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HHIC C
MET OFFICE TOM GREATREX MP CONSUMER FOCUS GAS SAFETY TRUST JEAN-MICHEL SEVERINO APRIL 2013 ISSUE 19
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TONY JUNIPER
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CONTENTS
WELCOME
FROM YOUR EDITOR Environmentalist, Paul Hawken said: “All is connected ... no one thing can change by itself.” Jean-Michel Severino, former vice president of the World Bank seems to agree with this quote and explores why humanity cannot afford to ignore our natural resources. After all the controversy regarding recent data from the Met Office, its senior scientist Dr Vicky Pope discusses whether our climate is really changing. Is the government doing enough to alleviate fuel poverty? Well, William Baker from Consumer Focus has mixed views and debates what they have done well and what has yet to be achieved. If you
Cover image: Robert Shuttleworth
fancy putting your feet up with a good book then why not read my review on Tony Juniper’s new book: What has Nature ever done for us? Life can be frustrating and Tom Greatrex MP seems to think so, especially over the slow road in developing Carbon Capture and Storage technology as we head towards a low carbon economy. Finally, carbon monoxide has focused much in the news of late and the Gas Safety Trust and our very own technical team at HHIC want consumers to become better protected.
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Jodie Wiltshire, editor@hhic.org.uk, Twitter: @HHIC
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CONTENTS APRIL 2013 ISSUE 19 FEATURES
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HOW IS OUR CLIMATE CHANGING?
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THE FUEL POVERTY CRISIS - WHAT IS TO BE DONE?
Dr Vicky Pope from the Met Office discusses whether the recent UK weather is a sign of things to come
Consumer Focus’s Head of Fuel Poverty Policy, William Baker talks about what the government must do to eliminate the problem
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CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
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HOLE IN THE ROOF CAMPAIGN
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CONSUMERS MUST BE PROTECTED FROM DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE Chris Bielby, Chairman of the Gas Safety Trust
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INDUSTRY’S NEW SAFETY PROCEDURES TO RECORD CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS
Tom Greatrex MP explains why the road to this new technology is a frustrating one
HHIC’s national ‘Hole in the Roof’ tackles energy inefficient homes
tells us about the work of the Trust and how it is helping consumers
HHIC’s technical team puts safety first with a new exciting project
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GOVERNMENT’S PROMISE TO TACKLE THE UK’S DRAUGHTY HOMES
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CULTIVATING ENERGY
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WHAT HAS NATURE EVER DONE FOR US?
The DECC Green Deal team talks about the scheme
Jean-Michel Severino explains the advantages of biomass
Jodie Wiltshire reviews Tony Juniper’s highly acclaimed new book
REGULARS
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MEMBER NEWS
CONTRIBUTORS Dr Vicky Pope
William Baker
Tom Greatrex MP
Jean-Michel Severino
Vicky joined the Met Office in the 1980s and later obtained her PhD in Meteorology from the University of Reading. In the 1990s she became a manager first of stratospheric research and then of climate model development in 1996. Building on her scientific research experience, in 2002 she became a senior manager responsible for various aspects of the climate research programme for various government departments - MoD, Defra and DECC. Vicky led the Met Office contribution of science to the Stern Review on the economics of climate change. More recently, she led work to improve the communication of climate change in the light of its increasing importance in the public arena.
William Baker is Head of Fuel Poverty Policy and works for the Energy team at Consumer Focus, an independent statutory organisation set up in 2008 to advocate consumer interests in policy-making, particularly those who are vulnerable and at a disadvantage. William leads Consumer Focus’s policy work on fuel poverty and ‘off-gas’. William also chairs the ‘End Fuel Poverty Coalition’ which brings together a wide range of environmental, poverty, trade union and consumer bodies with the aim of advocating concerted action against fuel poverty. William is currently a member of the government’s Fuel Poverty Methodology Group and Fuel Poverty Advisory Group (joint responsibility with Consumer Focus’s Director of Energy Policy) and is a trustee of Eaga Charitable Trust, a major funder of fuel poverty research in the UK.
Tom Greatrex was a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee. His areas of policy interest are manufacturing, Northern Ireland, construction, the economy, film and media, energy and climate change. On 10 October 2010, Tom was appointed Shadow Scotland Office Minister by new Labour leader Ed Miliband. On 7 October 2011, Tom was asked by Ed Miliband to become Shadow Energy Minister, with responsibility for oil and gas, electricity market reform, National Grid, and the consumer issues which arise from this. He is also the Member of Parliament for Rutherglen and Hamilton West.
Jean-Michel Severino, a former vice-president of the World Bank, is the director general of the Agence Française de Développement (jms@afd.fr).
