The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
End of Feed-in Tarriff ‘major blow’ to industry
Renewables: End of payments to small businesses generating electricity
The UK Government’s decision to end the 2010 Feed-in Tariff has come as a major blow to small scale renewables, an industry body said last night.
Scottish Renewables accused the government of causing “significant uncertainty” and said the proposed closure of the scheme has “worrying consequences for the already struggling smallscale renewables sector” in Scotland.
The decision, which was announced yesterday, also resulted in the UK Government issuing a “call for evidence” on the future of small-scale low-carbon generation.
Intended as a payment to small business for generating their own energy, the scheme was planned to close in 2019, but a consultation on its future was a year overdue.
Hannah Smith, senior policy manager at Scottish Renewables, labelled the decision a “risk to jobs” and the deployment of low-carbon energy.
She said: “While we are pleased to see this consultation published, it has some worrying consequences for the already struggling smallscale renewables sector.
“The picture isn’t rosy. Since previous cuts to the Feed-in Tariff, there has been a drop off in technologies such as hydro schemes and small-scale wind.
“That, coupled with considerable delay to the publication of this consultation, has already forced businesses into liquidation and created significant uncertainty as to whether small-scale energy generation can survive in the UK.”
Reacting to the announcement, the director of the UK industry body RenewableUK called the decision a “major blow” to small scale renewables.
Emma Pinchbeck said: “Small-scale renewables technologies are a vital part of creating the more local, smart power networks that will be central to the UK’s future energy system.
“Companies in the sector have helped tens of thousands of homes and businesses to cut their energy costs, and have grown into a thriving industry. They have been waiting, at great cost, for the Government to issue today’s consultation for over a year.
“Today’s confirmation that there will be no replacement scheme is a major blow.” International energy consultancy Xodus Group has appointed Tao Zhao as its new advanced engineering lead.
With more than 15 years’ experience in subsea pipeline and riser design and analysis, Dr Zhao joins Xodus from Heerema Marine Contractors.
Throughout his career, he has provided analysis for offshore contractor and engineering consultants in both Thailand and the UK.
Dr Zhao said: “I am pleased to be joining a company with such a strong reputation. I’m excited to work alongside a highly talented team and hope my experience and knowledge will strengthen our capabilities.”
Steve Swindell, CEO of Xodus Group, said: “Tao joins with a wealth of experience and several exciting ideas. His ability to solve complex engineering problems through numerical design tools and analytical formulations will be a real strength to the company.”