine tower factory at Chepstow in South Wales, in a move which it claimed will make it the UK’s biggest manufacturer of towers for both on- and offshore wind projects.
The company, which already has its UK headquarters in the town, has submitted [...]
Survey reveals public support for more generous feed-in tariffs
The campaign for the government to increase the proposed level of feed-in tariffs for small-scale renewable energy technologies received a boost today, with the release of a new survey suggesting almost three quarters of homeowners would install renewable energy systems if the financial returns were attractive enough.
The YouGov survey of more than 2,100 adults was [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter
January 2010
Time is running out for solar grant applications!
Don’t forget that the deadline for applying for a grant for solar PV closes at the end of
If you are thinking of installing solar PV then I suggest that you do it now.
You will then be entitled to both a grant of up to
After [...]
Energy feed-in tariff needs a boost
Disappointment at the outcome of climate talks in Copenhagen must not distract from the urgent job of building a low-carbon economy in the UK. We believe at Viridis the generation of small-scale renewable energy can make a substantial contribution to this objective, but are concerned by the lack of ambition of the government’s proposed feed-in [...]
Green energy push planned for UK
As many as a quarter of British homes could be fitted with solar heating panels under new government plans for a “green revolution”.
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the new proposals are “the most ambitious” such strategy that Britain has seen.
The goal is to meet the EU target of 15% [...]
What to do if you want to live off-grid?
Michael Rea, 64, and his wife Dot retired to the Shetland island of Unst in 2001 and now live in a zero-carbon house. In the past year, the couple have lived near off-grid, with heating costs of just 50p a day for their 180sq m home in the most northerly part of the British Isles [...]
The image problem with renewable energy!
Let’s be honest. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, biomass and heat pumps, have an image problem! Why? Comments such as “it’s too expensive”, “you never get your money back”, “payback takes forever” tell us one of the reasons why. This seems to contradict many opinion polls that claim that most people would be [...]
Eco-bling and retrofitting won’t meet emissions targets.
Attaching “eco-bling” such as wind turbines or solar panels to buildings will not help the UK cut the carbon emissions from buildings fast enough to meet the government’s ambitious targets, engineers warned yesterday . They also said the building industry will “struggle” to meet requirements to make all new buildings zero-carbon by 2020 because of [...]
Viridis exhibiting at Ecobuild 2010:
Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment.
Combining an 850 exhibitor-strong product showcase with more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions and dozens of interactive educational attractions, Ecobuild connects formal learning with practical experience, and with products and suppliers.
Independent renewable energy consultants, Viridis Energie Consultants, are exhibiting at [...]
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Holds Significant Potential for Jobs Windfall in Hartlepool
Following the Government green light to build offshore wind farms off UK shores, PD Ports is delighted to see Dogger Bank was one of the Crown Estate’s confirmed winners of round three – the process for leasing UK waters for offshore wind farms.
Hartlepool is ideally located to serve the Dogger Bank area of the North [...]
Enecsys Secures £2.5 Million Investment from Good Energies for Groundbreaking Solar Micro-Inverter
Enecsys Limited, a manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) micro-inverters, has attracted further investment of £2.5 million ($4.2 million) from Good Energies, a leading global investor in renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. This new investment adds to the £6M ($10 million) received from Wellington Partners and BankInvest in June 2009 for a total investment of [...]
Investors urge governments to take immediate action on climate change
Over 450 investors controlling $13tn of assets yesterday urged world governments to pre-empt an international climate change treaty and take immediate action on global warming, or risk losing the opportunity to establish a clean and sustainable low-carbon economy.
At a conference at the United Nations in New York, the first gathering of business leaders since the [...]
Households must take action on the security of their Energy supply!
The dire winter weather may have been impossible to predict, but the fact that it forced the National Grid to trigger so-called “interruptible contracts” for scores of large firms, underlines just how short supplies already are.
“The whole situation is very, very difficult and we have got to stop pretending we have got anything other than [...]
Russian energy group with the power to plunge Europe into darkness
The next cold war may well take place in a room that looks oddly like a scene from the last one. Along one wall of a spartan control centre in Moscow, a large map of Europe is projected on computer screens. Visitors have to pass through five rings of security to reach this spot, but [...]
Renewable energy ‘could provide 6% of UK’s needs by 2020′
Small-scale renewable energy could provide 6% of Britain’s electricity needs – equivalent to more than two Sizewell B nuclear stations or the Drax coal-fired plant – by 2020 if the government improves the terms of a new deal for producers due to be launched in April, Friends of the Earth says today.