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MET OFFICE
There is growing evidence of a changing climate due to the rapid increase in greenhouse gases since the industrial revolution. Global temperatures have increased inexorably, with each decade warmer than the last since the 1950s. While the rate of warming has slowed in the past ten years, the ďŹ rst decade of the 21st century is the warmest on record.
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How is our changing?
BY DR VICKY POPE
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MET OFFICE
T
decline in summer sea ice. Other observations are consistent with a
What do these global changes mean for the weather?
warming climate, such as:
Our scientific understanding and models lead us to expect that some types
he Arctic is showing signs of rapid warming and there is a long-term
of extreme event could become more severe as the world warms. In general cold winters will be less frequent and warm summers more. The water cycle
• increases in water temperature at the sea surface down to hundreds of metres below the surface;
will increase in intensity. This is likely to lead to more heavy rainfall events. We are less sure about how the incidence of dry periods and consequent
• an increase in humidity as a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture;
drought will change. Tropical storms such as hurricanes are likely to increase
• increases in sea-level as warmer waters expand and land-based ice melts;
in intensity but we are not sure how their frequency will change.
• shrinking of glaciers and Northern Hemisphere spring snow cover.
Over the past few years, the Met Office has worked with a number of sectors and businesses to understand how climate change could affect them. The first step is to understand the sector’s current sensitivity to weather and then to use our climate projections to analyse how impacts might change in the future.
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As the world warms up we expect the UK to experience hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters over long-term averages of 30 years. However, as we have seen in the past few years, variations in the weather can be very large from one year to the next. So what we really need to know is how the nature of these will change. Recent weather in the UK has been unusual and in some cases unprecedented (at least within the historical record). There was an extended period from March 2010 to March 2012 when rainfall was below average in almost every month for parts of the country. The resulting drought was similar in intensity to around half a dozen other events over the last century. Experts, government and water companies were worried because their experience told them that ground water does not recover during even a wetter than normal summer. However, last year has been outside their experience. April and June 2012 were the wettest in the 100 year record and the year as a whole was the wettest on record in England and the second wettest for the UK as a whole. Floods have been widespread and, towards the end of the year, even relatively modest amounts of rain led to widespread ooding because the ground was saturated and the rivers were already very high. We are already seeing a trend towards more heavy rainfall events around the world, in particular in countries such as India and China. There is even emerging evidence here in the UK as well. Although this is consistent with what we would expect in a warming climate, there is not enough evidence to make a direct link. Research is ongoing to analyse all the available data and to understand the causes and potential implications.
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MET OFFICE
Large parts of N Europe were covered in snow in Dec 2010 (MODIS data, NASA).
was linked to the cold winters
North Atlantic – the so-called North
So is the recent UK weather a sign of things to come?
experienced in 2010/11 and
Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) – favoured
It is not possible to give a definitive
However, there are some specific
2011/12. This led to widespread
a strong jet stream across N Europe
answer to this at the moment.
aspects of these events that may be
impacts on transport, energy
and the UK bringing warm, wet
The large-scale weather patterns
symptoms of climate change.
demand and supply and affected
conditions as a succession of
affecting the North Atlantic and
the water companies’ infrastructure
weather systems crossed the UK
Europe during these events have
the NAO, influencing the position
in some regions. The impacts were
from the Atlantic. From 2009 these
very clear origins in the natural
of the jet stream and our weather.
probably greater because they
large scale systems changed and
weather events that affect world-
These include the state of El Nino, a
followed more than ten years of
the jet stream was more inclined to
wide weather all the time. What we
climate pattern in the tropical Pacific,
relatively warm winters. From the
move further north, favouring cold
don’t know is how these weather
and the state of the stratosphere.
mid 1980s to the early 2000s the
dry and still conditions.
patterns will change in the future.
There is strong evidence that the 11
The extended dry spell
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large scale weather patterns in the
There are global factors that affect
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year solar cycle has an influence on
there are persistent regional factors.
European winter temperatures. Cold
The jet stream was consistently further
Can we provide useful information?
winters were made more likely in the
south than normal right across the
Over the past few years, the Met
late 2000s by an extended minimum
Atlantic throughout the wet periods.
