Greeny-blue (cyan?) David Cameron has been given permission to mount a wind turbine and solar panels on his home. The turbine must be grey, to blend in, and he must renew the planning permission after three years. It’s a small, but high profile, victory against the NIMBYs.

Technorati tag: Wind Turbine, Planning Permission, David Cameron

I’ve decided to start posting the press releases in full. Nuclear power, no thanks!

NUCLEAR ENERGY ‘DIRTY, DEAR AND DANGEROUS’

Nick Harvey MP has today commented on the long awaited results of the Government’s energy review published this week. The Review concluded that nuclear power is economically viable and should play a role in UK energy policy.

Mr Harvey said:

“This move could have disastrous consequences for Great Britain. Not only has the focus on nuclear prevented the government from announcing urgently required investment into clean coal and renewable technologies, but we are also facing increasing threats from terrorist organisations for whom a nuclear power station would be an ideal target.

“Instead of wasting money on expensive nuclear technology we should be creating the right market in carbon, which would encourage private firms to invest, and raise the funds for essential government-sponsored Research and Development.

“Projects such as the Marine Current Turbines at Lynton and Lynmouth, where a tidal energy farm is now planned, is a shining example of how we might hope to meet our energy needs in the future with not just one but a whole basket of technologies.”

NUCLEAR: THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test today welcomed much of the Energy Review, published yesterday by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, and in particular praised the commitment in the review to energy management and increased support for renewable energy sources.

But he also claimed that the Review has not made the case for nuclear power that had been claimed in some quarters. Indeed, Dr Whitehead cited three questions on nuclear power unanswered in the review:

“Firstly no new nuclear power stations will be online before 2020 according to the Review. This means that any gap in energy supplies will have to be made up before then and not by nuclear.

Secondly nuclear power stations will only be built by private companies if they are confident that they will get their money back. The mechanisms set up in the Review will not achieve that but might instead damage investment in other sources of energy.

Finally, there are strong mechanisms proposed in the Review to encourage energy efficiency and the take up of distributed generation. It is not clear why we need nuclear if these paths are rigorously pursued.”

COSTLY NEW NUCLEAR THREATENS ENVIRONMENT

Responding to the DTI Select Committee’s report into nuclear power, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, Edward Davey MP said

“Three years ago, there was a growing cross-party consensus around the 2003 energy white paper’s recommendations. This outlined a vision for a low carbon non-nuclear future.

“The Government has now surrendered to pressure from the pro-nuclear lobby. The country now faces a costly, ineffective and unpredictable approach to the future of our environment.”

CUTTING ENERGY DEMAND WOULD REMOVE NEED FOR BLAIR’S NUCLEAR FOLLY – FOSTER

Bath’s MP, Don Foster has spoken out against nuclear power following a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) which stated that almost four times more energy could be saved through energy efficiency measures over the next two decades than could be generated by replacing all the UK’s nuclear reactors.

Commenting, Don said:

“Nuclear is a tried, tested and failed technology with demonstrably higher costs than the renewable alternatives. This report’s recommendations to use less energy is yet another endorsement of the approach advocated by the Liberal Democrats. However, under Labour, energy use has been going up and up, year by year, with no sign of ending.

“The most sensible way to ensure security of supply and avoid astronomical expense is to use energy more efficiently. Apart from onshore wind farms, investment in energy efficiency is the most cost effective energy strategy.”

McIntosh: New measures to promote local green energy are welcome

Miss Anne McIntosh, MP for the Vale of York, today welcomed proposals by the Government to make it easier for homes to install small-scale renewable energy, such as solar water heating or mini-wind turbines. The move by the Government to change planning rules comes after a Conservative campaign to push for more green energy and micro-generation.

Miss Anne McIntosh explained, “I welcome that the Government has responded to cross-party pressure to make it easier for homes in North Yorkshire and across the country to install renewable energy like solar panels or mini-wind turbines. Where the Government offers positive, constructive and reasonable policies, they will have my support.

“But the Government could do far more to promote green energy, rather than giving unfair subsidies to new nuclear power stations. Conservatives want to enhance our environment by seeking a long-term cross-party consensus on sustainable development and climate change – instead of short-term thinking or surrendering to vested interests. The modern, compassionate Conservative Party believes that quality of life matters just as much as quantity of money.”