The environmental campaign group [...]
E.ON welcomes award of South Coast Round 3 offshore wind farm zone
E.ON has today (JAN welcomed the news that it has been awarded the exclusive right to develop a large-scale offshore wind farm off the Sussex coastline by The Crown Estate. .
The company which already has three offshore wind farms in UK waters and is a partner in the London Array, has been awarded Zone [...]
Scottish power line upgrade given go-ahead
Controversial plans for a line of giant pylons from the Highlands to central Scotland have been approved by the Scottish government. .
Ministers said the Beauly-Denny upgrade would unlock Scotland’s renewable energy potential and bring a vital boost to the electricity grid. .
The development, which attracted more than 18,000 objections, will have to meet strict planning [...]
Gordon Brown says climate change agreement possible
LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Sunday he believed a global agreement to combat climate change might still be possible despite the limited results of last month’s Copenhagen meeting.
“I’ve got an idea about how we can actually move this forward over the next few months and I’ll be working on this,” [...]
Europe unites to build renewable energy supergrid
It would connect turbines off the wind-lashed north coast of Scotland with Germany’s vast arrays of solar panels, and join the power of waves crashing on to the Belgian and Danish coasts with the hydro-electric dams nestled in Norway’s fjords: Europe’s first electricity grid dedicated to renewable power will become a political reality this month, [...]
Low Carbon Communities Challenge
Communities in Norfolk, Isle of Wight, London, Nottinghamshire, Pembrokeshire, Cheshire, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Oxfordshire and Devon are the first of twenty communities to benefit from a £10million fund as part of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge.
Around a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heating, lighting and powering electrical appliances in homes. By 2050 [...]
£4 million to help make your business, school or hospital greener through bio-energy
Today further government funding becomes available for business and community organisations, such as schools and hospitals, to help towards the cost of buying and installing biomass-fuelled heating and combined heat & power projects in England.
£4 million is available overall under Round 6 of the Bio-energy Capital Grants scheme, with grants up to £500,000 on offer [...]
Viridis Press Release: “Making Money From Thin Air!”
PRESS RELEASE
MAKING MONEY FROM THIN AIR
Sustainability experts highlight the financial benefits for renewable energy
Kent 23rd December: With Parliament’s Energy Bill given Royal Ascent at the end of 2008 and less than 5 months to go until the Government’s promise to introduce renewable energy Feed-In Tariff’s, Kent sustainability experts Viridis Energie Consultants asks if South East [...]
British Gas is offering 100 households £10k to eco-fit their homes.
How would you like £10,000 to make your home more energy efficient? British Gas is looking for 100 households to take part in a new scheme called Pay As You Save. The trial will help the government decide how it delivers on its pledge to make the UK’s homes more energy efficient.
Although the launch was [...]
New wave of funding moves UK’s first tidal farm a step nearer
British tidal energy company Marine Current Turbines (MCT) announced yesterday that it has raised £3.5m in a new funding round that will allow it to move forward with plans to deploy the UK’s first commercial tidal energy farm over the next two years.
The funding round – which included investment from the Carbon Trust, Bank Invest, [...]
Underground technology could produce a third of UK’s renewable heat needs
A renewable technology that generates heat from below the ground could produce a third of the UK’s renewable heat by 2020, a report from the Environment Agency has found.
Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) use energy stored in the ground to heat and cool buildings, and provide hot water. Although the UK is lagging behind other [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter
December 2009
MANCHESTER REGION TO BECOME A LOW CARBON ECONOMIC AREA
Viridis are proud to be assisting the people of Manchester in trying to achieve this.
For further details please visit our website:-
www.viridisec.co.uk/news/
For further information or to discuss your renewable energy needs please contact Viridis on: -
Tel: 0845 437 4484
Email: info@viridisec.co.uk
And lastly – everyone at [...]
Southern Europe photovoltaic markets to help global industry back to growth
With the Spanish market limited by regulatory hurdles, Italy and France are moving the European photovoltaic (PV) industry forward by contributing significant growth in the near term. Meanwhile, southern Europe’s long-term growth prospects, with 38 GW of new projects expected by 2020 are expected to help pull the global PV industry out of its current [...]
Removing red tape in move towards a low-carbon renewable future
Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has today launched measures to cut carbon emissions by overhauling the planning system.
In proposals published today for consultation, homeowners, developers and businesses will be able to install their own on-site wind turbines, and air source heat pumps without the expense and red tape of planning permission.
The new rules would [...]