Office has worked with a number
in the solar cycle. All of these factors
This brought a series of weather
of sectors and businesses to
vary naturally and we are unsure how
fronts, smaller scale storms and with
understand how climate change
they will change in the future. Thus
them heavy rainfall, over most of the
could affect them. The first step is
a strong or extended solar minimum
UK – although the far north west of
to understand the sector’s current
could give rise to more cold dry
Scotland was remarkably dry. It has
sensitivity to weather and then to use
winters. Our climate models are not
been suggested that the shrinkage of
our climate projections to analyse
able to model El Nino and the NAO
Arctic sea ice is affecting the position
how impacts might change in the
sufficiently well to make confident
of the jet stream during summer.
future. We use a risk based approach
projections about how they might
However, this is poorly understood
since the projections give a range
change in the future. However, there
and is an active area of research.
of possible outcomes together with
is one potential influence on dry
While unusual weather conditions
their probabilities. For example we worked with
cold winters that is being strongly
can give rise to exceptionally cold
affected by climate change – Arctic
winters, in general the odds of
leading energy companies in a
sea ice. There is emerging evidence
temperatures as cold as December
pioneering study in 2006 which
from observations and model
2010 have halved as a result of
looked at climate change impacts
projections that the decrease in sea
human-induced climate change.
on energy generation; distribution
ice increases the likelihood of cold
Similarly the odds of exceptionally
and transmission, and demand. The
dry winters in Europe.
warm summers have increased. The
study found that the performance
record breaking temperatures in
of some equipment, including
from April onwards show no clear
2003 are at least twice as likely and
thermal power stations (in particular
influence of global factors. However,
possibly four times as likely.
combined gas turbines) would be
The long periods of heavy rainfall
affected. A more recent study in 2012 found that of the five major weather-related faults on the UK’s electricity network: wind and gale, snow, sleet and blizzard (SSB), lightning, solar heat, and flooding; some will probably increase in frequency whilst others will decrease. For example snow could be less frequent but more severe when it does occur, lightning could be more frequent. Other impacts such as wind are uncertain. One result of this work is that the industry is planning greater use of lightning arresters to minimise the impact of the increased risk. We are also helping the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) analyse the impacts of climate variability and change on renewable energy production.
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MET OFFICE
The recent cold winters increased energy demand for heating, whilst at the same time led to less wind across the UK, reducing wind energy output. If we can improve long term projections and the magnitude of shorter term variation (for example on seasonal and annual timescales) we can help the wind energy industry to predict future energy yields helping to give investors and banks the conďŹ dence which will maximise the capital available to build renewable energy projects and minimise its cost. These studies are already providing useful information. However, the impacts of the extremes of weather in the past two years illustrate just how important it is to understand the variations in weather and climate and how they will change in the future. For example are we likely to see a run of cold winters with associated dry still conditions? The next generation of climate models are much better at capturing variations in the NAO and the jet stream. The prospects are therefore good for providing more useful information on extreme events and variability in the next few years.
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CONSUMER FOCUS
THE FUEL POVERTY CRISIS —
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“People with the lowest incomes are the least able to absorb these fuel price rises, as fuel makes up a much more significant proportion of their incomes than for those on higher incomes.”
by William Baker, Consumer Focus
S — W H AT I S T O B E D O N E ? T
he UK often claims that it
far reaching legislation requiring it to do everything within its means
The fall and rise in fuel poverty
recent official figures – it had reached
has the most advanced
4.75 million. Modelling suggests there
to eliminate the problem by 2016
At first, progress looked quite
are around 6 million in fuel poverty
Europe for tackling fuel poverty
(2018 in Wales). There is a range
promising. Fuel poverty declined from
today with a staggering 9 million
– the term used to describe the
of programmes designed to meet
affecting 6.5 million UK households
predicted for 2016 – the date by which
toxic combination of low incomes,
the targets as part of the UK Fuel
in 1996 to 2.5 million in 2001 the year
we were supposed to have eliminated
poor housing and unaffordable fuel
Poverty Strategy and we have set
the government launched its Fuel
the problem.
prices. We have long recognised that
up advisory bodies in each nation
Poverty Strategy, down to two million
it is an issue distinct from poverty
to review the strategy and make
households in 2004. But then the trend
a crashing failure? The chief culprit
in general. The government passed
recommendations for improvement.
started, reversed. By 2010 – the most
is of course high world energy prices
institutional framework in
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So, why has the policy been such
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CONSUMER FOCUS
There is also no public funding for area programmes, no replacement standard for the Decent Homes Standard in social housing which ended in 2010.”
and the UK’s increasing exposure
income spent on average 8 per cent
policies, paid for by consumers, are
trusted ‘civil society’ organisations
to them. The era of cheap energy
of their income on fuel compared
not making matters even worse?
in providing support. Both the
is now over, to quote a former
to an average of 3.4 per cent for
Energy Minister. Prices started
households with the highest 10 per
with respect to a growing divide
also provide non-area related grant
their inexorable rise in 2004 and will
cent of incomes.
between the UK Government and the
programmes to make sure priority
devolved administrations. The latter
households otherwise at the back of the queue get help.
continue to rise in the foreseeable
The answers are mixed, but only
Welsh and Scottish administrations
The Government response
are making sterling efforts, as far as
from 2007 to 2010, average electricity bills rose by 14 per cent
So how has the government
of fuel poverty policy are devolved.
