Generation begins at home

UK energy minister Malcolm Wicks has launched a major government initiative on small-scale electricity generation with the prediction that many homes might in future provide for their own electricity needs and be paid for any surplus. However, companies in the emerging microgeneration business have warned that without specific targets for take-up they will struggle to attract investment. The Department of Trade and Industry is developing a strategy for the development of domestic generation as part of the work of the Sustainable Energy Policy Network, a network of government departments, devolved administrations, regulators and other organisations that are jointly responsible for delivering the energy white paper´s commitments. Wicks has initiated a three-month public consultation on how techniques such as microhydro, micro-wind, solar power, fuel cells and combined heat and power could be exploited. To comply with the 2004 Energy Act, the results will need to be published by April next year. However, not everyone in the renewables industry is convinced of the government´s commitment to microgeneration. The article examines their views.