Nextgen page 10
Nextgen page 01
Latest Floorplan SEE PAGES 4 & 5
MCS Statistics Update
www.nextgenexpo.co.uk
SEE PAGE 2
The UK’s largest bioenergy event
on site. on the grid
The UK's definitive microgeneration event
stoneleigh park 10 – 11 october 2012
lead generation for energy generation
10th - 11th October 2012, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
Funding renewable energy projects
microgen 2012 is the proud sponsor of the Public Sector Project of the Year award. Brought to you in partnership with the MCS, microgen 2012 attracts a wide range of commerical buyers from within social housing projects including housing associations, ALMO’s and local authorities. As the only home of the MCS Live conference stream we also attract a broad cross section of MCS certified installers looking at how they can diversify in 2012 and beyond and how best to capitalise on the renewable heat opportunity.
typically this is not commercially viable with 10, 5 or even 3 year contracts being more realistic. Thankfully we are seeing funders gradually lower their expectations on this front; perhaps a representation of them finally becoming more familiar with the sector?
microgen exclusively focuses on micro-renewable energy generation (solar pv, solar thermal, gshp, ashp, small scale wind, and micro hydro). microgen brings together the entire supply chain from equipment manufacturers, distributors and suppliers through to installers, wholesalers, consultants and commercial end-users.
Financing renewable energy projects is ‘challenging’ at the best of times, and is all too often the major hurdle encountered by any form of renewable energy project. But why is it so difficult, and what steps can be taken to ensure that developers maximise their chances of obtaining that critical funding?
• Backed by the MCS, REA, REAL and The Energy Institute • Supported by a huge free to attend quality conference programme • Over 100 exhibitors • Attracting installers looking at the next big opportunity together with end-users seeking a greater understanding of all of the possible renewable options
For further information contact event director, gordon kirk on 020 7348 5265 or email microgensales@closer2media.com 2012 exhibitors include
2011 exhibitor testimonials: “There have been at least half a dozen leads that will be worth over £15k — not bad for half a day’s work. We’d normally review the show afterwards back at the office before making a decision, but, it’s been so good we have booked already for 2012.” Alan Dunn — Husky Heat Pumps
Supported by
“There have been some people we have been targeting, unsuccessfully, who today, just walked onto our stand.” Martyn Ford — Daikin
featuring:
Traditionally the UK has always lagged behind its European counterparts when it comes to renewable energy. Unlike the UK, they had the foresight to implement financial incentives long before ROCs and FITs existed and accordingly the UK trails far behind them with just 6.8% generated from renewable sources compared just over 20% on the continent. Tough economic times have made funders far more risk averse, so the introduction of these incentives prior to the downturn has been massively important for the investment into renewables overseas. The cornerstone for funding any renewable energy project is to base it around a proven technology with a solid track record, both in terms of energy type and manufacturer. Taking the example of anaerobic digestion (‘AD’), the UK now has 74 commissioned plants generating approximately 60MWe across both on and off-farm units . By stark contrast Germany, who have very much paved the way in AD, now have over 7,000 fully operational plants. Whilst incentives are clearly a major contributor to this development, the increased prevalence of the technology has also allowed German funders to become far more comfortable with the technology. AD is evidently very much in its infancy in the UK, and as a result the lack of knowledge and experience of the technology amongst potential investors often hinders investment. The other major area of concern for funders is around security of supply, be it from a naturally abundant source such as the sun or wind, or from a feedstock contract. To address this, again depending on the energy type in question, they might require actual wind or sunlight data or a watertight feedstock agreement. The latter of these is obviously more complex with an additional requirement to focus on the type, continuity and consistency of the supply. In an ideal world funders would like a 25 year feedstock contract, however
Strategic partner:
Sponsored by:
Having said all of the above, funding renewable energy projects is by no means impossible. We speak to a variety of investors on a regular basis and the common theme that arises is that they are approached by developers prematurely. Given how active the renewables market is, it is important to bear in mind that they are inundated with requests for funding and as a result have a tendency to cherry-pick the easiest and best projects to invest in. In our experience the successful projects are almost always presented to them at the point where most, if not all major aspects of the project have been pieced together thereby making the proposition far more appealing to the funder. The main prerequisites tend to be: • Long term tariff support such as that offered from FITs, ROCs or RHI • A robust O&M contract, ideally with some form of performance guarantee • An appropriate lease agreement for the site on which the project is to be located • Where appropriate an EPC contract with sufficient warranties for delays in construction etc. • A proven technology supplier with a track record of other successful plants • A proven and reliable energy source (a feedstock contract, sun or wind for example) secured for as long as possible • A suitable grid connection with a suitable energy purchase agreement • Approved planning/permitting for the project at the site if required • Where necessary (for example, for AD) a reliable digestate offtake agreement • Ideally (although not essential) a pipeline of projects as larger funding amounts are typically more attractive to investors If the project is presented well and most if not all of these fundamentals are finalised then it allows the project to stand head and shoulders above the majority of applications that funders receive. The fundraising process would consequently be quicker and simpler, and as a result momentum could be maintained and most importantly the investors’ interest. If the project is presented well and most if not all of these fundamentals are finalised then it allows the project to stand head and shoulders above the majority of applications that funders receive. The fundraising
Exclusive: Surprise figures show big rise in number of renewable energy installers The number of certified renewable energy installers has increased by more than a quarter over the past six months despite the reduction in the level of cash support under the Government's Feed-in-tariff scheme. Research carried out by Nextgen Expo has found that the number of registrations under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has actually increased since last October by nearly a thousand new installers. However, according to the Renewable Energy Association around 600 renewable energy companies dropped out of its REAL assurance scheme following the annual renewal date last month. The mixed picture shows that while the 600 companies are no longer operating under the MCS umbrella, the surviving operations are building up their revenue streams by entering into new markets. Dave Sowden, chief executive of the Micropower Council, explained the surprise increase in MCS registrations could be as a result of companies diversifying into fresh green energy sectors. “With the Green Deal approaching a lot of companies may be looking at adding energy efficiency solutions to their portfolio of products and services,” he added. “The reduction to the Feed-in Tariff scheme certainly created a rush of activity with over 250MW of solar PV being installed between December 12 and the eventual cut date of March 3.” ”The two market bubbles were certainly PV driven but these figures may be as a result of companies now registering for multiple technologies, in particular the energy efficiency requirement of the Feed-in Tariff scheme.” According to Gemserve, the number of installers registered on its MCS scheme before the October 31 announcement of FiT cuts was 3,929. Despite the subsequent well-publicised collapse of several big-name companies, this week the MCS database holds the details of 4,866 certified engineers. The number of companies signed up to the REAL Assurance scheme was approximately 5,200 last October, a figure which rose to 5,800 in April before dropping back to 5,200 following the annual renewal deadline. A DECC spokesperson said “It’s great to see the number of MCS registered installers has increased over the past year, showing there is a market out there and a real demand for small scale renewables to generate clean green power.”
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Official partners:
Supported by:
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Continued from page 01 process would consequently be quicker and simpler, and as a result momentum could be maintained and most importantly the investors’ interest. The renewable energy team at BDO specialises in advising developers through the complexity of fundraising and have helped to raise over £200m for a variety of renewable energy projects. Whilst we can tailor our service to suit a client’s needs, we will often manage the entire process from start to finish, initially speaking to developers about the different funding options available through to negotiating final credit terms. As part of the process we write a comprehensive business plan and also use our in house financial modelling team to build a robust financial model that stands up to the detail and flexibility required by financiers. Should you wish to discuss your project or technology with us, please do not hesitate to contact: Michael Ware Partner michael.ware@bdo.co.uk +44 (0) 207 893 3354
Nick Samuel Manager nick.samuel@bdo.co.uk +44 (0) 207 893 2642
BRE Global The renewables market is growing rapidly, but sustaining this momentum will depend on products and installers being certificated through reliable and robust schemes. 90 years of construction research underpins BRE Global’s MCS scheme - which offers the widest scope of certification services for microgeneration technologies. We have full UKAS accreditation and a comprehensive service providing a one-stop-shop for products and installers. What is more, our approved installers and product suppliers are listed on GreenBookLive - the online portal for approved products and services used by specifiers to source quality providers. www.greenbooklive.com/microgen Tel 01923 664100
Are you burning biomass? - “do you know your explosion risks”
Stand B33 ebec
Burning combustible dusts is now very common in the power generation industry and the explosion risks of handling coal dusts are understood. However, as more facilities are being modified to handle biomass, it is often wrongly assumed that the safety measures taken to mitigate the original risks will remain effective. Biomass and coal dusts do share some similarities; however their explosive characteristics, such as Minimum Ignition Energies (MIE’s) and Minimum Ignition Temperatures (MIT’s) are significantly different. Biomass can also be susceptible to self-ignition risks meaning well designed storage of the material is critical to running a sate plant. For a reliable safety concept to be achieved, every aspect of the process should be considered. Installing explosion and fire protection systems should be considered insufficient, and areas such as sound process design, workforce training and housekeeping are all important factors of effective protection. These factors should also complement each other to avoid any potential of counter-productive safety measures. Any explosion risks you may be faced with can be mitigated with up-to-date explosion protection and prevention technology. In areas where biomass is stored, fire protection measures such as dedicated inerting or extinguishing systems are highly recommended in order to allow a quick and sufficient response to fire events. Call REMBE LTD today on FREEPHONE 0800 232 1821 to discuss any explosion protection problems you face or visit us on stand B33 at EBEC 2012.
MT-ENERGIE Biogas Technology With over 500 installed AD plants Europe-wide (4 in the UK) and over 22 gas to grid installations, MT group is one of the leading biogas companies. We offer the whole variety of technologies and knowledge that serve the conversion from Biomass to biogas-energy: • AD plants from pretreatment to storage tank (from 150 kW to 2 MW) • Upgrading plants (gas to grid from 250 Nm³ to 2000 Nm³) • Gas Injection technology - Based on the experiences of our past projects we can provide you with more than just technology: • Organizational aspects: cooperations along the value chain
• Financing • Substrate testing • Feasibility studies • UK Market partners.
Stand C34 ebec
We look forward to greeting you at EBEC to discuss your requirements in further detail, or alternatively, please call Angela Hardy on 01189 357091 (angela.hardy@mt-energie.co.uk)
Stand New Bioenergy Strategy outlines eG34B bec future direction of UK bioenergy policy The UK’s new Bioenergy Strategy may not be all that industry hoped it would be but it sets a clear message for the future, that the UK is open for business when it comes to bioenergy. Over the past year industry has announced investments of nearly £2 billion in UK biomass technologies, supporting almost 5,000 jobs. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Leading bioenergy consultants NNFCC provided supporting evidence for the strategy, in which NNFCC suggest that heat and power from biomass could deliver up to 50,000 jobs and provide some 11 per cent of UK energy by 2020. These figures are based on research and evidence gathered from industry and show that there are significant opportunities for the development of a strong and competitive bioenergy industry in the UK. But for every success story there will be some failures and it is important that we remember bioenergy is still a developing sector. Getting the best advice you can is the key to successfully navigating the complex planning and regulatory system. For expert, impartial advice on choosing the right technology and sustainable feedstocks to take advantage of the new incentives for bioenergy, talk to NNFCC on stand G4 Green 34B at this year’s EBEC. We are also collating evidence on the barriers and solutions to bioenergy deployment for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, so share your experiences with us and you can make a real difference in shaping the Government’s bioenergy policy.