Manchester region to become Low Carbon Economic Area
Greater Manchester has been designated the UK’s first Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) for the Built Environment the Government announced today. Ministers have been working with environment and economic chiefs in the city region to be named as the UK’s fourth LCEA.
The Manchester Built Environment (LCEA) will build on the City-Region’s strong track record in [...]
Copenhagen unites global photovoltaics industry
The leading photovotaics associations are in Copenhagen and this time, rather than all going separately they have gone hand in hand to the “climate capital” as part of an initiative called SolarCOP15. The intention of SolarCOP 15 is to demonstrate that “solar energy is a simple, practical solution that can be quickly deployed for a [...]
Solar panel costs ’set to fall’
The cost of installing and owning solar panels will fall even faster than expected according to new research.
Tests show that 90% of existing solar panels last for 30 years, instead of the predicted 20 years.
According to the independent EU Energy Institute, this brings down the lifetime cost.
The institute says the panels are such a good [...]
Tender for marketing material.
Viridis has just obtained funding for 1 3×3 pop up banner, and 2 roller banners. The contract is worth around £1k. You will have to tender for this, but the link is http://www.envirolinknorthwest.co.uk/Envirolink/News0.nsf/LookupUNID/F1CA5C9563ABDFD280257682004C03B3?OpenDocument
Denmark, climate summit host, tops table of fighting climate change with wind power
In the run-up to the crucial climate change talks in Copenhagen, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has published a league table showing which EU countries are best at exploiting CO2-cutting wind energy.
Top of the table is Denmark, with the highest amount of wind energy capacity per square kilometre of national territory. Germany comes a [...]
Wind turbines and solar panels could be put up without planning
Wind turbines up to 15 metres high could be put up in industrial estates or farmland without planning permission under plans published by the government today.
Changes to the planning system would also make it easier for new solar roofs to go up on stadiums, schools and railway stations or for offices to be re-clad in [...]
Government announces new wave of eco-towns
The emerging green building sector received a major boost yesterday after the government pledged to provide an extra £5m to help support the development of a new wave of eco-towns.
In July four eco-towns received official go-ahead from the government and £5m was pledged to support any further authorities who wanted to develop similar proposals. Now [...]
Fewer than a quarter of homes in England and Wales are rated “above average” for energy efficiency.
Some 23% of homes are rated above the middle rating band (band D), with 21% in the more energy efficient band C and 2% in the second highest energy efficient band (band B). This represents an improvement from the 20% in the “above average” bands recorded in the previous survey in January 2009.
There were no [...]
DECC unveils renewable energy grants
Businesses, charities and local authorities are being urged to bid for government funding to support the development of biomass energy generation.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is offering grants of up to £1.5 million under round three of its Bio-energy Infrastructure Scheme.
Commenting on the initiative, energy and climate change minister Lord Hunt explained [...]
Prices vary hugely between renewable energy installers
Prices for renewable energy installations vary wildly, making buying decisions difficult for homeowners, according to Power from the People, a new study by researchers at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute. In addition, there is little correlation between price and the generation capacity of the installation in many technologies.
Researchers Noah Bergman and Christian Jardine analysed the [...]
Cost of solar energy will drop by half this year and other renewable energy by 10%, says analyst
The levelised costs for solar energy will drop 50% in 2009, while the pre-subsidy cost for other renewable energy technologies will decline by 10%, according to a quarterly research note from New Energy Finance.
Prices for wind turbines, solar panels and other renewable energy equipment fell this year, but the declines were offset by higher financing [...]
Feed In Tariffs close to agreement.
Hopes of having a key government policy on renewable energy in place before the Copenhagen summit have been dashed by internal wrangling over the final levels at which so-called “feed-in tariffs” (FITs) will be set. Officials at Miliband’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have admitted that the announcement – originally due around now [...]
Ecotricity is to offer ‘green gas’
The company, who say it’s the world’s first green electricity company, will source the green gas, or bio-gas as it’s more formally known, from a composting-like process that breaks down food waste and other material that normally gets dumped straight into landfill.
Britain currently wastes around 18m tonnes of food alone a year, which could produce [...]
Developers lead through green example
South West Eco-Homes hopes that its example will spur on more green developments and is urging the government to do more to encourage green building.
The company is aiming to prove that environmentally-sustainable housing is feasible and is to build its first development in Langport, Somerset.
With an estimated 400,000 homes needing to be built [...]
Analysts call time on solar panel glut
The global solar energy industry received an early Christmas present last week, with the news that the end is in sight for the glut of solar panels that has dogged the market for much of 2009.