UK Government, is not so impressive.
and gas bills by 27 per cent. Yet
responded to this fuel poverty crisis?
They have increased public spending
Association of the Conservation of
benefits and taxes increased by
Has it upped its efforts to improve
on energy efficiency programmes
Energy (ACE) research shows that
between 3 and 5 per cent, the
the energy efficiency of homes
and integrated these with statutory
the total budget for fuel poverty in
average wage by 2 per cent and the
– widely regarded as the main long
fuel company efficiency programmes
England fell by 26 per cent between
national minimum wage by about the
term solution to fuel poverty? Has it
paid for by consumers. They are also
2009 and 2013. This includes
same amount.
taken steps to make sure low income
using area approaches to deliver
resources allocated to income and
households off the gas network,
their programmes – the systematic
fuel price measures – Cold Weather
are the least able to absorb these
currently dependent on expensive
delivery of programmes on a street
Payments, Winter Fuel Payments and
fuel price rises, as fuel makes up a
heating fuels, can access affordable
by street, area by area basis. This has
Warm Home Discount – as well as
much more significant proportion
renewable heating or district heating?
the benefit of realising cost savings
energy efficiency programmes. The
of their incomes than for those on
Has it intervened in energy markets
through economies of scale, ensuring
budget for energy efficiency measures
higher incomes. In 2009, households
to make sure affordability is a central
hard to reach households get help
alone fell by 44 per cent, primarily
with the lowest 10 per cent of
priority and that its own energy
and allowing the engagement of
due to the government’s decision
future. Just taking the four years
People with the lowest incomes
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they are able, as only some elements
However, the recent record of the
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CONSUMER FOCUS
“The government has promised a new Fuel Poverty Strategy in keeping with its intended new approach to measuring fuel poverty but at the same time made it clear that there will be no new money.”
flagship Warm Front grant programme for low income households. The government’s own advisory group concluded in its most recent 2012 report: “The withdrawal of all taxpayer funding for energy efficiency assistance to low income households, while the number of households in fuel poverty continues to rise, calls into question whether the government is fulfilling its obligation to do all that is ‘reasonably practicable’ to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016 as required under the Warm Homes and Conservation Act 2000”. So, how has the UK Government responded to the fuel poverty crisis in England, apart from abolishing Warm Front? First, it made fuel companies responsible for installing energy efficiency measures in low income consumers’ homes as part of its Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) initiative. Second, it commissioned Professor John Hills to carry out a major review of fuel poverty policy, with a particular focus on the definition of fuel poverty.
Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation The theory behind Green Deal has many merits. Consumers pay for energy efficiency improvements by paying off ‘loans’ for those measures through the savings the measures will make on their fuel bills. The new Energy Company Obligation (ECO), paid for by energy consumers, complements the Green Deal finance mechanism by requiring fuel companies to provide grants and subsidies to certain consumers on low incomes and those in ‘hard to treat’
Image Chris Yates
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homes. These are homes built with
(to run), low carbon heating systems in
costs’ and produced an indicator
groups, trade unions and health
solid walls or ‘difficult to fill’ cavities,
the homes of low income consumers
that barely changed over time
organisations. The government
although Green Deal and ECO are not
in off-gas areas. The new Renewable
or reflected the impact of any
expects to receive around £60bn by
designed to offer heating systems to
Heat Incentive will be out of their reach
concerted policy interventions. The
2022 through the auctioning of EU
consumers in the other hard to treat
because it will rely on consumers
government has promised a new
Emission Trading Scheme permits
category, namely ‘off-gas’ homes.
having the capital to pay the high up-
Fuel Poverty Strategy in keeping
and the Carbon Floor Price. The
front costs of renewable kit.
with its intended new approach
alliance advocates the recycling
to measuring fuel poverty but at
of these ‘carbon taxes’ to invest
The Affordable Warmth part of ECO effectively replaces Warm Front
The Hills fuel poverty review
the same time made it clear that
in a national retrofit fuel poverty
Carbon Obligation part of ECO will
there will be no new money. The
programme. A programme of this
make sure a certain proportion of
At the time the review was
devolved administrations meanwhile
scale will virtually eliminate fuel
ECO carbon savings are achieved in
announced, many fuel poverty
have stated that they are not at all
poverty, quadruple the impact of
low income communities. However,
advocates felt that it represented
convinced by the new definition
Green Deal and ECO on carbon
the total notional value of these funds
a distraction from the priority task
and intend to stick with reformed
emissions and create 130,000 jobs.