Zeven, a small town with around 13.000 inhabitants in the northern part of Germany, has taken a step forward on its way to becoming energetically self-sufficient. The biogas which is upgraded to natural gas quality is a regional energy source which can be used all over the town within the existing infrastructure. Biogas is finding its way into the fuel tanks of cars, is used in combined heat and power plants to provide heat for residential estates and is offered directly to end customers as a “green natural gas mix”. Due to the low gas consumption of Zeven only a very small biomethane production can be integrated in the local infrastructure. Usually gas upgrading systems pay off at a size of 2 MW (1000 Nm³ / h) electricity equivalent and above. The model of Zeven is supplied with a 250 Nm³/h raw gas upgrading unit, which is the smallest in Germany up until this time. The amount of feedstock needed for this plant can be gathered locally and the dimensions of the plant blend into the landscape. Holger Schlüter, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Zeven GmbH stated: „The Stadtwerke Zeven have realized a model project in cooperation with the company MT-Biomethan which stands out not only due to its efficiency, but is an example for the different possibilities for using biomethane. After the feed in of the upgraded biogas into the local low-pressure grid, the gas is used in numerous places in the city. Within the area of the Stadtwerke Zeven all in all five CHP were installed with a total capacity of 640kWel. Apart from ten private customers, the thermal energy of about 800 kW supplies also two schools and the indoor swimming pool in Zeven with heat.” The integrated technology from biogas plant to up gra d ing fa c ility ha s b e e n b uilt b y the MT-Ene rgie Group. Now Zeven can rely on a local energy source whilst maintaining the added regional value. The citizens of Zeven are glad to use these products, since they strengthen the domestic economy, safeguard local employment and disburden the need for gas imports with volatile prices.
UK renewable energy projects go head-to-head for honours in national sustainable technology awards Ground-breaking renewable energy projects across the UK are set to compete for top honours in a national sustainable energy awards. Finalist companies in the National Heat Pump Awards 2012 are as follows:
The finalists in the National Heat Pump Awards 2012, announced today (see below), are the forerunners in a new approach to harnessing low carbon renewable energy that is starting to challenge the supremacy of the traditional gas boiler, as a means of heating homes and buildings. This year’s finalists include a 19th Century tall ship moored on the River Clyde, a chapel in Merthyr Tydfil with underfloor heating powered by a heat pump, a 16th Century farm house and TS Resolute, an old Royal Navy minesweeper now used as a youth training centre. All these projects use heat pump-based technology to extract low grade energy contained in air, water or the earth and upgrade it for use in heating and cooling buildings or maritime vessels. Because heat pumps harness free energy, they can deliver huge savings in power costs and reductions in carbon emissions. Modern heat pumps can provide up to four times the energy they consume, saving building owners money, reducing emissions and helping to protect the environment. More than 100 entries were received across ten categories, spanning residential, commercial and industrial applications the length and breadth of the country. This year’s awards include a new category designed to reward and celebrate the achievements of manufacturers in the field of ancillar y products. Shortlisted in this category is a system that uses heat emitters behind a building’s skirting boards. Phil Creaney, editor of Heat Pumps Today magazine, says: “Having successfully launched the National Heat Pump Awards last year, we are absolutely delighted with the response to this year’s event.
“The innovation and creativity apparent in projects across the country is striking. It is clear that fundamental changes are starting to take place in the way people think about the best way of heating and cooling buildings. The promise of heat pumps has always been great; that potential is now beginning to be realised.” The National Heat pump Awards, launched with the backing of industry and leading companies, are designed to reward and celebrate the best new projects and products coming on-stream. This year’s competition culminates in a gala awards event at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) on 31 May. The high profile, black-tie evening includes a pre-dinner drinks reception, sumptuous four-course dinner, wine at table plus top flight professional presentation with celebrity entertainment. The event is being organised on behalf of the industry by the publishers of Heat Pumps Today and ACR Today magazine. For more details, see the awards website www.national-heat-pump-awards.co.uk or call Juliet Loiselle on 01778 391067 or 07786 336606, or email: julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk
Renewable Energy: Made in Britain a ground-breaking new report from the REA and Innovas. This report marks the first time that the turnover and employment figures of the entire UK renewables sector have been quantified and brought together in one place. The report finds that in 2010/11, the UK renewables industry was worth £12.5 billion and supported 110,000 jobs, with 400,000 in total required to meet the 2020 renewables targets. The report also reveals:
Done something amazing with renewables in the past year? British Renewable Energy Awards 2012 – 21st June 2012 - Table bookings are now open!
Latest edition of REA News out now!
Stand C57 ebec
• The overall increase in market value from 2009/10 to 2010/11 was 11% - outstripping economic growth over the same period (1.4%) by a factor of eight; • Meeting our renewable energy targets would displace fossil fuels with a cumulative value of £60 billion to 2020, giving a significant boost to the UK’s balance of trade. More info about the report and to order a copy http://www.r-e-a.net/resources/rea-publications
bvogel@r-e-a.net Twitter: @REA_News Capital Tower, 91 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8RT Tel +44 (0)20 7925 3570 Fax +44 (0)20 7925 2715 Web: www.r-e-a.net
• Air Improve
• IsoEnergy
• Calorex
• Jaga
• Coefficient Renewable
• Longhurst Housing Group
• Heating Solutions
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Daikin UK
• NIBE Energy Systems
• Danfoss Heat Pumps
• Nu-Heat UK
• DiscreteHeat • Earth Energy • Eartheat • EasyMCS
• Panasonic • RA Brown • Sabroe • Sentinel
• Ecovision
• Source Heat Pumps
• Freedom Heat Pumps
• South Tyneside Homes
• GDC Group (Dimplex)
• South West Assessment & Training
• Glow-worm • Ground Heat Installations • Heat and Save • HRP • Hydratech • Ice Energy • Ingleton Wood
• Space Air Conditioning • Stiebel Eltron • Sundial Solar Systems • Viessmann • Warmaway • Waterstone Design
• Inter8Renewable Energy
UK power station wants more miscanthus straw and willow Drax Power Limited is seeking more straw, miscanthus and willow producers for its Green Shoots direct biomass supply programme, which it operates in conjunction with Agrii and rural consultant Brown & Co.
Stand F10 ebec
The power company’s biomass buyer Rob Wood, believes the scheme will receive a welcome boost as several proposed new biomass pelleting plants come on line across the country. “These plants convert biomass into a much denser material, which cuts the cost of haulage dramatically. Siting them close to areas of production will enable us to extend our network of growers,” he said. Keith Wilson, of International Energy Crops, which markets and manages miscanthus crops, claims the recent £7/t increase announced by Drax power station for 2012 miscanthus supplies has helped ex-farm prices to more than double in the past eight years. To help growers tap into this market, IEC is launching a 10-year RPI-linked rental or contract farming agreement for difficult-to-manage areas of UK land at Cereals 2012. “The company will establish and use the crop for 10 years before returning it to the farmer who will still have 10 years or more of profitable energy growing,” Mr Wilson explained. He said veture with German boiler manufacturers and UK installers to stimulate uptake of boiler systems that used miscanthus among poultr y producers, greenhouse growers and estates, in particular.
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nextgen page 03
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03
Continued from page 01 process would consequently be quicker and simpler, and as a result momentum could be maintained and most importantly the investors’ interest. The renewable energy team at BDO specialises in advising developers through the complexity of fundraising and have helped to raise over £200m for a variety of renewable energy projects. Whilst we can tailor our service to suit a client’s needs, we will often manage the entire process from start to finish, initially speaking to developers about the different funding options available through to negotiating final credit terms. As part of the process we write a comprehensive business plan and also use our in house financial modelling team to build a robust financial model that stands up to the detail and flexibility required by financiers. Should you wish to discuss your project or technology with us, please do not hesitate to contact: Michael Ware Partner michael.ware@bdo.co.uk +44 (0) 207 893 3354
Nick Samuel Manager nick.samuel@bdo.co.uk +44 (0) 207 893 2642
BRE Global The renewables market is growing rapidly, but sustaining this momentum will depend on products and installers being certificated through reliable and robust schemes. 90 years of construction research underpins BRE Global’s MCS scheme - which offers the widest scope of certification services for microgeneration technologies. We have full UKAS accreditation and a comprehensive service providing a one-stop-shop for products and installers. What is more, our approved installers and product suppliers are listed on GreenBookLive - the online portal for approved products and services used by specifiers to source quality providers. www.greenbooklive.com/microgen Tel 01923 664100
Are you burning biomass? - “do you know your explosion risks”
Stand B33 ebec
Burning combustible dusts is now very common in the power generation industry and the explosion risks of handling coal dusts are understood. However, as more facilities are being modified to handle biomass, it is often wrongly assumed that the safety measures taken to mitigate the original risks will remain effective. Biomass and coal dusts do share some similarities; however their explosive characteristics, such as Minimum Ignition Energies (MIE’s) and Minimum Ignition Temperatures (MIT’s) are significantly different. Biomass can also be susceptible to self-ignition risks meaning well designed storage of the material is critical to running a sate plant. For a reliable safety concept to be achieved, every aspect of the process should be considered. Installing explosion and fire protection systems should be considered insufficient, and areas such as sound process design, workforce training and housekeeping are all important factors of effective protection. These factors should also complement each other to avoid any potential of counter-productive safety measures. Any explosion risks you may be faced with can be mitigated with up-to-date explosion protection and prevention technology. In areas where biomass is stored, fire protection measures such as dedicated inerting or extinguishing systems are highly recommended in order to allow a quick and sufficient response to fire events. Call REMBE LTD today on FREEPHONE 0800 232 1821 to discuss any explosion protection problems you face or visit us on stand B33 at EBEC 2012.
MT-ENERGIE Biogas Technology With over 500 installed AD plants Europe-wide (4 in the UK) and over 22 gas to grid installations, MT group is one of the leading biogas companies. We offer the whole variety of technologies and knowledge that serve the conversion from Biomass to biogas-energy: • AD plants from pretreatment to storage tank (from 150 kW to 2 MW) • Upgrading plants (gas to grid from 250 Nm³ to 2000 Nm³) • Gas Injection technology - Based on the experiences of our past projects we can provide you with more than just technology: • Organizational aspects: cooperations along the value chain
• Financing • Substrate testing • Feasibility studies • UK Market partners.