According to a study from industry analyst iSuppli, higher than expected demand from Germany in recent months means that the [...]
Viridis Energie Consultants Newsletter November 2009
IT’S RAINING AGAIN!!!
As I write this, the heavens are fully open. Flooding is likely to occur in some areas! Not only can rainwater harvesting reduce the risk of flooding, but can also save you money! Many businesses in particular, could save significant sums if they installed rainwater harvesting systems. It [...]
Climate change to be put at heart of planning system
Peter Moore of Viridis explains about a new campaign has being launched in Parliament to persuade the Government to put climate change at the heart of the English planning system.
A cross-sector coalition of organisations – including leading planners and countryside and environmental organisations – has drawn up draft planning guidance which would transform the system’s [...]
Will Google’s Powermeter help save the planet?
Peter Moore of Viridis has been examining the benefits of Google’s contribution to reducing energy consumption, even though Its searches have been blamed for helping computer users emit as much carbon as a small country, but now Google is trying to give something back to the planet. This week, the US firm launched an online [...]
Up to GBP 1.4bn in new loans for onshore wind farms
Three UK-based banks will start offering new loans to eligible onshore wind farms. Wind farm developers and the banks will have an opportunity to start brokering the deals at a forum in the city hosted by Ed Miliband and Chancellor Alistair Darling. The scheme – supported by HMTreasury and Department of Energy and Climate Change [...]
Exploit new Eco-market opportunities
Funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) (£1.5m) and the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (£1.7m), the Northwest Eco-innovation Programme will help hundreds of businesses exploit new market opportunities for more environmentally sound products and services.
The Northwest Eco-innovation Programme will be launched on 22nd October at 0900 – 1300 at the Museum of [...]
USA-“State-by-state, renewables are taking over”
Across America, coal plants are closing. They’re being replaced by natural gas and – increasingly – renewables. It’s all being driven by some demanding goals from state governments.
New York is shooting for 24% renewables by 2020; California for 33%. Maine is the most ambitious, at no less than 40% – most of which will [...]
Sahara could provide up to 15% of Europe’s energy
Around 15% of Europe’s energy needs in 2050 could be provided by a huge solar project in the Sahara desert, after a consortium of European companies signed up to the $400 billion (£240 billion) venture yesterday (November 2).
The Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII) includes major renewables companies such as E.ON, Siemens, RWE and ABB as well [...]
£2.3M Low Carbon Boost Announced
Businesses in England’s Northwest have been given a further boost with £2.3 million approved for the Low Carbon Market Development Programme.
As the region at the forefront of the UK’s shift to low carbon and with more renewable energy sites than any other part of the country, the programme will be funded with £1 million from [...]
How noisy are wind turbines really?
When discussing noise and wind turbines it is important to be clear what size of turbine you are thinking about. The noise from large, commercial wind turbines is very different to that generated by smaller turbines installed at homes, offices and schools. The rotors on smaller turbines rotate much faster.
Data on noise from small [...]
Scots pilot loan scheme for energy efficiency
Homeowners in Scotland can apply for interest free loans to improve their insulation, replace inefficient boilers or install small scale renewables thanks to a new government pilot scheme.
The £2m Energy Saving Scotland home loans scheme is being administered by the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland. Loans of between £500 and £10,000 are available. They [...]
£18m Investment Boost For UK Clean Tech Sector
“UK clean tech sector a hotbed of innovation” – Carbon Trust Chief Executive Tom Delay
The Carbon Trust is to inject up to £18m in additional funding into the UK clean energy sector, providing a much needed ‘shot in the arm’ for clean tech start-ups and Britain’s move to a low carbon economy. The additional money [...]
Only Renewables can protect against nuclear tax!
Government officials have drawn up secret plans to tax electricity consumers to subsidise the construction of the UK’s first new nuclear reactors for more than 20 years, Viridis has learned.
The planned levy on household bills would add £44 to an annual electricity bill of £500 and contradicts repeated promises by ministers that the nuclear industry [...]
Greenpeace calls for more low carbon funding
The chancellor of the exchequer must support the Department for Energy and Climate Change if the UK is to meet its low carbon targets.
That is according to Joss Garman, a campaigner at environmental group Greenpeace, who said that a “step change” is needed in politics.
Earlier this week, a report from the Committee on Climate Change [...]
Arctic ice cap ‘to disappear in future summers’
The Arctic ice cap will disappear completely in summer months within 20 to 30 years, a polar research team said as they presented findings from an expedition led by adventurer Pen Hadow.
It is likely to be largely ice-free during the warmer months within a decade, the experts added.