is estimated at £540m and this has
of designing and implementing
versions of the existing one.
to cover all of Britain. This is about
effective fuel poverty policies
half the value of the combined total
and programmes. For two years, government policy was effectively
Ending fuel poverty and cold homes
economic impact of the retrofit
of Warm Front and the previous energy company programmes for low
frozen on the grounds that ‘we
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition
economic stimuli packages, such as
income consumers.
must get measurement right first’.
believes that with concerted
investment in infrastructure projects
Notably, this didn’t extend to calling
political will it is possible to end
or cuts in taxation. The study
is that it is now the only show in
a halt to the decision to abolish
fuel poverty. Our central call is for
found that the energy efficiency
town – at least in England. For the
Warm Front.
the government to end the misery
package represented the most cost
of cold homes. We want to see a
effective method of getting the
in England. The Community Saving
The problem with Green Deal
first time in over 30 years there
In fairness, the final report
A study by Cambridge Econometrics compared the macroprogramme with other potential
is no taxpayer funded energy
of the review did represent a
national retrofit programme that
economy moving again. It reduced
efficiency programme for low income
comprehensive and rigorous
will improve our homes to the
gas imports, freed up disposable
households. The government expects
analysis of fuel poverty including
energy efficiency standards of
income to spend on other goods
ECO to remove between 125,000
the negative physical, social
homes built today. We also want
and services and created jobs
to 250,000 households from fuel
and psychological effects of
to see concerted intervention in
– mostly in local economies – in an
poverty by 2020 – 5 per cent of the
unaffordable energy costs. It
energy markets so that affordability
industry operating below capacity.
current level at most. Green Deal
emphasised the benefits of tackling
becomes a central concern. That
itself will not help because many low
fuel poverty: “better living standards
means action to ensure socially
Deal and ECO to work. However,
income consumers ‘under-heat’ their
and conditions for people with low
equitable tariffs and a fairer
they are nowhere near sufficient
homes and therefore cannot secure
incomes, an improved and more
allocation of low carbon transition
to meet either our carbon or fuel
sufficient bill savings to pay off loans.
energy efficient housing stock,
costs between taxpayers and
poverty targets. If the government
Few will risk the indebtedness they
fewer winter deaths and reduced
energy consumers (taxpayer
is serious about transforming the
associate with Green Deal ‘loans’ (the
costs for the NHS.” It also stressed
funding is more progressive than
energy standards of our homes and
government prefers to refer to these
the importance of putting in place
energy consumer funding). And we
ending the misery of fuel poverty,
as Green Deal ‘charges’), while many
a well-designed energy efficiency
want to see income measures that
it must marshal resources that
will not meet the strict Affordable
programme that prioritised
help all low income consumers – a
are commensurate with the scale
Warmth eligibility criteria.
assistance to fuel-poor households.
difficult call at a time when many
of the task, put in place effective
predict welfare reform will further
delivery mechanisms and make sure
exacerbate fuel poverty.
complementary action is taken with
There is also no public funding for
However, the review also
area programmes, no replacement
produced a new definition of fuel
standard for the Decent Homes
poverty that hardly anybody outside
Standard in social housing which
In conclusion, we want Green
We work closely with the Energy
respect to fuel prices, income and
DECC considered acceptable. It
Bill Revolution alliance, which brings
health. Only then will the misery of
ended in 2010 and no mechanism to
failed to reflect affordability in its
together over 100 businesses,
cold homes become a phenomenon
encourage the installation of affordable
definition of ‘reasonable energy
poverty and environmental
of the past.
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OPINION: TOM GREATREX MP
C
C
C
THE FRUSTRATING ROAD TO CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE
C
When Alistair Buchanan of Ofgem made his recent speech about the possible capacity crunch shown in some of his models, he cited the delay in the development of Carbon Capture and Storage as one of the contributory factors. It has indeed been a frustrating couple of years on the road to CCS.
BY TOM GREATREX MP, SHADOW ENERGY MINISTER
C
C Photography: Robert Shuttleworth and Chris Yates
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Image: Robert Shuttleworth
These images need a credit. Photography: Robert Shutterworth
“We don’t have the luxury of accommodating more procrastination from the government. CCS has the potential to significantly lower our carbon emissions and create jobs and skills here in the UK, and to export that expertise around the world.”
D
espite the huge potential of the technology as a vital step in the UK’s transition
to a low-carbon economy, we are well behind where it was envisaged the UK would be by now. While the potential is both well-known and frequently trumpeted, the frustration remains that CCS has yet to be demonstrated on a commercial basis and that while the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) talk of the importance of CCS, current government support appears half-hearted and to have lost its way somewhat. With the mixed messages from the government, CCS has become both the forgotten relative and the holy grail at the same time.
