The March Budget boosted the micro-generation sector with an additional £50 million to develop the technologies under the new Low Carbon Building Programme.

The government intends for this money to be spent by the public sector - schools, local authorities and other public bodies - as their bulk buying power will boost mass production of new technologies and drive down the cost of micro-generation for private individuals.

Companies that produce small wind turbines, solar panels and mini combined heat and power generation systems have recently seen a modest boost in business as higher energy prices and environmental consciousness have spurred household demand. However, prices are still prohibitive to many home owners and only mass production and the corresponding sales would bring the cost within reach.

Energy minister Malcolm Wicks says: "We cannot afford to fall behind in the race against rising global temperatures. We can save money on fuel bills, help the environment and get back in touch with where our energy comes from.

"The distance [that we are] from our energy sources leads to waste but by having micro-generation technologies present in our homes and buildings we reconnect with how much we are using - and abusing - our energy and find ways of being more efficient with it."

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor