Onshore wind escapes deeper cuts – for now

The onshore wind industry in the UK will face a reduction of 10% on subsidies as opposed to the Treasury’s 25% cut. Energy Secretary Ed Davey announced the decision on the Renewables Obligation (RO) today and said the Government will provide support at a level of 0.9 of a ROC, which is guaranteed until 2014. […]

Scotland urges UK Government to confirm wind support

Scotland has announced its support for onshore wind projects and has urged the UK Government to do the same. First Minister Alex Salmond sent a letter to the UK’s Energy Secretary Ed Davey and said the Scottish Government will provide support for onshore wind generation at a level of 0.9 of a ROC, rather than […]

Industry feared worse ROC banding

After DECC announced cuts to the Renewable Obligation some in the renewables industry have admitted surprise over how small the cuts were. Rick Eggleston, Managing Director of REpower UK said the cuts would still ensure growth remains healthy across the wind sector. He said: “The level of cut in the case of onshore wind is […]

New renewables get boost under DECC’s cost-cutting plans

Tidal energy and certain types of biomass energy will be eligible for boosted subsidy under new government plans announced today. But support for more “mature” technologies like onshore wind and solar PV has been lowered in DECC’s rewrite of the Renewables Obligation, designed to save the taxpayer at least £400million. The energy department’s latest proposals […]

Tesco biofuel gets ROC status

Tesco has become the first UK retailer to get OFGEM certification for its biofuel. The fuel, based on ethanol created from organic waste products, has seen Tesco granted a Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) which confirms its 100% renewable credentials. The fuel is currently being used to run specially adapted Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generators […]

Market reform can create Scottish jobs

Reform of the electricity market is good news for Scotland’s employment prospects says Alex Salmond. The First Minister says yesterday’s EMR White Paper will reduce volatile price hikes, while supporting tens of thousands of new green jobs. He said: “Electricity market reform can help realise Scotland’s huge potential for clean energy generation and ensure security […]