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OPINION: TOM GREATREX MP
In 2011, when Ibedrola (the Spanish owners of Scottish Power) and the Treasury decided to cease work on the project at Longannet in Fife, confidence in the likelihood of CCS becoming a commercial reality took a knock. The decision highlighted the complexity inherent in moving from demonstrating a technology in prototype to a commercial scale project – but that does not mean, as some have argued, that CCS should be abandoned as a nice idea that is never going to happen. It is far too important to give up on. As well as the prize of reducing our own emissions and ensuring the longevity of a broad mix of energy sources in the medium term, the benefits of making CCS work have a wider commercial opportunity for the UK. The competitive advantage and considerable academic expertise that we already have, means we are on the verge of what could also be a valuable exportable technology.
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Despite the huge potential of the technology as a vital step in the UK’s transition to a lowcarbon economy, we are well behind where it was envisaged the UK would be by now.” Image: Chris Yates
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OPINION: TOM GREATREX MP
whether the commitment to four
committee stage of the Energy Bill
project for funding.” The failure of the
Government to come clean about
projects as envisaged in the Coalition
last month I pressed Energy Minister
government to provide this support
its support for CCS and in order to
Agreement remains, it is little wonder
John Hayes, and he finally admitted
resulted in the Don Valley project,
maintain our lead in CCS expertise
that confidence in the government’s
that he could not guarantee that the
scored by the EU as being the most
then potential projects need to see
commitment is questioned.
remainder of the £1bn originally set
likely project, receiving nothing at
aside would be available during the
all. After the UK was in the lead to
I have been pressing the UK
both commitment and clarity from
When the Longannet project
the government so that progress
stalled, the Energy Secretary at the
can be made. The very real danger
time, Chris Huhne, was clear that
is that we will lose our competitive
the £1bn allocated to CCS was safe
about more than the capital funding
place, it is galling that the lack of
edge to other countries that have
and there would be no Treasury
made available for the first projects.
commitment from the government
the same need as we do to reduce
backsliding. It was only days later
The way in which the contract
has meant no UK CCS project
carbon emissions from large scale
that Danny Alexander admitted
for difference will work and the
receiving the EU funding which
power stations and heavy industry.
he had raided the CCS budget in
treatment of CCS in relation to the
could be the difference between a
Indeed, recent work on industrial
his Autumn Statement to pay for
Emissions Performance Standard
development going ahead or not.
CCS in China was, it transpires,
infrastructure projects.
set out in the Energy Bill are also
next spending round. Of course, the future of CCS is
ensure that European funding would be available for CCS in the first
Finally, it is essential that the
For almost a year I questioned
crucial. But chopping and changing
government comes forward with a
– yet there is no such similar work
Ministers on exactly how much of the
hardly helps inspire confidence. The
detailed set of proposals on storage
underway in Britain.
£1bn was available and when, yet time
government’s failure to support CCS
infrastructure and capacity.
and again they avoided the question.
has also had a devastating impact on
hurdles, some of them engineering
It was only when I obtained a secret
the ability of UK projects to access
parts of the country, for example in
challenges and others in the
Cabinet Office document that the
vital EU funding through the NER 300
Humberside or the West of Scotland,
management of complex projects, at
real picture emerged. This document
programme. The Commissioner for
for CCS clusters to develop. The
the very least the government should
made clear that there is only £200m
Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard,
location of significant carbon
be ensuring there is a clear outline
available to support the development
told me in a letter that Member State
emitters within a small geographical
of the budget for CCS projects. It
of CCS in the UK until 2015, during
“has to confirm for each and every
space, for example a power station
is insufficient for the government
what is known in Treasury circles
project in consideration for funding
and a large steel plant provides an
to repeat its mantra that there is
as the current CSR (comprehensive
on an unconditional basis the co-
opportunity to safely store these
a £1bn fund for the development
spending review) period. And there
funding needed to implement the
pollutants in a cost effective manner.
of CCS on a commercial scale,
is no clarity on the level of funding
project. Absent such a confirmation,
when their own documents show
beyond 2015, because the spending
the NER 300 rules say that the
studies into the development of CCS
otherwise. When they can’t confirm
review has yet to happen. During the
Commission may not consider a
clusters. What we now need to see is
actually funded by the UK Embassy
While there remain a number of
There is real potential in various
DECC has said it is supporting
the conclusion of these studies and a clear path to how these can be set up across the country.