Stand C34 ebec
We look forward to greeting you at EBEC to discuss your requirements in further detail, or alternatively, please call Angela Hardy on 01189 357091 (angela.hardy@mt-energie.co.uk)
Stand New Bioenergy Strategy outlines eG34B bec future direction of UK bioenergy policy The UK’s new Bioenergy Strategy may not be all that industry hoped it would be but it sets a clear message for the future, that the UK is open for business when it comes to bioenergy. Over the past year industry has announced investments of nearly £2 billion in UK biomass technologies, supporting almost 5,000 jobs. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Leading bioenergy consultants NNFCC provided supporting evidence for the strategy, in which NNFCC suggest that heat and power from biomass could deliver up to 50,000 jobs and provide some 11 per cent of UK energy by 2020. These figures are based on research and evidence gathered from industry and show that there are significant opportunities for the development of a strong and competitive bioenergy industry in the UK. But for every success story there will be some failures and it is important that we remember bioenergy is still a developing sector. Getting the best advice you can is the key to successfully navigating the complex planning and regulatory system. For expert, impartial advice on choosing the right technology and sustainable feedstocks to take advantage of the new incentives for bioenergy, talk to NNFCC on stand G4 Green 34B at this year’s EBEC. We are also collating evidence on the barriers and solutions to bioenergy deployment for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, so share your experiences with us and you can make a real difference in shaping the Government’s bioenergy policy.
Zeven, a small town with around 13.000 inhabitants in the northern part of Germany, has taken a step forward on its way to becoming energetically self-sufficient. The biogas which is upgraded to natural gas quality is a regional energy source which can be used all over the town within the existing infrastructure. Biogas is finding its way into the fuel tanks of cars, is used in combined heat and power plants to provide heat for residential estates and is offered directly to end customers as a “green natural gas mix”. Due to the low gas consumption of Zeven only a very small biomethane production can be integrated in the local infrastructure. Usually gas upgrading systems pay off at a size of 2 MW (1000 Nm³ / h) electricity equivalent and above. The model of Zeven is supplied with a 250 Nm³/h raw gas upgrading unit, which is the smallest in Germany up until this time. The amount of feedstock needed for this plant can be gathered locally and the dimensions of the plant blend into the landscape. Holger Schlüter, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Zeven GmbH stated: „The Stadtwerke Zeven have realized a model project in cooperation with the company MT-Biomethan which stands out not only due to its efficiency, but is an example for the different possibilities for using biomethane. After the feed in of the upgraded biogas into the local low-pressure grid, the gas is used in numerous places in the city. Within the area of the Stadtwerke Zeven all in all five CHP were installed with a total capacity of 640kWel. Apart from ten private customers, the thermal energy of about 800 kW supplies also two schools and the indoor swimming pool in Zeven with heat.” The integrated technology from biogas plant to up gra d ing fa c ility ha s b e e n b uilt b y the MT-Ene rgie Group. Now Zeven can rely on a local energy source whilst maintaining the added regional value. The citizens of Zeven are glad to use these products, since they strengthen the domestic economy, safeguard local employment and disburden the need for gas imports with volatile prices.
UK renewable energy projects go head-to-head for honours in national sustainable technology awards Ground-breaking renewable energy projects across the UK are set to compete for top honours in a national sustainable energy awards. Finalist companies in the National Heat Pump Awards 2012 are as follows:
The finalists in the National Heat Pump Awards 2012, announced today (see below), are the forerunners in a new approach to harnessing low carbon renewable energy that is starting to challenge the supremacy of the traditional gas boiler, as a means of heating homes and buildings. This year’s finalists include a 19th Century tall ship moored on the River Clyde, a chapel in Merthyr Tydfil with underfloor heating powered by a heat pump, a 16th Century farm house and TS Resolute, an old Royal Navy minesweeper now used as a youth training centre. All these projects use heat pump-based technology to extract low grade energy contained in air, water or the earth and upgrade it for use in heating and cooling buildings or maritime vessels. Because heat pumps harness free energy, they can deliver huge savings in power costs and reductions in carbon emissions. Modern heat pumps can provide up to four times the energy they consume, saving building owners money, reducing emissions and helping to protect the environment. More than 100 entries were received across ten categories, spanning residential, commercial and industrial applications the length and breadth of the country. This year’s awards include a new category designed to reward and celebrate the achievements of manufacturers in the field of ancillar y products. Shortlisted in this category is a system that uses heat emitters behind a building’s skirting boards. Phil Creaney, editor of Heat Pumps Today magazine, says: “Having successfully launched the National Heat Pump Awards last year, we are absolutely delighted with the response to this year’s event.
“The innovation and creativity apparent in projects across the country is striking. It is clear that fundamental changes are starting to take place in the way people think about the best way of heating and cooling buildings. The promise of heat pumps has always been great; that potential is now beginning to be realised.” The National Heat pump Awards, launched with the backing of industry and leading companies, are designed to reward and celebrate the best new projects and products coming on-stream. This year’s competition culminates in a gala awards event at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) on 31 May. The high profile, black-tie evening includes a pre-dinner drinks reception, sumptuous four-course dinner, wine at table plus top flight professional presentation with celebrity entertainment. The event is being organised on behalf of the industry by the publishers of Heat Pumps Today and ACR Today magazine. For more details, see the awards website www.national-heat-pump-awards.co.uk or call Juliet Loiselle on 01778 391067 or 07786 336606, or email: julietl@warnersgroup.co.uk
Renewable Energy: Made in Britain a ground-breaking new report from the REA and Innovas. This report marks the first time that the turnover and employment figures of the entire UK renewables sector have been quantified and brought together in one place. The report finds that in 2010/11, the UK renewables industry was worth £12.5 billion and supported 110,000 jobs, with 400,000 in total required to meet the 2020 renewables targets. The report also reveals:
Done something amazing with renewables in the past year? British Renewable Energy Awards 2012 – 21st June 2012 - Table bookings are now open!
Latest edition of REA News out now!
Stand C57 ebec
• The overall increase in market value from 2009/10 to 2010/11 was 11% - outstripping economic growth over the same period (1.4%) by a factor of eight; • Meeting our renewable energy targets would displace fossil fuels with a cumulative value of £60 billion to 2020, giving a significant boost to the UK’s balance of trade. More info about the report and to order a copy http://www.r-e-a.net/resources/rea-publications
bvogel@r-e-a.net Twitter: @REA_News Capital Tower, 91 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8RT Tel +44 (0)20 7925 3570 Fax +44 (0)20 7925 2715 Web: www.r-e-a.net
• Air Improve
• IsoEnergy
• Calorex
• Jaga
• Coefficient Renewable
• Longhurst Housing Group
• Heating Solutions
• Mitsubishi Electric
• Daikin UK
• NIBE Energy Systems
• Danfoss Heat Pumps
• Nu-Heat UK
• DiscreteHeat • Earth Energy • Eartheat • EasyMCS
• Panasonic • RA Brown • Sabroe • Sentinel
• Ecovision
• Source Heat Pumps
• Freedom Heat Pumps
• South Tyneside Homes
• GDC Group (Dimplex)
• South West Assessment & Training
• Glow-worm • Ground Heat Installations • Heat and Save • HRP • Hydratech • Ice Energy • Ingleton Wood
• Space Air Conditioning • Stiebel Eltron • Sundial Solar Systems • Viessmann • Warmaway • Waterstone Design
• Inter8Renewable Energy
UK power station wants more miscanthus straw and willow Drax Power Limited is seeking more straw, miscanthus and willow producers for its Green Shoots direct biomass supply programme, which it operates in conjunction with Agrii and rural consultant Brown & Co.
Stand F10 ebec
The power company’s biomass buyer Rob Wood, believes the scheme will receive a welcome boost as several proposed new biomass pelleting plants come on line across the country. “These plants convert biomass into a much denser material, which cuts the cost of haulage dramatically. Siting them close to areas of production will enable us to extend our network of growers,” he said. Keith Wilson, of International Energy Crops, which markets and manages miscanthus crops, claims the recent £7/t increase announced by Drax power station for 2012 miscanthus supplies has helped ex-farm prices to more than double in the past eight years. To help growers tap into this market, IEC is launching a 10-year RPI-linked rental or contract farming agreement for difficult-to-manage areas of UK land at Cereals 2012. “The company will establish and use the crop for 10 years before returning it to the farmer who will still have 10 years or more of profitable energy growing,” Mr Wilson explained. He said veture with German boiler manufacturers and UK installers to stimulate uptake of boiler systems that used miscanthus among poultr y producers, greenhouse growers and estates, in particular.
