UK pledge to support microgeneration

The government has outlined plans for how it will encourage the uptake of small-scale renewable installations generating less than 50kWh of electricity by homeowners, businesses and communities.

Its “Microgeneration Strategy” focuses on barriers to the wider adoption of microgeneration technology, including removing “red-tape” for micro-hydro electricity generation and improving the Microgeneration Certification Scheme to make it more effective for small businesses.

Other actions include revising the Building Regulations and the Standard Assessment Procedure to better quantify the benefits of renewables, and ensuring installers have the right skills.

Meanwhile, the Scottish government has unveiled its Renewables Routemap, outlining the steps required to meet its target to supply all electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020.

The map sets new targets to meet 30% of overall energy demand from renewables by 2020, and to deliver 500MW of community and locally owned renewable energy by 2020.