Also this week, David Cameron has made a major speech calling for:
• A level playing field between renewable and other forms of energy generation.
• Encouraging local generators to sell any spare electricity they generate back to the National Grid.
• Improving and streamlining planning procedures for green energy.

Technorati tag: MP, Press Release, Nuclear Power

From the Green Party press office:

In advance of the government’s energy review due tomorrow, the Green Party today released the results of a national survey dramatically highlighting public opposition to a new generation of nuclear power stations, and revealing widespread criticism of the way in which the government conducted it’s review.

Green Party Principal Speaker Keith Taylor commented: “When asked directly whether they supported plans to build new nuclear power stations, 87% of respondents rejected the nuclear option, in stark contrast to an overwhelming 98% support for greater investment in renewable energy, and 99% support for greater investment in energy-saving measures at home and work. This puts pay to any suggestion the nuclear power is accepted as a necessary evil by the UK.

“Despite the government’s ceaseless attempts to frame the debate as one of ‘nuclear, or the lights go out,’ the British public are not convinced. The preparatory scare-mongering we have witnessed in recent months from the likes of Alistair Darling, Malcom Wicks and Tony Blair has failed to make any headway on convincing the public of the case for a new generation of dirty and dangerous nuclear power stations.

“The survey also revealed tellingly low levels of confidence in the government’s consultation process. 89% of those polled agreed with the statement: ‘I think the government had already decided what they wanted to do about nuclear power before this debate started.’

These results concur with the fears today raised by the Trade and Industry Committee ‘that the outcome of the government’s energy review had been decided in advance.’

Keith Taylor continued: “Accusations of ‘rubber stamping’ are wholly justified. Only today, leaked documents have revealed plans for a massive expansion of nuclear power across G8 countries and the developing world, in advance of the G8 Summit in St Petersburg next weekend.

“The Energy Review has been Blair’s exercise in ‘consult and ignore’. Despite determined and widespread public opposition, the government remain hell bent on forcing through a new round of dangerous nuclear power stations, and are prepared to subvert planning frameworks to achieve this.

“Local objections to nuclear power plants could be over-ridden under planning changes proposed by the government’s energy review. Councils could alter the appearance and precise location of the sites, but would be unable to reject power plants on the grounds they were not needed.

“If Tony Blair is serious about tackling climate change in a sustainable and effective way, he should seize the opportunity of the energy review to ensure that the necessary legislative framework is in place to stake our future on safe, carbon free and inexpensive sources of energy: wind, wave and solar. Succumbing to pressure from the billion pound nuclear lobby means leading the UK down a dirty and dangerous path.”

The survey covered attitudes to different energy sources, opinions on the government’s energy review, and the actions people might take to support or oppose different energy technologies. The results show huge confidence in the potential of energy saving and renewable energy – particularly solar, wind and wave power – and massive opposition to new nuclear power stations.

Sian Berry, Green Party Campaign’s Co-ordinator and a member of the National Executive commented: “The energy survey demonstrates overwhelming support for energy efficiency, renewable energy and smaller scale energy generation, rather than the current centralised system reliant on the wasteful use of fossil fuels and nuclear power. It also found that if new nuclear power stations were approved, 66 per cent of respondents said they would be prepared take part in mass protests against nuclear power.

“The UK’s centralised system of giant isolated power stations wastes a staggering two thirds of the primary energy produced before the electricity reaches our homes. The British public want a new green energy future for the UK, based on local generation through combined heat and power in our communities, micro-generation on their homes and places of work supplemented by large scale renewable energy projects. This is more than an unattainable dream, but an achievable vision.

via Eco Street Blog

Technorati tag: Green Party, Nuclear

The full text of the Government’s news release-

Government to cut planning restrictions for micro-generation

DCLG News Release 2006/0049

04 July 2006

The Government is to cut planning restrictions on micro-renewable technology as a new report proposes streamlining the planning system for household applications.

Ministers today announced the Government will reduce planning restrictions for small scale micro-generation – including solar panels and small wind-turbines – as part of measures to simplify the planning system around minor developments.

The new report published today by the Government’s Householder Development Consents Review Steering Group says certain householder applications and those for small scale micro-renewable technology – such as solar water heating and small wind turbines – should be allowed to go ahead without the need for a planning application. The Government will publish detailed proposals on micro-generation which take account of size and the impact on neighbours in the autumn.