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04
05
A43
6
A45
A47
6
Geotech
Biogas Biogas Nord Optimisation
Biogas Theatre
100
G52
G54
A51
8
Agrii
A52
8
Twinheat
Scotia Gas
G34A
National Grid
G34B
FLI Energy
Chesterfield 7.5 Biogas G51 7.5 JWC 30 15 International
8
25
8
KWS
G16
20
F59 F58
Aston Dorset University Uniflare Green Machines 10 10 17.5 GmbH
Floor Plan
F54
F46
F52 AgriKomp 12
F53 12
F40 F38
Evergreen Kirk Marches Gas Environmental Biogas
Netzsch Pumps
6
25
10
10
120
E58 E54 6 E52 Biogas Black & Veatch Hochreiter 6 8 Calor Gas E56 Purac UTS Biogas Clearfleau 8 Puregas
Stoneleigh 10th - 11th October 2012
D52
E40
BD Agro Renewables /
F32
F34 Xergi 12
UAB Kalvis
JH Walter 8
25
E46a
D53
SEVA Energie
10
D54
Seepex UK 10
12
E33
Landia 16
18
18
D58
E46
New Air Technical Services
25
12
D40 D38 6
Environmental Agency 6
D39
Power Systems 12
CBI
24
D27
PlanET Biogas
Vogelsang
12
WRAP
D22A
Carter Jonas 9
D16
Bio Nordic
2G Engietechnik 9
18
18
42 24 12
12
6
D20
D22B
F15
Trebio / Blue Evolution
F24 12
LowC
F17 F17
Scientific & Medical Products
D14
Biomas Heating Solutions
18
18
18
Cleangas GmbH
HotRot Gas Vergas Talbotts Compressors
16
12
12
12
Energy Innovations 8
F8
D13
12
F1
International Energy Crops 8
E10
D10
14
E3 9
D3A
REHAU
D8 Kamstrup Sustainable InstrumentEnergy ation
C10
C8
9
10
A60
E1
7.5 12 12
F2
Eco Angus Saxlund 7.5 7.5 Wedge Galvanising D4 D2
PONAST 12 12
12
32
F3
12
E9
D21
D15
Woodpecker Energy
20
F9
Schuberts Biomass 9 EB Equipment D9 D7 D9 D7
D26
D19
F4
Drax Power
Econergy
18 6
F23 F23
F21
E36
DMN UK Ltd
18
12
28
KMH Systems
E27
D31
Gas Data
42 24
F16
Envitec Biogas
49 28
Glosfume
18
D33
F22
F27
10
E31
FM Bioenergy
102
F10
12
A37
Ashwell Ashwell Biomass Biomass
15
10
F33
Biomass Theatre 18
G17
G36
F26 A41
Asgard Biomass
Networking Cafe Area
NNFCC
15
A53
9
Biomass Energy Centre 7.5
13.5
A60A
D3B Enagri
10
10.5
A66
10
A35 Bio G 8
C54
C58 InvestNI
A33
Swiss Valve 8
A31
Utile Engineering
22
Renewable Energy Association
12
C53
C57
22
C46 C44
C52
C40 C38
C34
Green Clarke MT Energie Biomass Checkline Engineering Crop Energy Europe Dome 8
12
12
C43 C42
C51
FFS Dreyer & DresserPellet Lycetts Rand Systems Bosse 12
8
16
12
12
C19
28 56
CTEC Energy 24
12
C13
C15 Wood Energy
12
C14
Cummins Power 12
12
6
A29
BPS Equipment
Walkway to
B58
B54
B44
B52
Binowa
A27
Hall 1
27.5
B57 Monostore 16.5
12
20
12
B45
B51
Agraferm / Material Change
N37
N 39
N41
6
6
H32
H30
STA
15
EEM
N53 10
H12 H14
25
22.5
Marlec 8
H23
BRE
30
H19
11.25
H2
10
H17
13.5
H5 Skanio N6 Atmos 8
10
20
H13
24
20
J26
J32
13.5
13.5
N25
J31
J20
H6
H7
Nextgen Theatre
Solar Cube
13.5
J8
Nedap
20
REAL
15
42
J6
24
J7 Schletter
Hallclip
99
Burdens
J13
20
J2
24
J25
Romag
18
Newform Energy
18
42
Solen Energy Uk
Ne2
15
N23
K32
K26
K20
K14
15
K8
24
K13
12
K11
N21
35
42
N19 6
Interiors
9
N11 12
GS Solar 8
Natec
K1
Ne3
15
25
Econosto 18
16
12
C9B
Shering Weighing 7.5 Ltd
B17
Keynote Theatre
System Mix
16
36 18
6
A21
6
A19
6
A15
10
MPC
9
N9 8
Price Engines 8
N7
21
150
6
A8
9
A7
7
Orthos
A5
BMS
6
A3
8
Newform
A1
8 252
Hall 1
Walkway to
The ebec exhibition delivered a good platform to plant our brand in the minds of people and businesses associated with the industry whilst also generating some quality new contacts and sales leads.
Shaun Hurst, Feldbinder UK
I’ve come to look at AD plants and while I could have got the suppliers’ names elsewhere but they are all here and it’s better to meet face to face.
David Hunter, SRC
The quality of leads has been excellent. You can tell from the conversations you have and the questions they ask that they are all serious. We’d normally review the show afterwards back at the office before making a decision but it’s been so good we’ve already signed up for next year.
N5
7 Radiant 6
8
42
N1
Altec
12
Microgen Theatre
MCS Live Theatre
A13
Landy Vent
Alan Dunn, Husky Heat Pumps
Husky
9
N15 Aqua 12
K4
K7
Eclectic 35
K6
Ratio Therm
NQA NICEIC
Napit
WELtec Biopower
Verdesis 16
24
27
13.5
J14
Cap Energy
15 12
48
C1
C9 7.5
B16
B25
Inenco
C9A
Hall 2
30
30
H11
12
N27
12
Treco
C2
10
H8
Ochsner
11.25
N57
Latitude
Energy Institute
12
N29
N55
10
Solar Design Co
Daikin
H25
BGB
H20
9
H31
N49 10
H26
Greenologic
N31
N45 8
B22
B20
C4
14
A23
6
B27
Fike 24
B26
16
Rembe Vecoplan
Greenwich Perry of Filter Farm Renewables University Oakley Sourcing
N35
B28
Advantage Agrishop Austria
8
B40
Alvan Blanch
Hall 2
B33
B41
6
9
Dunster Clearpower Imperative Pegasus Game TES Energy Bretby 9 Engineering 7.5 7.5
24
VIESSMANN
Edina
12
C16
IC Electrical
C31
Jigsaw Energy
C18
A-Consult
12
C33
Bock
8
12
8
C39
C28
C32
Subscribe to the newsletter at www.nextgenexpo.co.uk 104
For stand and sponsorship opportunities please call Amel Sanders on 0207 348 5264 or email amel.sanders@closer2media.com
nextgen page 06
nextgen page 07
06
07 The Carter Jonas Energy Team is a dedicated property service designed to supply advice to the energy sector and landowners via a network of experienced professionals who act at the forefront of their field to provide a high quality service. The team is currently advising on over 200 renewable energy schemes across the UK.
Live Demonstrations will be taking place at nextgen 2012. Visitors can explore the latest technology and renewable options with many companies demonstrating solutions to visitors over both days of the event.
Our specialists can advise on every aspect of harnessing the energy potential of a property, from appraisal to project delivery. The type of clients we work for include land owners, property developers, energy companies, utility companies and investors in the energy and infrastructure sector. The team takes care of feasibility studies, land assembly, finance and planning, overseeing construction and commissioning of renewable energy schemes across a wide range of technologies including the following:
• Anaerobic digestion • Biomass • Coal bed methane • Energy from waste • Hydro power • Solar power • Wind energy
If you wish to exhibit in the outside area, spaces are limited please contact Amel Sanders on 0207 348 5264 or email her at amel.sanders@closerstillmedia.com
Stand D22A ebec
We make sure we’re at the cutting edge of technological advances, legal developments and government policy, so you can be confident that our advice and services will always keep you at the forefront of the energy market.
Andrew Watkin andrew.watkin@carterjonas.co.uk
01733 588660
Stand D31 ebec
As a leader in the planning and design of wastewater treatment facilities, Black & Veatch (B&V) has acquired extensive experience in all aspects of maximising biogas yield and utilisation including cogeneration, gas cleaning, biomethane injection to grid and vehicle fuel. B&V considers maximising biogas yield and its subsequent efficient and consistent use to be the key design elements of biogas facilities. Accordingly, B&V is currently working with WRAP on its nd “Driving Innovaa t S tion in AD” project to explore ways of 54 increasing AD costE efficiency. Options becto increasing the being explored willelead loading rates for the digester and increasing biogas yields, both of which will positively impact the commercial performance of a plant and the digester volume requirement. (http://www.wrap.org.uk/content/driving-innovation-ad). Concurrently, B&V is working with water companies to optimise biogas use by ensuring process availability gains and CHP plant efficiency. With biogas being one of the utility’s key opportunities for onsite generation, B&V is working with the majority of water companies and has recently completed a Biomethane Roadmap with the aim of supplying excess biomethane for its vehicle fleet. B&V assembles a team of experts in digester gas production, processing and energy conversion technologies to progress each project from concept to completion.
EVERGREEN GAS WIN CONTRACT FOR 50kW FARM AD PLANT Stan • British small-scale AD technology provider awarded contract to build 50kW AD plant at Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre, Cumbria. • Plant will digest grass silage and farmyard manure from beef cattle and produce enough electricity for 120 homes Says Evergreen Gas Michael Chesshire:
Stand ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA is the B28 export arm of the Austrian ebec Federal Economic Chamber and the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy and is engaged in promoting bilateral trade links b e t w e e n A u str i a an d th e U K. Wi th 1 1 4 o f fices in more than 70 countries we provide a broad range of ser vices for Austrian companies and their i n te r n ati o n al bu si n e ss par tn e r s. The ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA London office assists UK businesses in locating suppliers in Austria and provides business matching services for Austrian companies who come to the UK and Northern Ireland. We also organise events to showcase Austrian products, services and technologies, and provide in-depth information on Austria as a business location. Promoting Austria is our business! Austria’s innovations, skills and commitment give the country a special position in the world across many sustainable industry sectors, ranging from agriculture to food & drink, environmental technologies, energy supply and wood and paper production.
ebec
Stand C19 + o utside
Austria is at the forefront of a wide range of technologies that are addressing the need to protect the environment and encourage sustainability. Success in green technology has helped Austrian companies to develop an excellent worldwide reputation. There can be no doubt that the demand for energy worldwide continues to grow. Austria is a global leader in renewable energy production and its usage. 30% of Austria’s final energy consumption is sourced from renewable energies. Leading the way in innovation and reliability, the Austrian environmental technologies sector has long expanded beyond the country’s borders. Today’s share of exports averages around 65% across technologies. Given Austria’s track record of inventing and delivering innovative technologies, our companies continue to create world-class sustainable solutions - from hydroelectric to solar power, wind and biomass.
Stand A66 ebec
Treco’s RHI Calculator is available as a free download from their website. This spreadsheet shows the installed cost of a Treco biomass boiler system, your potential earnings from the scheme over 20 years, your fuel savings and the payback period. A link to Treco’s RHI Calculator; http://www.treco.co.uk/uploads/treco-rhi-calculator.xlsx
Director,
“We are setting out on a very exciting journey to provide small scale AD in the UK and Low Luckens is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how farmers can diversify into renewable energy” EVERGREEN GAS Ltd, a new British anaerobic digestion (AD) technology provider, has been awarded the contract to design, build and commission a 50kW on-farm anaerobic digestion plant at the Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre near Carlisle in Cumbria.
Since 2006, Treco have installed over 250 biomass boiler heating systems nationwide.
d F40 ebec
The plant will be built to the new Evergreen Gas design with a partially buried digester to minimise visual impact on the landscape and enable quick installation. It is intended that feedstock will be sourced on the farm: Grass silage and manure from the farm’s beef cattle. Digestate will be used as fertiliser and the plant will produce enough electricity for 120 homes. The surplus heat will be used in polytunnels where a variety of organic produce is currently grown. Construction will start in early summer, and the plant will be commissioned by the end of November this year. The project is called Anaerobic Digestion Delivery Sustainability and Upland Prosperity (ADDS+UP). ADDS+UP was set up to demonstrate through leadership, practice, communication and learning that on-farm small scale AD has a significant role in the future of rural economies and in meeting the energy needs of rural communities. The project is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe can invest in rural areas managed by DEFRA through the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund. ADDS+UP has also had financial and other support from a range of partners both local and national, and will be a national demonstrator of how small-scale on-farm AD can enable upland farms in less-favored areas to be more economically viable and sustainable.
For more information please visit www.evergreengas.co.uk or call 01584 711763. Evergreen Gas will be exhibiting at Muck and Soil Northwest, Rerwaseheath College, March 20th. Visit www.harveyhughes.com/muckNorthwest.html for details.
Stand F46 ebec
nextgen page 06
nextgen page 07
06
07 The Carter Jonas Energy Team is a dedicated property service designed to supply advice to the energy sector and landowners via a network of experienced professionals who act at the forefront of their field to provide a high quality service. The team is currently advising on over 200 renewable energy schemes across the UK.