“The very real danger is that we will lose our competitive edge to other countries that have the same need as we do to reduce carbon emissions from large scale power stations and heavy industry.”
This government’s approach to CCS has been marked by dither and delay, but time really is now pressing. We don’t have the luxury of accommodating more procrastination from the government. CCS has the potential to significantly lower our carbon emissions and create jobs and skills here in the UK, and to export that expertise around the world. Without clarity and purpose from government, the danger is that potential simply won’t be realised.
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Image: Robert Shuttleworth
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CAMPAIGN
Daughter
www.holeintheroof.org.uk hole_in_the_roof_A5_flyer.indd 1
25/10/2012 16:06
BY JODIE WILTSHIRE, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on? Henry David Thoreau
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Green messages have been proved to turn people off. We can watch endless programmes about polar bears struggling to survive as their natural habitat melts beneath their fluffy feet. We see parched faraway lands where crops cease to grow and children go hungry. Bleached and dead coral reefs, once teeming with curious marine life, disrupt ecosystems - a litmus test of the wellbeing of our oceans.
D
roughts, floods, death and
there is hope. We need to work with
destruction are a just remote
people differently and get them to see
control button away from the
how simple changes can deliver for
comfort of our sofa. We all watch, but
them. A lot of people making these
do we take on board what seem like
changes out of justifiable self-interest
distant consequences of natural and
will slowly but surely contribute to the
manmade disasters?
bigger picture.
Does the almost daily bombardment
When I was considering these
of these desperate images desensitise
issues, I had the idea for an energy
us? Most of us focus on matters closer
efficiency campaign and how
to home - we need to look after our
we could interest people without
own immediate wants and needs.
saturating them in several shades
Some of us have the awareness to
of green. Hole in the Roof is about
see the bigger picture but when push
wasting less energy and becoming
comes to shove many of us don’t.
more efficient in the home. It has
So, do we lack the imagination
the bigger picture in the background
to see further than our Facebook
but concentrates on how to make
world? Is this an indictment of the
people’s immediate environment
21st century mankind? I think this
better. It is all about meeting material
question is a bit bleak and believe
needs to provide comfort. We can Coliseum scene
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CAMPAIGN
Roman baths
the gas grid. But we all can’t afford such measures and there are other cost-effective ways to save energy. One cheap way to cut heating costs is to purchase a fairly inexpensive set of controls. Other measures could include draught proofing, sealing an unused chimney or using radiator reflectors. Our campaign is highlighting all the ways we can make our home more energy efficient. Green architect and broadcaster Charlie Luxton who also supports the campaign believes: “When it comes to energy efficiency human beings are not perfect but we need to take greater responsibility for our actions. I think many people are aware that what we do has a all easily relate to having a warm
them in the pocket. Leading
negative impact on the environment
and comfortable home as this is
environmentalist, Tony Juniper who
but they feel a sense of helplessness.
one of Maslow’s fundamental levels
supports the campaign agrees and
We all make excuses because we
of need in his paper: ‘A theory of
said: “When it comes to meeting our
often feel defensive when our moral
human motivation’, to having a
energy challenges the best thing we
judgements are questioned. This
happy and healthy life.
can all do is avoid wasting energy
campaign highlights what people can
in the first place. A huge amount
do in their immediate environment
tap into the different motives people
of the power and heat we generate
and so improve living conditions for
have when becoming more energy
does no good at all, it lights empty
not only their family but wider circle of
efficient in their home. In other words,
rooms, powers TVs that no one is
friends too.”
its aim is to appeal to all members of
watching and goes through walls
Consumers can view the Hole
society taking into consideration all
and doors, and that is not only an
in the Roof website and click on
their lifestyle choices.
issue for our environment, it is also
any technology or heating system
The purpose of the campaign is to
Hole in the Roof is an innovative Roman man
and ongoing campaign and was
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HHIC is an organisation that
measure to find out what change could suit them best. The cartoon style website has
launched on November 12 2012.
represents the heating industry and
It raises awareness of energy
it wants the public to think more
a two dimensional house where
efficiency by encouraging people to
about how they heat their homes.
consumers can click on various
make changes in their homes that
Most people rarely do, unless their
heating technologies such as
will save money, improve their living
boiler breaks down or they have
thermostats, solar thermal, showers,
conditions and reduce greenhouse
a much higher energy bill than
heat pumps, controls and many
gases too.
expected. Consumers who have an
other measures. This user friendly
old, inefficient boiler need to consider
website will enable the public to
HHIC’s message is that consumers
replacing it with a new condensing
find out more about how they can
can change their behaviour
model. Alternatively, a new renewable
become more energy efficient and
and stop wasting energy that
technology may seem adventurous
save money. It also provides advice
is metaphorically disappearing
but it could be a cost-effective solution
from our designated experts on
through the roof, as well as hitting
for their property especially if it is off
the financial and environmental
Through Hole in the Roof,
26
a massive waste of money.”
