The Government’s much heralded Renewable Energy Strategy published on 15th July includes admirable targets and ambitions for the future of UK energy resources. However, the experiences of small scale wind specialists, Natural Energy, suggest the thrust of Government policy is littered with often insurmountable hurdles throughout every stage of the installation process including planning, grid connection and grant funding.
Planning
It is well known that the planning system is partly responsible for the inertia in the development of wind energy in the UK. Allegedly this was a major factor leading to the closure of Vesta’s manufacturing interests in the UK.
The problems faced by large scale wind power also frustrate the installation of micro-generation. Whilst there is supposedly a single planning process operational throughout England and Wales the reality is that Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), or even individual planning officers’ relish adopting their own policies. Such inconsistencies even extend to issues as straightforward as the planning fee payable by an applicant and the requirement for noise assessments and ecological surveys. Experience reflects that most applications for small-scale wind turbines are eventually approved though often after long, arduous and often cost incurring delays.
Ironically the planning problem was highlighted on the day of the publication of the Renewable Energy Strategy when Cotswold District Council refused an application for a 6kW grid connected wind turbine which had the support of it’s planning and landscape officers. The applicant will be taking the decision to appeal unfortunately incurring additional cost for all parties involved.
The most common areas of difficulty include ecology issues particularly relevant to bats, the MoD and radar interference and visual intrusion in areas of outstanding natural beauty and/or National Parks. Whilst it is understandable that regard should be made for such matters it is particularly frustrating that automated standard responses are issued on the assumption of a large scale wind farm as opposed to a single installation micro wind turbine that is no higher than a mature oak tree.
District Network Operators (DNOs)
For grid connected wind turbine installations there is a requirement to secure the agreement of the relevant DNO to the connection. In practice, DNOs adopt differing criteria for both application for connection and their connection process and requirements. United Utilities for example will not consider an application without a commitment to the payment of in excess of £400+VAT before conducting a desktop survey of the network for which they then allow themselves up to 65 working days to complete. Other DNOs are happy to undertake this survey for free and give a response within a matter of days.
The connection of a 6kW turbine to the Scottish Power network within the Manweb region will normally incur a cost of £2,500 more than connection to any other network. This is due to the extra protection they specify to be necessary. There is a clear need for an update or at the least some formality to the current reengineering recommendations G83 & G59 to enable networks to follow the same process countrywide.
Grant funding
Ideally renewable energy projects should be financially viable stand alone propositions, but the reality of the costs incurred and returns reaped has meant that grant funding has been an essential requirement for all but the financially fortunate.
The proposed introduction of Feed in Tariffs (FITs) in April 2010 will represent a major boost to the economics of a wind turbine but to kick start renewable energy a robust source of grant funding is required.
The Rural Development Programme is potentially an excellent source of funding for those in the rural economy but, despite the fact that the relevant Regional Development Agencies (RDA) should have had appropriate schemes in place for the distribution of funds from 2007 in practice precious little progress has been made. The involvement of a vast number of interested parties including DEFRA, the RDA, Natural England, and Business Link amongst others has resulted in extraordinary delays and an absence of positive progress in some areas. In those areas with operational schemes the application process is often so tortuous and demanding on time that many applicants are put off the right to seek up to 50% funding.
The Government sponsored Low Carbon Buildings Programme offers grants of up to £2,500 for householders (Phase 1) and 50% for non-profit making organisations (Phase 2) such as Government institutions and charities and schools and community projects. Whilst the householder application process is commendable for its simplicity the number of suitable properties for wind projects in particular are limited and ultimately it only represents a “refund” of the VAT element. Phase 2 funding is a worthwhile contribution to a project but frequently results in poorly located wind turbines giving rise to negative feedback about wind energy.
Most small-scale turbine projects take a minimum of one year from initial discussions to commissioning. With efficient management and guidelines applied to each process involved a timescale of four to six months should be achievable.
There is no doubt climate change and the provision of sustainable energy sources are important issues to address however the current situation makes positive contributions from individuals and organisations difficult to achieve without radical changes.
For further information contact Tony Carver on 01684 853402