Live Demonstrations will be taking place at nextgen 2012. Visitors can explore the latest technology and renewable options with many companies demonstrating solutions to visitors over both days of the event.
Our specialists can advise on every aspect of harnessing the energy potential of a property, from appraisal to project delivery. The type of clients we work for include land owners, property developers, energy companies, utility companies and investors in the energy and infrastructure sector. The team takes care of feasibility studies, land assembly, finance and planning, overseeing construction and commissioning of renewable energy schemes across a wide range of technologies including the following:
• Anaerobic digestion • Biomass • Coal bed methane • Energy from waste • Hydro power • Solar power • Wind energy
If you wish to exhibit in the outside area, spaces are limited please contact Amel Sanders on 0207 348 5264 or email her at amel.sanders@closerstillmedia.com
Stand D22A ebec
We make sure we’re at the cutting edge of technological advances, legal developments and government policy, so you can be confident that our advice and services will always keep you at the forefront of the energy market.
Andrew Watkin andrew.watkin@carterjonas.co.uk
01733 588660
Stand D31 ebec
As a leader in the planning and design of wastewater treatment facilities, Black & Veatch (B&V) has acquired extensive experience in all aspects of maximising biogas yield and utilisation including cogeneration, gas cleaning, biomethane injection to grid and vehicle fuel. B&V considers maximising biogas yield and its subsequent efficient and consistent use to be the key design elements of biogas facilities. Accordingly, B&V is currently working with WRAP on its nd “Driving Innovaa t S tion in AD” project to explore ways of 54 increasing AD costE efficiency. Options becto increasing the being explored willelead loading rates for the digester and increasing biogas yields, both of which will positively impact the commercial performance of a plant and the digester volume requirement. (http://www.wrap.org.uk/content/driving-innovation-ad). Concurrently, B&V is working with water companies to optimise biogas use by ensuring process availability gains and CHP plant efficiency. With biogas being one of the utility’s key opportunities for onsite generation, B&V is working with the majority of water companies and has recently completed a Biomethane Roadmap with the aim of supplying excess biomethane for its vehicle fleet. B&V assembles a team of experts in digester gas production, processing and energy conversion technologies to progress each project from concept to completion.
EVERGREEN GAS WIN CONTRACT FOR 50kW FARM AD PLANT Stan • British small-scale AD technology provider awarded contract to build 50kW AD plant at Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre, Cumbria. • Plant will digest grass silage and farmyard manure from beef cattle and produce enough electricity for 120 homes Says Evergreen Gas Michael Chesshire:
Stand ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA is the B28 export arm of the Austrian ebec Federal Economic Chamber and the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy and is engaged in promoting bilateral trade links b e t w e e n A u str i a an d th e U K. Wi th 1 1 4 o f fices in more than 70 countries we provide a broad range of ser vices for Austrian companies and their i n te r n ati o n al bu si n e ss par tn e r s. The ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA London office assists UK businesses in locating suppliers in Austria and provides business matching services for Austrian companies who come to the UK and Northern Ireland. We also organise events to showcase Austrian products, services and technologies, and provide in-depth information on Austria as a business location. Promoting Austria is our business! Austria’s innovations, skills and commitment give the country a special position in the world across many sustainable industry sectors, ranging from agriculture to food & drink, environmental technologies, energy supply and wood and paper production.
ebec
Stand C19 + o utside
Austria is at the forefront of a wide range of technologies that are addressing the need to protect the environment and encourage sustainability. Success in green technology has helped Austrian companies to develop an excellent worldwide reputation. There can be no doubt that the demand for energy worldwide continues to grow. Austria is a global leader in renewable energy production and its usage. 30% of Austria’s final energy consumption is sourced from renewable energies. Leading the way in innovation and reliability, the Austrian environmental technologies sector has long expanded beyond the country’s borders. Today’s share of exports averages around 65% across technologies. Given Austria’s track record of inventing and delivering innovative technologies, our companies continue to create world-class sustainable solutions - from hydroelectric to solar power, wind and biomass.
Stand A66 ebec
Treco’s RHI Calculator is available as a free download from their website. This spreadsheet shows the installed cost of a Treco biomass boiler system, your potential earnings from the scheme over 20 years, your fuel savings and the payback period. A link to Treco’s RHI Calculator; http://www.treco.co.uk/uploads/treco-rhi-calculator.xlsx
Director,
“We are setting out on a very exciting journey to provide small scale AD in the UK and Low Luckens is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how farmers can diversify into renewable energy” EVERGREEN GAS Ltd, a new British anaerobic digestion (AD) technology provider, has been awarded the contract to design, build and commission a 50kW on-farm anaerobic digestion plant at the Low Luckens Organic Resource Centre near Carlisle in Cumbria.
Since 2006, Treco have installed over 250 biomass boiler heating systems nationwide.
d F40 ebec
The plant will be built to the new Evergreen Gas design with a partially buried digester to minimise visual impact on the landscape and enable quick installation. It is intended that feedstock will be sourced on the farm: Grass silage and manure from the farm’s beef cattle. Digestate will be used as fertiliser and the plant will produce enough electricity for 120 homes. The surplus heat will be used in polytunnels where a variety of organic produce is currently grown. Construction will start in early summer, and the plant will be commissioned by the end of November this year. The project is called Anaerobic Digestion Delivery Sustainability and Upland Prosperity (ADDS+UP). ADDS+UP was set up to demonstrate through leadership, practice, communication and learning that on-farm small scale AD has a significant role in the future of rural economies and in meeting the energy needs of rural communities. The project is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe can invest in rural areas managed by DEFRA through the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund. ADDS+UP has also had financial and other support from a range of partners both local and national, and will be a national demonstrator of how small-scale on-farm AD can enable upland farms in less-favored areas to be more economically viable and sustainable.
For more information please visit www.evergreengas.co.uk or call 01584 711763. Evergreen Gas will be exhibiting at Muck and Soil Northwest, Rerwaseheath College, March 20th. Visit www.harveyhughes.com/muckNorthwest.html for details.
Stand F46 ebec
Nextgen page 08
Nextgen page 09
Renewable energy will cut household energy bills by nearly £100-a-year The Scottish Government has today welcomed analysis which shows that household bills will be lower with green policies and renewable energy than if we continue with the status quo. The Department for Energy and Climate Change estimates that consumer bills by 2020 will be £94 lower with low carbon policies than without them. The figures show that low carbon energy policies and measures could lead to an average household energy bill of £1,285 by 2020, whereas carrying on with business as usual will lead to average bills of £1,379. The evidence backs up research by industry regulator Ofgem, which has shown household energy bills will be lower with more renewable energy than if we maintain the status quo. Last week Centrica, which owns British Gas, warned that energy prices are likely to rise by as much as £50 a household as wholesale gas prices have risen again. Scotland has the ambitious, but achievable, target of generating the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020.
• DECC figures show that every family in the United Kingdom will have energy bills nearly £100 lower in 2020 with low carbon initiatives than if we continue with the status quo. • Ofgem’s Project Discovery has shown that renewable energy will actually lead to cheaper energy in the future than carrying on with traditional energy sources. • Figures show bills for gas and electricity rose by £445 between 2004 and 2010, and that two-thirds of this rise was the result of increases in wholesale costs û precisely why we need to invest in our own secure energy supply. • This week, Centrica, the company which owns Scottish Gas, warned that energy prices are likely to rise yet again by as much as £50 a household. • Renewable incentives add only £15-20 to annual household utility bills in Scotland £ a valuable investment in keeping future bills down.
And new figures release earlier this year show that Scotland is ahead of schedule on its targets, with initial estimates suggesting 35 per cent of Scotland’s electricity needs came from renewables in 2011, beating the interim target of 31 per cent.
• The job and investment opportunities that renewable energy provides to Scotland are too good to miss, with Gamesa recently deciding to invest in Edinburgh rather than Hartlepool, bringing around 800 new jobs to Scotland.
Meeting Scotland’s target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of Scotland’s electricity demand coming from renewables by 2020 will also deliver around 30 per cent of the UK Government’s renewable electricity requirements, helping the UK meet their legal obligations.
• Industry figures show there are already 11,000 renewables jobs in Scotland and £750 million was invested in renewable energy over the last year £ and this figure is set to rise. There is a pipeline of 17 GW of renewable electricity projects, nearly three times peak Scottish demand, with a total estimated capital investment of £46 billion.
In 2010, Scotland exported 20.8 per cent of its electricity to the rest of the UK £ a figure set to rise as we increasingly exploit our vast renewable resource and build the infrastructure upgrades we need. Energy Minster Fergus Ewing said: “Renewable energy is vital to Scotland and to the rest of the UK. It is essential if we are to keep bills down for ordinary families, boost the economy and meet our climate change targets.”
• The United Kingdom needs Scotland’s renewable energy whatever the constitutional future holds we should take advantage of Scotland’s competitive edge in the renewable energy revolution.
Stand D3B ebec
RISING ENERGY COSTS TRIGGER CONSUMER DEMAND FOR GREEN ENERGY Homeowners are increasingly turning to renewable energy options in the face of the upward trend in energy prices, according to an industry expert. The interest in solar PV, energy efficient lighting, heat pumps and other forms of renewable technology coincides with the latest warning from Centrica ?? the owner of British Gas - that rising wholesale gas costs will make supplying energy to UK households more expensive this year. Although British Gas announced a 5% cut in the standard electricity tariff in January, it followed a whopping 16% rise in electricity prices and 18% rise in gas prices for British Gas customers in August 2011. David Hunt, a director with leading renewable energy company Eco Environments, said: “Although there is the occasional small price drop, the trend in energy costs is very definitely upwards. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of homeowners and business owners looking to address their energy costs. The summer months are the best time to do this in order to avoid nasty shocks when the winter bills arrive. One of the most popular options at the moment is low energy lighting but there are a range of renewable energy technologies that people can harness to ensure drastic reductions in energy costs.” Mr Hunt said that his firm was seeing a surge in activity from consumers wanting to cash in on the Government’s feed-in-tariff incentives for solar panels before they are slashed again on July 1.
As of July 1, the Government is slashing the feed-in-tariff subsidies available for domestic schemes of less than 4kW from the current 21p to an expected rate of 15.7p. It may even be as low as 13.6p.