The review also proposes streamlining the planning system for household extensions that require planning permission but where neighbours do not object. The number of household applications has more than doubled over the last ten years yet the vast majority of these are approved with no objection at all. These planning applications create unnecessary costs and delays for householders as well as taking up time and resources for local planning authorities.

The review also says that the need for applications for extensions should be judged on their impact rather than volume or size. Current rules say that if you have already extended your home you may need planning permission for a simple dormer window or conservatory. These rules can also permit developments that overshadow or intrude on privacy simply because they meet arbitrary volume limits.

Following the report the Government is now examining ways to streamline and simplify the system. By focussing on impact, the Government is looking to remove unnecessary applications whilst increasing protections for neighbours. This means the planning system can focus more resources on major developments.

Yvette Cooper said:

“It is absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small scale micro-generation which is no more obtrusive and can have a real impact on tackling climate change. We want far more micro-generation to be treated as permitted development and we also should be able to simplify the system for small developments such as extensions.”

The Government plans to consult on detailed proposals in the autumn. Any changes to the system will come into effect in 2007.

The Householder Development Consents Review (HDCR) Steering Group Report includes eleven recommendations for making planning controls more proportionate, improving the customer experience and providing greater choice for householders through alternative service providers. Further reforms will be announced in due course.

The Government is also welcoming Kate Barker’s interim report on Land Use Planning today which makes clear that further changes are needed to increase the global competitiveness of the UK economy.

Notes to editors

1. The Householder Development Consents Review Steering Group Report published today including full recommendations is available via the following link www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1501259

2. The micro-generation study is the first phase of the Government’s response and forms part of a wider review of permitted development rights. The Government will consult on detailed proposals including a new Householder Permitted Development Order later this year. In due course the Government will also examine ways of streamlining the system for developments that still require planning permission but neighbours do not object.

3. The review was undertaken within the DCLG under the direction of a Steering Group which included representatives from the RTPI, Local Government, National House Building Council, Citizen’s Advice Service, Ashford’s Future and the Planning Inspectorate and was chaired until October 2005 by former Permanent Secretary Mavis MacDonald. Full details and terms of reference are available via the link above.

4. The Government already promotes the use of micro-renewable technology through the planning system through Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy. A DCLG survey of local plans published earlier this month reveals many local authorities are now adopting new requirements in their plans for on-site renewable energy in new developments. The Government is now urging all local authorities to do the same and will include this request in the new planning policy statement on climate change due out later this year.

Technorati tag: Micro-renewables, Planning Permission

The Guardian on the electric car in Britain. Plug in hybrids and fully electric cars would be a great answer for towns, but the lack of off road parking where they can be charged is holding them back.

I’ve seen illuminated road signs and various other roadside devices that are solar and/ or wind powered. How hard would it be to create parking meters which were actually charging points, with solar panels on the top, batteries stored in the ground under them and a trickle feed from the mains for winter and overcast days? Electric car owners could pay a minimal amount to charge or be given pass keys, non-electric drivers would pay normal rates or be barred from them altogether. Another possibility would be placing windmills atop multi storey car parks and reserving a few spaces on the top level for replenishing electric vehicles.

Technorati tag: Electric Car, Plug In Hybrid

I recently ended a nine month contract in the CIS Tower in Manchester. One of the ten top Green projects of 2005 was the re-cladding of its service tower with solar panels. I thought it would be worth finding out a bit more about the Cooperative group’s Environmental policies, sop I sent them a few questions. They were answered by Liz Thompson, an Environment Adviser at the company.

How much electricity will the solar tower generate?

The solar tower will generate 181MWh of electricity each year. This will result in a CO2 saving of 78 tonnes each year.

What percentage of the buildings total consumption is this?

The electricity generated will be enough to light six floors of the 25-storey high building or is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 55 average UK homes.

How long will it take for the solar panels to pay for themselves?

When the Tower was built in the early sixties, it was a pioneering and experimental building, and was, at the time, the tallest commercial building in the UK, leading to it becoming Grade 2 listed. However, while many aspects of the design were a success, the choice of millions of one-inch mosaic tiles to clad the windowless service tower was not. While the project will generate renewable electricity, its primary motivation was to tackle health and safety concerns. The mosaic tiles have been falling off since the building was built, and despite on-going re-fixing, over time it became clear that this was an increasing risk to the health of nearby pedestrians and was risking serious long-term damage to the building’s structure. Various re-cladding solutions were explored, all of which cost many millions of pounds. The Tower’s listed status meant that any solution which altered its external appearance would need robust justification. Given the significant expenditure already needed for repair and the ethics and sustainability stance of Co-operative Financial Services (see www.cfs.co.uk/sustainability2004), it made sense for us to look at novel construction materials that promote sustainable development. Due to the provision of grants, this sustainable construction project is cost neutral when compared to other repair solutions.