Veteran polar explorer Hadow and two other Britons [...]
Europe Leads the way in Solar energy!
Enough solar energy falls on the earth’s surface in twenty minutes to meet our needs for a year. Exploiting this resource is essential in light of our growing energy use and continued battle against man-made global warming.
We can harness the sun’s energy directly for domestic space and water heating, or a proportion of its energy [...]
Government urges businesses to collect rainwater
The government is today calling on businesses to consider installing rainwater harvesting systems on roofs and other open surfaces as a means of cutting their mains water costs.
Government-funded agency Envirowise is seeking to promote wider adoption of the technology and is highlighting the availability of an incentive scheme that allows firms to claim rebates on [...]
UK’s first ‘island’ micro grid goes live in Wales
Viridis Consultant Peter Moore investigates how renewable energy created on-site can now be used instead of being exported to the national grid.
Peter said ” this is a giant leap forward for the use of renewable energy in domestic applications” The UK’s first island micro grid system is up and running at the Centre for Alternative [...]
Welsh renewable energy programme launched
A £34 million scheme to research renewable energy generation in Wales has been unveiled.
The Welsh Assembly government announced the scheme, which is based around the Low Carbon Research Institute (LCRI) energy programme.
Partnerships with six Welsh universities have been established to look into various environmental issues. Work is expected to get underway by the end of [...]
Energy bills could rise 60%, customers warned
The energy watchdog today said UK consumers faced potentially steep price rises in their gas and electricity bills as supplies become more volatile.
In a review of Britain’s energy market, Ofgem said an investment of up to £200 billion is needed to secure supplies and meet environmental targets.
It lists four possible scenarios for the future and [...]
Solar power for “Smart Grid Cities”
Britain will create up to four “smart grid cities” after the energy regulator set aside £500m from customers’ utility bills to start rewiring the nation’s electricity system. Ofgem wants companies to choose several towns or cities where it will pay for households to have smart energy technologies installed to monitor how it works on a [...]
By 2050 Solar Thermal Energy Could Provide 47% of the UK’s Low-Temp demand
Brussels, 25 September 2009. Since heat accounts for nearly half of the overall energy demand in the European Union, the solar thermal industry will no doubt make a significant contribution to the 20% target of renewable energy set by the new RES Directive. A new Study “Potential of Solar Thermal in Europe” examines the growth [...]
Cumbria’s Renewables Revolution!
Cumbria has been praised by the government for its efforts in working towards a greater use of renewable energy. The county was singled out thanks to its residents pioneering focus on Biomass and wind energy generation.
Viridis has seen a 80% increase in the regions enquiries and surveys to establish what solutions could be viable even [...]
Solar Power in Scotland – it works!
For some reason as soon as Solar Power in Scotland is mentioned we all laugh – Oh we don’t have enough of that here do we? Well, yes we do! Modern solar technology uses radiant light from
daylight whether it is sunny or not. These days solar panels are becoming far more efficient at
making use of [...]
Funding for community carbon schemes
The UK government is offering £10 million to communities around the country that have the best low carbon initiatives.
Entitled the Low Carbon Communities Challenge, regions are being urged to apply for part of the funding to build on existing projects.
There will be 20 communities chosen for the financial injection, with the measures taken being chosen [...]
UK Reveals New Renewables strategy
With three components, the UK Low Carbon transition plan, which was unveiled sets out how the UK will meet the cut in emissions set out in the 2009 budget of 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. Also published was the Renewable Energy Strategy, which maps out the UK Governments strategy for reaching the EU target [...]
A 16th Century pub has been crowned Kent’s greenest business
A 16th Century pub has been crowned Kent’s greenest business.
The Rose and Crown, a free house in Selling, near Faversham, was named Kent Environment Business of the Year 2009 at a glittering ceremony at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park last night. (24)
Tim and Vanessa Robinson, who bought the pub just three years ago in their [...]
Government carbon campaign turns attention on water wastage
A Defra campaign set up to persuade the public to curb carbon emissions is now asking people to consider cutting their water use too.
Water shortages are a serious concern for the UK, but convincing people to tackle the issue is an uphill struggle in a country renowned for its damp climate and where water is [...]
Sustainability experts highlight the financial benefits for renewable energy.
Liverpool 14th July 2009 – With Parliament’s Energy Bill given Royal Ascent at the end of 2008 and less than 12 months to go until the Government’s promise to introduce renewable energy Feed-In Tariff’s, Liverpool sustainability experts Viridis Energie Consultants asks if North West businesses and communities [...]