Opposition accuse DECC over Green Deal “panic” The Opposition has accused the Coalition Government of “panic” following reports Prime Minister David Cameron has stepped in to order the Cabinet Office to help save the beleaguered Green Deal. News of the PM's intervention came after Energy Ministers recently suffered a slump in support for the flagship policy. The Green Deal is scheduled to be launched on October 1 but the full roll-out has already been delayed until next year in a wrangle over the payment mechanism and complications with the business scheme. And industry leaders and consumer groups are continuing to question if the energy efficiency programme aimed at better insulating the UK's homes will actually deliver value to the consumer. Now Shadow Climate Change Minister Luciana Berger, MP, said the Prime Minister's move to call in the Cabinet Office signals a growing panic within Government about the Green Deal launch. She added: “This is a clear admission from David Cameron that his flagship Green Deal proposals are a complete mess, which won’t deliver more jobs or lower carbon emissions. ”For months the Government ignored Labour’s warnings that without serious improvement the scheme will be a car crash, yet now it seems panic has set in. “It is time out of touch ministers finally listened to Labour and adopted our plans to make the Green Deal a good deal for consumers, with low interest rates and real incentives.” A spokeswoman for DECC confirmed in a statement: “DECC are the lead department on the Green Deal and this has not changed. As with any flagship government policy the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are kept up to date on progress.”
Stand N7 ebec
Ecovane is the UK’s sole distributor of the Envergate range of Wind Turbines. Manufactured in Switzerland and proven in projects throughout the world, the precision-engineered range includes products to suit the vast majority of applications, locations and customer requirements, with options ranging from 400watts to 50kW units.
Under the present FIT rate, the return on investment is more than 10 per cent and is index linked and tax free, fixed and guaranteed for 25 years. However, when the rate reduces to 15.7p £ or the 13.6p rate if deployment in March and April is between 150 and 200MW £ the potential return on investment will drop to between 4 and 6 per cent.
Last year, the feed-in-tariff rate for domestic schemes under 4kW was slashed from 43.3p to 21p and, should the new rate fall as low as 13.6p this would amount to a 68 per cent fall in the rate since December. The rates are due to reduce further still in October this year.
With increasing volumes of UK waste now being processed to create biogas from the anaerobic digestion process it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that plant availability and working capacities are maintained. Whilst it is acknowledged that the Biogas industry has benefitted from the technological expertise gained from both the digestion of feed crops such as maize and to some extent from the UK waste water industry, problems are occurring with other types of waste material. For example, the use of household waste material within the anaerobic digestion industr y highlights the problems associated with inconsistent waste materials, even when they have been pre-conditioned and blended before entering the digestion process. Whilst the sludge’s associated with the waste water industry are usually well screened pre-digestion, and energy crops such as maize are uniform before and during the digestion process, it has been proven that heavier, fibrous materials in ‘waste-to-energy’ digestion processes create new problems. In many applications where submersible and paddle type mixers have shown acceptable results where non-accumulating solids are the norm, there are other examples which indicate a direct relationship between poor mixing and gas production. In addition to the more commonly accepted problems associated with poor mixing (reduced volatile solids reduction caused by less than ideal anaerobic conditions) other factors should also be considered. These problems directly affect the digester performance in that they either reduce working capacity by settlement or strangle gas release by blanketing the surface of the digester. These problems, combined with solids that are prone to reweave or accumulate in clumps, cause specific problems with unsuitable mechanical plant inside the digester. Failure to suitably condition simultaneously with mixing also creates problems with concentrated material leaving the digester either via a heat exchanger recirculation system, or onward processing, such as dewatering prior to composting. Premature wear of heat exchanger recirculation pumps caused by grit deposition is also common where poor mixing at low level is prevalent.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker is leading a UK business trade mission to the southern United States this weekend aimed at strengthening the UK-US trade relationship and building the economic and business case for the move to a low-carbon economy. Visiting Houston, San Antonio, and Atlanta, the delegation intends to use leading examples of UK sustainable business to demonstrate firsthand the compatibility of green and growth, as well as offering opportunities for companies to connect with new or existing business partners. Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: ôThe growing global market in green goods and services represents a huge range of opportunities for UK businesses. What is good for the planet can be fantastic for business too and I want to help British entrepreneurs and companies seize those opportunities with both hands.
”As well as helping our companies get a greater understanding of the opportunities in the US market, I also want to use this visit to show US firms why they should be investing in the UK.”
Featuring market leading technology, these vertical axis wind turbines incorporate the very latest technical and safety features and offer outstanding efficiency, even in low wind speeds and gusty conditions. They also provide an exceptional return on investment making them not only a sustainable solution, but also a highly attractive financial proposition for businesses, land owners and home owners.
Subscribe to the newsletter at www.nextgenexpo.co.uk For stand and sponsorship opportunities please call Amel Sanders on 0207 348 5264 or email amel.sanders@closer2media.com
Furthermore, transfer pumps can be prone to clogging and premature wear and unless suitable mixing systems are employed inside a post digestion storage tank it is likely that other problems could be encountered with settlement, dewatering or onward transfer to land. Whilst numerous types of mixing systems have been developed and implemented for use in anaerobic digestion process systems, many have been subsequently discarded. Huntingdon based System Mix Ltd with their Vaughan Rotamix system, have become an established supplier of digester mixing systems, not only in municipal installations but also in the rapid growth area of Bio Waste Industry. Recent examples of where Rotamix tank mixing systems have been retrofitted as replacements for submersible and paddle mixers have been proven to increase gas production .During the preparation for these retrofit very significant amounts of settled solids were removed from the digester tanks. This accounted for over 20% of the available working volume, after only 4 years in operation. The installation of a single externally mounted Vaughan Chopper Pump for each digester and an array of nozzles and pipework were installed quickly and easily. Since being commissioned gas production has increased significantly and maintained its high level. Post digested sludge condition has shown that the benefits of simultaneous conditioning and mixing create a digestate that is more consistent and more acceptable for use in agriculture.
Energy Minister Barker leads UK green trade mission to USA
“Britain is leading the way in demonstrating that the shift to a green economy is beneficial for businesses and growth.
Mr Hunt added: “This is the final chance for consumers to secure a fantastic return on investment if they go ahead with a solar PV installation before July 1. After this date, the FIT rate will drop dramatically to 15.7p and potentially lower still, which will make a domestic solar PV scheme appealing only to the really green investors rather than those who are coming at it mainly for the eye-watering financial returns. This truly is the end of the domestic solar PV market as we know it.”
Why effective mixing is crucial to maximising the anaerobic digestion process
On each leg of the trip, events will include small, board-room style meetings with a select group of US business leaders, as well as larger, higher-profile events with elected officials, academics, regional economic development agencies and businesses. There will also be opportunities for the delegation to arrange private calls with important business contacts. The delegation’s itinerary includes: • Houston, Texas (6-7 May): Houston has a long tradition as the capital of the traditional energy sector and it also has a fast growing economic base for renewable energy. Houston is a large economy, its annual gross product of $400bn puts it on a par with a mid-sized country such as Austria or Norway and is second only to New York in numbers of Fortune 500 company headquarters.
• San Antonio, Texas (8 May): TexasÆ second city (and the 7th largest in the US) San Antonio, is a major military hub with tourism and healthcare/biomedical research forming other major sectors. Energy policy in San Antonio is unique for the size and scope in Texas with major drives on energy efficiency and greening public transport amongst many others. The itinerary includes a meeting with San Antonio Mayor Julißn Castro. • Atlanta, Georgia (9-10 May): Atlanta is the state capital and considered the commercial hub of the South East as well as a centre of innovation and higher education. It has experienced the fastest growth of any US metro area in the last 10 years (population is above 5 million). The business community includes HQs of major property development and management companies, as well as professional services companies advising Fortune 500 clients on their sustainability strategies. The itinerary includes a meeting with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, said: “Georgia is fast becoming a leader in the æclean-techÆ and sustainable energy sectors, and it is our great honor to welcome Minister Barker and this delegation to our state.” “We have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the United Kingdom founded on business and cultural exchange. I am encouraged by this visit, specifically as it relates to strengthening our ties in the areas of spurring innovation and competitiveness for green energy solutions here and abroad.” “Metro Atlanta is the perfect place to grow clean tech jobs,ö said Bill Kimble, office managing partner at KPMG and 2012 Metro Atlanta Chamber Clean Tech Leadership Council chair. ôThe Metro Atlanta Chamber identified clean tech as a new area to grow 6,000 jobs by 2017, and recently launched the Clean Tech Leadership Council to grow companies and jobs in this robust area. The MAC Global Commerce team will meet with Minister Barker and the UK business delegation to discuss new business opportunities in this exciting area.”
A summary of the benefits: The features and benefits of the Rotamix system are; retained digester volume and minimal settlement, with over 90% being retained during its working life, maximised solids reduction, continuous recirculation during mixing ensures full distribution and breakdown of solids, both mechanically and biologically, retained gas production is maintained to levels seen at system start without drop-off, minimal cleanout costs as the digester can be easily cleaned at minimal cost. And finally, low installation costs as all rotating equipment is externally mounted and internal equipment is easily installed.
Further information on System Mix & Rotamix systems is available from: Andy Parr, System Mix Ltd, Sawtry, Huntingdon, UK. Tel: 01487 830123. Fax: 01487 832888. sales@thesolidsolution.co.uk www.pandmpumps.co.uk
Stand B17 ebec
The companies taking part in trade delegation include Jupiter Asset Management, KiWi Power, Parhelion Underwriting, PB Energy Solutions and Rolls Royce. Emma Howard Boyd, Sustainable Investment and Governance Director, Jupiter Asset Management, said: “The UK is widely recognised as a global leader in green financial services and Jupiter has a long-standing commitment to the field of sustainable and green investment. I am delighted to be part of this important delegation and look forward to learning more about the US market and to be part of a showcase of UK companies investing in the green economy." And Yoav Zingher, CEO of KiWi Power, added: ”Sharing of technology and knowledge is key to continued innovation, and I firmly believe that new products and services in the green space will spur economic growth, create jobs and increase the UK’s exports: reducing carbon and reducing costs are both issues that all countries face and we have the chance to be at the cutting edge of that development. “Trade with the United States is a huge part of this and I’m delighted and excited to be a part of the Minister’s continuing efforts in this regard.” Julian Richardson, CEO of Parhelion Underwriting, said: “I am delighted that the UK government is supporting British businesses in the climate finance sector in this way. Parhelion has been working in this sector for six years, managing climate change risks and carbon trading exposures. Public-private partnerships will play an important role is seeing this sector develop.” Phyllis Boardman, MD of PB Energy Solutions, said: “I am delighted to join the visit to the US where I aim to foster discussions about the barriers and challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy. ”Our best practice examples will show that energy efficiency, sustainability and climate protection go hand in hand with economic growth and creation of new skills and jobs. There are mutual opportunities for the UK and US to empower an economic transformation to meet our ambitious carbon emission reduction targets, trigger increased turnover and job growth, whilst increasing the competitiveness of economies.”