What other microgeneration schemes does the CFS have planned or completed?

CFS has placed 19 micro-wind turbines on the roof of its Portland Street office in Manchester, making it the largest commercial application of micro-wind turbines in the UK. It is estimated that the wind turbines will produce 44MWh of renewable electricity and save 19 tonnes of CO2 each year. The micro-wind turbines became operational in May 2006.

Are the schemes to generate power on or near sites linked with energy saving initiatives (eg. replacing all filament bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, making better use of natural lighting)?

We do look at lighting and energy management programmes across the organisation.

Are there any other environmental initiatives being taken by the CFS?

Yes there are numerous initiatives – please see www.cfs.co.uk/sustainability2004 then refer to the section on ecological sustainability.

What is the company doing to encourage green behaviour in its customers?

Again, numerous initiatives – we offer ‘green banking/insurance products’ such as our mortgages and CIS insurance product for car loans, our Customers Who Cares campaign – this year is all about Combatting Climate Change. More details can be found in the 2004 Sustainability Report.

Note For more on the Co-op’s ecological stance check out www.co-operativebank.co.uk/ethics/ecology

Technorati tag: Solar Power, Cooperative Financial Services, Manchester, Ethical Business

The government’s energy review seems to be the focus of this week’s press release round up-

MP’s response to Government’s Energy Review

Sandra Osborne, MP for Ayr Carrick and Cumnock has submitted her views on future energy policy as part of the Government’s Energy Review –”Securing clean, affordable energy for the long term”

In her submission Sandra gives priority to the future role of coal. She states

“In deciding the UK’s future energy mix, a diverse, flexible and secure energy supply is essential if we are to achieve targets in cutting the UK’s carbon emissions, maintain reliability of energy supplies, raise the rate of sustainable economic growth, promote a competitive energy market in the UK and beyond and ensure that every home is adequately and affordably heated. There is no one single solution which can adequately satisfy all of these demands.

As a Member of Parliament for a number of coalfield communities, I would like to concentrate my submission on coal and particularly the need for clear government support for clean coal technology as part of a balanced energy portfolio which can contribute to improved energy efficiency as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

2350 People In Wales Tell Blair “No To Nuclear Power”

2350 people in Wales have signed a petition opposing new nuclear power stations in Wales. The petition was presented to 10 Downing Street this morning by a delegation of MPs and representatives of Friend of the Earth, the Centre for Alternative Technology (C.A.T.) and the Plaid Werdd Cymru.

The petition, which has only been running for three months read, “We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the commissioning of any nuclear power stations in Wales and demand safer, cleaner, cheaper technology.”

Commenting, Jenny Willott, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, said: “This petition shows there is widespread opposition to nuclear power across Wales. Our message to the Government is clear: nuclear power is not the answer to Wales’ energy needs.

“Nuclear power is prohibitively expensive, has a terrible environmental legacy and is a huge security risk. Wales has huge natural resources to provide alternatives to nuclear power, including tidal power, marine currents, solar and wind.

“Even the Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, is anti-nuclear. Tony Blair cannot simply impose a new generation of nuclear power stations in Wales.”

Nuclear not the answer say MPs

Emily’s Environment Select Committee have released the result of their inquiry into the future of UK energy. The report says that nuclear power stations cannot contribute to meeting our energy needs or reducing carbon dioxide over the next 10 years. The report raises serious concerns about the use of nuclear power over the longer term, including:

*long-term waste disposal

*public acceptability

*the availability of uranium

*the carbon emissions associated with nuclear.

*safety, the threat of terrorism, and the proliferation of nuclear power across the world.

The committee recommends that the government invest in developing low carbon renewable technologies such as wind, clean coal technology, carbon capture and storage, off-shore wind, and microgeneration. In order to meet our energy needs up to 2016 the government should introduce an extensive programme of new gas-fired power stations, supplemented by a significant growth in renewables.

Technorati tag: MP, Press Release, Nuclear Power, Energy Review