Nextgen page 08
Nextgen page 09
Renewable energy will cut household energy bills by nearly £100-a-year The Scottish Government has today welcomed analysis which shows that household bills will be lower with green policies and renewable energy than if we continue with the status quo. The Department for Energy and Climate Change estimates that consumer bills by 2020 will be £94 lower with low carbon policies than without them. The figures show that low carbon energy policies and measures could lead to an average household energy bill of £1,285 by 2020, whereas carrying on with business as usual will lead to average bills of £1,379. The evidence backs up research by industry regulator Ofgem, which has shown household energy bills will be lower with more renewable energy than if we maintain the status quo. Last week Centrica, which owns British Gas, warned that energy prices are likely to rise by as much as £50 a household as wholesale gas prices have risen again. Scotland has the ambitious, but achievable, target of generating the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020.
• DECC figures show that every family in the United Kingdom will have energy bills nearly £100 lower in 2020 with low carbon initiatives than if we continue with the status quo. • Ofgem’s Project Discovery has shown that renewable energy will actually lead to cheaper energy in the future than carrying on with traditional energy sources. • Figures show bills for gas and electricity rose by £445 between 2004 and 2010, and that two-thirds of this rise was the result of increases in wholesale costs û precisely why we need to invest in our own secure energy supply. • This week, Centrica, the company which owns Scottish Gas, warned that energy prices are likely to rise yet again by as much as £50 a household. • Renewable incentives add only £15-20 to annual household utility bills in Scotland £ a valuable investment in keeping future bills down.
And new figures release earlier this year show that Scotland is ahead of schedule on its targets, with initial estimates suggesting 35 per cent of Scotland’s electricity needs came from renewables in 2011, beating the interim target of 31 per cent.
• The job and investment opportunities that renewable energy provides to Scotland are too good to miss, with Gamesa recently deciding to invest in Edinburgh rather than Hartlepool, bringing around 800 new jobs to Scotland.
Meeting Scotland’s target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of Scotland’s electricity demand coming from renewables by 2020 will also deliver around 30 per cent of the UK Government’s renewable electricity requirements, helping the UK meet their legal obligations.
• Industry figures show there are already 11,000 renewables jobs in Scotland and £750 million was invested in renewable energy over the last year £ and this figure is set to rise. There is a pipeline of 17 GW of renewable electricity projects, nearly three times peak Scottish demand, with a total estimated capital investment of £46 billion.
In 2010, Scotland exported 20.8 per cent of its electricity to the rest of the UK £ a figure set to rise as we increasingly exploit our vast renewable resource and build the infrastructure upgrades we need. Energy Minster Fergus Ewing said: “Renewable energy is vital to Scotland and to the rest of the UK. It is essential if we are to keep bills down for ordinary families, boost the economy and meet our climate change targets.”
• The United Kingdom needs Scotland’s renewable energy whatever the constitutional future holds we should take advantage of Scotland’s competitive edge in the renewable energy revolution.
Stand D3B ebec
RISING ENERGY COSTS TRIGGER CONSUMER DEMAND FOR GREEN ENERGY Homeowners are increasingly turning to renewable energy options in the face of the upward trend in energy prices, according to an industry expert. The interest in solar PV, energy efficient lighting, heat pumps and other forms of renewable technology coincides with the latest warning from Centrica ?? the owner of British Gas - that rising wholesale gas costs will make supplying energy to UK households more expensive this year. Although British Gas announced a 5% cut in the standard electricity tariff in January, it followed a whopping 16% rise in electricity prices and 18% rise in gas prices for British Gas customers in August 2011. David Hunt, a director with leading renewable energy company Eco Environments, said: “Although there is the occasional small price drop, the trend in energy costs is very definitely upwards. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of homeowners and business owners looking to address their energy costs. The summer months are the best time to do this in order to avoid nasty shocks when the winter bills arrive. One of the most popular options at the moment is low energy lighting but there are a range of renewable energy technologies that people can harness to ensure drastic reductions in energy costs.” Mr Hunt said that his firm was seeing a surge in activity from consumers wanting to cash in on the Government’s feed-in-tariff incentives for solar panels before they are slashed again on July 1.
As of July 1, the Government is slashing the feed-in-tariff subsidies available for domestic schemes of less than 4kW from the current 21p to an expected rate of 15.7p. It may even be as low as 13.6p.
Opposition accuse DECC over Green Deal “panic” The Opposition has accused the Coalition Government of “panic” following reports Prime Minister David Cameron has stepped in to order the Cabinet Office to help save the beleaguered Green Deal. News of the PM's intervention came after Energy Ministers recently suffered a slump in support for the flagship policy. The Green Deal is scheduled to be launched on October 1 but the full roll-out has already been delayed until next year in a wrangle over the payment mechanism and complications with the business scheme. And industry leaders and consumer groups are continuing to question if the energy efficiency programme aimed at better insulating the UK's homes will actually deliver value to the consumer. Now Shadow Climate Change Minister Luciana Berger, MP, said the Prime Minister's move to call in the Cabinet Office signals a growing panic within Government about the Green Deal launch. She added: “This is a clear admission from David Cameron that his flagship Green Deal proposals are a complete mess, which won’t deliver more jobs or lower carbon emissions. ”For months the Government ignored Labour’s warnings that without serious improvement the scheme will be a car crash, yet now it seems panic has set in. “It is time out of touch ministers finally listened to Labour and adopted our plans to make the Green Deal a good deal for consumers, with low interest rates and real incentives.” A spokeswoman for DECC confirmed in a statement: “DECC are the lead department on the Green Deal and this has not changed. As with any flagship government policy the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are kept up to date on progress.”
Stand N7 ebec
Ecovane is the UK’s sole distributor of the Envergate range of Wind Turbines. Manufactured in Switzerland and proven in projects throughout the world, the precision-engineered range includes products to suit the vast majority of applications, locations and customer requirements, with options ranging from 400watts to 50kW units.
Under the present FIT rate, the return on investment is more than 10 per cent and is index linked and tax free, fixed and guaranteed for 25 years. However, when the rate reduces to 15.7p £ or the 13.6p rate if deployment in March and April is between 150 and 200MW £ the potential return on investment will drop to between 4 and 6 per cent.
Last year, the feed-in-tariff rate for domestic schemes under 4kW was slashed from 43.3p to 21p and, should the new rate fall as low as 13.6p this would amount to a 68 per cent fall in the rate since December. The rates are due to reduce further still in October this year.
With increasing volumes of UK waste now being processed to create biogas from the anaerobic digestion process it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that plant availability and working capacities are maintained. Whilst it is acknowledged that the Biogas industry has benefitted from the technological expertise gained from both the digestion of feed crops such as maize and to some extent from the UK waste water industry, problems are occurring with other types of waste material. For example, the use of household waste material within the anaerobic digestion industr y highlights the problems associated with inconsistent waste materials, even when they have been pre-conditioned and blended before entering the digestion process. Whilst the sludge’s associated with the waste water industry are usually well screened pre-digestion, and energy crops such as maize are uniform before and during the digestion process, it has been proven that heavier, fibrous materials in ‘waste-to-energy’ digestion processes create new problems. In many applications where submersible and paddle type mixers have shown acceptable results where non-accumulating solids are the norm, there are other examples which indicate a direct relationship between poor mixing and gas production. In addition to the more commonly accepted problems associated with poor mixing (reduced volatile solids reduction caused by less than ideal anaerobic conditions) other factors should also be considered. These problems directly affect the digester performance in that they either reduce working capacity by settlement or strangle gas release by blanketing the surface of the digester. These problems, combined with solids that are prone to reweave or accumulate in clumps, cause specific problems with unsuitable mechanical plant inside the digester. Failure to suitably condition simultaneously with mixing also creates problems with concentrated material leaving the digester either via a heat exchanger recirculation system, or onward processing, such as dewatering prior to composting. Premature wear of heat exchanger recirculation pumps caused by grit deposition is also common where poor mixing at low level is prevalent.
Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker is leading a UK business trade mission to the southern United States this weekend aimed at strengthening the UK-US trade relationship and building the economic and business case for the move to a low-carbon economy. Visiting Houston, San Antonio, and Atlanta, the delegation intends to use leading examples of UK sustainable business to demonstrate firsthand the compatibility of green and growth, as well as offering opportunities for companies to connect with new or existing business partners. Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: ôThe growing global market in green goods and services represents a huge range of opportunities for UK businesses. What is good for the planet can be fantastic for business too and I want to help British entrepreneurs and companies seize those opportunities with both hands.
”As well as helping our companies get a greater understanding of the opportunities in the US market, I also want to use this visit to show US firms why they should be investing in the UK.”
Featuring market leading technology, these vertical axis wind turbines incorporate the very latest technical and safety features and offer outstanding efficiency, even in low wind speeds and gusty conditions. They also provide an exceptional return on investment making them not only a sustainable solution, but also a highly attractive financial proposition for businesses, land owners and home owners.
Subscribe to the newsletter at www.nextgenexpo.co.uk For stand and sponsorship opportunities please call Amel Sanders on 0207 348 5264 or email amel.sanders@closer2media.com
Furthermore, transfer pumps can be prone to clogging and premature wear and unless suitable mixing systems are employed inside a post digestion storage tank it is likely that other problems could be encountered with settlement, dewatering or onward transfer to land. Whilst numerous types of mixing systems have been developed and implemented for use in anaerobic digestion process systems, many have been subsequently discarded. Huntingdon based System Mix Ltd with their Vaughan Rotamix system, have become an established supplier of digester mixing systems, not only in municipal installations but also in the rapid growth area of Bio Waste Industry. Recent examples of where Rotamix tank mixing systems have been retrofitted as replacements for submersible and paddle mixers have been proven to increase gas production .During the preparation for these retrofit very significant amounts of settled solids were removed from the digester tanks. This accounted for over 20% of the available working volume, after only 4 years in operation. The installation of a single externally mounted Vaughan Chopper Pump for each digester and an array of nozzles and pipework were installed quickly and easily. Since being commissioned gas production has increased significantly and maintained its high level. Post digested sludge condition has shown that the benefits of simultaneous conditioning and mixing create a digestate that is more consistent and more acceptable for use in agriculture.
Energy Minister Barker leads UK green trade mission to USA
“Britain is leading the way in demonstrating that the shift to a green economy is beneficial for businesses and growth.
Mr Hunt added: “This is the final chance for consumers to secure a fantastic return on investment if they go ahead with a solar PV installation before July 1. After this date, the FIT rate will drop dramatically to 15.7p and potentially lower still, which will make a domestic solar PV scheme appealing only to the really green investors rather than those who are coming at it mainly for the eye-watering financial returns. This truly is the end of the domestic solar PV market as we know it.”
Why effective mixing is crucial to maximising the anaerobic digestion process
On each leg of the trip, events will include small, board-room style meetings with a select group of US business leaders, as well as larger, higher-profile events with elected officials, academics, regional economic development agencies and businesses. There will also be opportunities for the delegation to arrange private calls with important business contacts. The delegation’s itinerary includes: • Houston, Texas (6-7 May): Houston has a long tradition as the capital of the traditional energy sector and it also has a fast growing economic base for renewable energy. Houston is a large economy, its annual gross product of $400bn puts it on a par with a mid-sized country such as Austria or Norway and is second only to New York in numbers of Fortune 500 company headquarters.
• San Antonio, Texas (8 May): TexasÆ second city (and the 7th largest in the US) San Antonio, is a major military hub with tourism and healthcare/biomedical research forming other major sectors. Energy policy in San Antonio is unique for the size and scope in Texas with major drives on energy efficiency and greening public transport amongst many others. The itinerary includes a meeting with San Antonio Mayor Julißn Castro. • Atlanta, Georgia (9-10 May): Atlanta is the state capital and considered the commercial hub of the South East as well as a centre of innovation and higher education. It has experienced the fastest growth of any US metro area in the last 10 years (population is above 5 million). The business community includes HQs of major property development and management companies, as well as professional services companies advising Fortune 500 clients on their sustainability strategies. The itinerary includes a meeting with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, said: “Georgia is fast becoming a leader in the æclean-techÆ and sustainable energy sectors, and it is our great honor to welcome Minister Barker and this delegation to our state.” “We have long enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the United Kingdom founded on business and cultural exchange. I am encouraged by this visit, specifically as it relates to strengthening our ties in the areas of spurring innovation and competitiveness for green energy solutions here and abroad.” “Metro Atlanta is the perfect place to grow clean tech jobs,ö said Bill Kimble, office managing partner at KPMG and 2012 Metro Atlanta Chamber Clean Tech Leadership Council chair. ôThe Metro Atlanta Chamber identified clean tech as a new area to grow 6,000 jobs by 2017, and recently launched the Clean Tech Leadership Council to grow companies and jobs in this robust area. The MAC Global Commerce team will meet with Minister Barker and the UK business delegation to discuss new business opportunities in this exciting area.”
A summary of the benefits: The features and benefits of the Rotamix system are; retained digester volume and minimal settlement, with over 90% being retained during its working life, maximised solids reduction, continuous recirculation during mixing ensures full distribution and breakdown of solids, both mechanically and biologically, retained gas production is maintained to levels seen at system start without drop-off, minimal cleanout costs as the digester can be easily cleaned at minimal cost. And finally, low installation costs as all rotating equipment is externally mounted and internal equipment is easily installed.
Further information on System Mix & Rotamix systems is available from: Andy Parr, System Mix Ltd, Sawtry, Huntingdon, UK. Tel: 01487 830123. Fax: 01487 832888. sales@thesolidsolution.co.uk www.pandmpumps.co.uk
Stand B17 ebec
The companies taking part in trade delegation include Jupiter Asset Management, KiWi Power, Parhelion Underwriting, PB Energy Solutions and Rolls Royce. Emma Howard Boyd, Sustainable Investment and Governance Director, Jupiter Asset Management, said: “The UK is widely recognised as a global leader in green financial services and Jupiter has a long-standing commitment to the field of sustainable and green investment. I am delighted to be part of this important delegation and look forward to learning more about the US market and to be part of a showcase of UK companies investing in the green economy." And Yoav Zingher, CEO of KiWi Power, added: ”Sharing of technology and knowledge is key to continued innovation, and I firmly believe that new products and services in the green space will spur economic growth, create jobs and increase the UK’s exports: reducing carbon and reducing costs are both issues that all countries face and we have the chance to be at the cutting edge of that development. “Trade with the United States is a huge part of this and I’m delighted and excited to be a part of the Minister’s continuing efforts in this regard.” Julian Richardson, CEO of Parhelion Underwriting, said: “I am delighted that the UK government is supporting British businesses in the climate finance sector in this way. Parhelion has been working in this sector for six years, managing climate change risks and carbon trading exposures. Public-private partnerships will play an important role is seeing this sector develop.” Phyllis Boardman, MD of PB Energy Solutions, said: “I am delighted to join the visit to the US where I aim to foster discussions about the barriers and challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon economy. ”Our best practice examples will show that energy efficiency, sustainability and climate protection go hand in hand with economic growth and creation of new skills and jobs. There are mutual opportunities for the UK and US to empower an economic transformation to meet our ambitious carbon emission reduction targets, trigger increased turnover and job growth, whilst increasing the competitiveness of economies.”
Nextgen page 10
Nextgen page 01
Latest Floorplan SEE PAGES 4 & 5
MCS Statistics Update
www.nextgenexpo.co.uk
SEE PAGE 2
The UK’s largest bioenergy event
on site. on the grid
The UK's definitive microgeneration event
stoneleigh park 10 – 11 october 2012
lead generation for energy generation
10th - 11th October 2012, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
Funding renewable energy projects
microgen 2012 is the proud sponsor of the Public Sector Project of the Year award. Brought to you in partnership with the MCS, microgen 2012 attracts a wide range of commerical buyers from within social housing projects including housing associations, ALMO’s and local authorities. As the only home of the MCS Live conference stream we also attract a broad cross section of MCS certified installers looking at how they can diversify in 2012 and beyond and how best to capitalise on the renewable heat opportunity.
typically this is not commercially viable with 10, 5 or even 3 year contracts being more realistic. Thankfully we are seeing funders gradually lower their expectations on this front; perhaps a representation of them finally becoming more familiar with the sector?
microgen exclusively focuses on micro-renewable energy generation (solar pv, solar thermal, gshp, ashp, small scale wind, and micro hydro). microgen brings together the entire supply chain from equipment manufacturers, distributors and suppliers through to installers, wholesalers, consultants and commercial end-users.
Financing renewable energy projects is ‘challenging’ at the best of times, and is all too often the major hurdle encountered by any form of renewable energy project. But why is it so difficult, and what steps can be taken to ensure that developers maximise their chances of obtaining that critical funding?
• Backed by the MCS, REA, REAL and The Energy Institute • Supported by a huge free to attend quality conference programme • Over 100 exhibitors • Attracting installers looking at the next big opportunity together with end-users seeking a greater understanding of all of the possible renewable options
For further information contact event director, gordon kirk on 020 7348 5265 or email microgensales@closer2media.com 2012 exhibitors include
2011 exhibitor testimonials: “There have been at least half a dozen leads that will be worth over £15k — not bad for half a day’s work. We’d normally review the show afterwards back at the office before making a decision, but, it’s been so good we have booked already for 2012.” Alan Dunn — Husky Heat Pumps
Supported by
“There have been some people we have been targeting, unsuccessfully, who today, just walked onto our stand.” Martyn Ford — Daikin
featuring:
Traditionally the UK has always lagged behind its European counterparts when it comes to renewable energy. Unlike the UK, they had the foresight to implement financial incentives long before ROCs and FITs existed and accordingly the UK trails far behind them with just 6.8% generated from renewable sources compared just over 20% on the continent. Tough economic times have made funders far more risk averse, so the introduction of these incentives prior to the downturn has been massively important for the investment into renewables overseas. The cornerstone for funding any renewable energy project is to base it around a proven technology with a solid track record, both in terms of energy type and manufacturer. Taking the example of anaerobic digestion (‘AD’), the UK now has 74 commissioned plants generating approximately 60MWe across both on and off-farm units . By stark contrast Germany, who have very much paved the way in AD, now have over 7,000 fully operational plants. Whilst incentives are clearly a major contributor to this development, the increased prevalence of the technology has also allowed German funders to become far more comfortable with the technology. AD is evidently very much in its infancy in the UK, and as a result the lack of knowledge and experience of the technology amongst potential investors often hinders investment. The other major area of concern for funders is around security of supply, be it from a naturally abundant source such as the sun or wind, or from a feedstock contract. To address this, again depending on the energy type in question, they might require actual wind or sunlight data or a watertight feedstock agreement. The latter of these is obviously more complex with an additional requirement to focus on the type, continuity and consistency of the supply. In an ideal world funders would like a 25 year feedstock contract, however
Strategic partner:
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Having said all of the above, funding renewable energy projects is by no means impossible. We speak to a variety of investors on a regular basis and the common theme that arises is that they are approached by developers prematurely. Given how active the renewables market is, it is important to bear in mind that they are inundated with requests for funding and as a result have a tendency to cherry-pick the easiest and best projects to invest in. In our experience the successful projects are almost always presented to them at the point where most, if not all major aspects of the project have been pieced together thereby making the proposition far more appealing to the funder. The main prerequisites tend to be: • Long term tariff support such as that offered from FITs, ROCs or RHI • A robust O&M contract, ideally with some form of performance guarantee • An appropriate lease agreement for the site on which the project is to be located • Where appropriate an EPC contract with sufficient warranties for delays in construction etc. • A proven technology supplier with a track record of other successful plants • A proven and reliable energy source (a feedstock contract, sun or wind for example) secured for as long as possible • A suitable grid connection with a suitable energy purchase agreement • Approved planning/permitting for the project at the site if required • Where necessary (for example, for AD) a reliable digestate offtake agreement • Ideally (although not essential) a pipeline of projects as larger funding amounts are typically more attractive to investors If the project is presented well and most if not all of these fundamentals are finalised then it allows the project to stand head and shoulders above the majority of applications that funders receive. The fundraising process would consequently be quicker and simpler, and as a result momentum could be maintained and most importantly the investors’ interest. If the project is presented well and most if not all of these fundamentals are finalised then it allows the project to stand head and shoulders above the majority of applications that funders receive. The fundraising
Exclusive: Surprise figures show big rise in number of renewable energy installers The number of certified renewable energy installers has increased by more than a quarter over the past six months despite the reduction in the level of cash support under the Government's Feed-in-tariff scheme. Research carried out by Nextgen Expo has found that the number of registrations under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) has actually increased since last October by nearly a thousand new installers. However, according to the Renewable Energy Association around 600 renewable energy companies dropped out of its REAL assurance scheme following the annual renewal date last month. The mixed picture shows that while the 600 companies are no longer operating under the MCS umbrella, the surviving operations are building up their revenue streams by entering into new markets. Dave Sowden, chief executive of the Micropower Council, explained the surprise increase in MCS registrations could be as a result of companies diversifying into fresh green energy sectors. “With the Green Deal approaching a lot of companies may be looking at adding energy efficiency solutions to their portfolio of products and services,” he added. “The reduction to the Feed-in Tariff scheme certainly created a rush of activity with over 250MW of solar PV being installed between December 12 and the eventual cut date of March 3.” ”The two market bubbles were certainly PV driven but these figures may be as a result of companies now registering for multiple technologies, in particular the energy efficiency requirement of the Feed-in Tariff scheme.” According to Gemserve, the number of installers registered on its MCS scheme before the October 31 announcement of FiT cuts was 3,929. Despite the subsequent well-publicised collapse of several big-name companies, this week the MCS database holds the details of 4,866 certified engineers. The number of companies signed up to the REAL Assurance scheme was approximately 5,200 last October, a figure which rose to 5,800 in April before dropping back to 5,200 following the annual renewal deadline. A DECC spokesperson said “It’s great to see the number of MCS registered installers has increased over the past year, showing there is a market out there and a real demand for small scale renewables to generate clean green power.”
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