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Roman woman
benefits. Our experts may be people you recognise, like TV star and Daily Mirror journalist Jasmine Birtles, or a leading heating manufacturer. Not only does Hole in the Roof campaign provide an interactive website, we have also commissioned a humorous animation called ‘The Romans’ by talented animator Adam Bailey. We all know a family like The Romans - in fact it could be ours - who find their bills too large but sit in the house in their shorts and also have a window open. Mum and daughter spend far too much time in the shower or bath and they don’t turn down the thermostat. We can all relate to behaving like this occasionally and many consumers will see themselves in these characters. Energy prices are continuing to rise and fuel poverty in the UK is a real concern for the more vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, disabled, children, low income and the infirm. The purpose
HHIC’s mission is to become more energy efficient in the home and it was decided to take a look at how our modern day creature comforts, got so comfortable. The Romans were a good place to start as they invented central heating. After some serious sketching from myself, the animation started to take more shape and the cartoon was born. Adam Bailey
of Hole in the Roof is also to include inexpensive ways people can make their homes much better, for example by placing tin foil behind radiators.
The modern day Romans in the bathroom
Dr Ros Altmann the former Director General from Saga said: “We support the idea of making older people’s homes more energy efficient as it can help them afford to live more comfortably and in better health. It is important however, that people research any free services available to make their homes energy efficient (such as those on offers from energy companies or grant funding) and ensure they get the best deal possible and a quality service on things they are paying for. The information available on the Hole in the Roof site can be used to help decide what can be done to your
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CAMPAIGN
home to help with heating costs and
could make a dramatic difference
for granted, but it fulfils one of
how best to go about making these
in giving them a much-needed
our most basic needs, having a
home improvements.
reduction in their bills. “
warm and cosy home. In these
“Inflation rates remain higher for
The Hole in the Roof campaign is
difficult economic times, we are all
the over-50s, reflecting in part the
all about making simple changes in
concerned with saving money. Hole
fact that utility prices are still much
the home more energy efficient. We
in the Roof will show people how
higher than a year ago. We know
want people to become enthused
inexpensive measures can make a
from our own research just how
about changing their behaviour
real difference, as well as identifying
much of a burden energy prices
and that collectively we can make
the grants available for the more
are on the finances of those faced
a difference. Realistically, we
expensive technologies.
with fixed or dwindling incomes,
can’t force people to change their
especially older generations, of
behaviour but we can try to tap into
of you who see the bigger picture
whom 29% are having to raid
the reasons they might want to.
then there is a real possibility it
savings every month in order to
Our industry must work together
Can change happen? For those
might and this certainty of hope
make ends meet. Energy saving
in order to engage the public into
could provide a solution to the
measures like double glazing,
thinking more about how they heat
unpredictable future of our planet.
insulation and draught proofing
their homes. People take heating
www.holeintheroof.org.uk
Our industry must work together in order to engage the public into thinking more about how they heat their homes. People take heating for granted, but it fulfils one of our most basic needs, having a warm and cosy home.
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Mum
An elderly couple were struggling to keep warm in their older property in a rural location just outside Oxford. The husband has cancer and it was important that his home was warm. They could not stop worrying about being able to pay the bills. HHIC explained to a concerned friend of the couple that there were lots of inexpensive things they could do to save energy. The Hole in the Roof website has some great tips to stop draughts, such as blocking key holes and using jumpers as draught excluders. The friend also passed on HHIC’s advice about contacting an Energy Saving Trust assessor. The assessor visited and saw how hard it was for them to keep warm. She helped them to fill in forms to apply for heating grants and benefits. The friend said: “Thanks to HHIC’s advice the couple are warm, comfortable and no longer worry about how they will pay their energy bills. Hole in the Roof made such a difference to their lives during this cold winter.”
Charlie Luxton
Jasmine Birtles
Ros Altmann
Tony Juniper
Campaign supporters
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GAS SAFETY TRUST
“We are becoming aware of new sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. It is believed that around 12 people died in the past year from carbon monoxide poisoning where the source was a disposable barbecue.”
BY CHRIS BIELBY, CHAIRMAN
CONSUMERS
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T E O C
T
D E
FROM DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE
PR
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GAS SAFETY TRUST
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The most recent information regarding fatalities from carbon monoxide in the UK shows that last year there was only one death linked to natural gas.
T
his is a huge achievement
because carbon monoxide poisoning
only way this dangerous situation
compared with the 100 deaths
is often misdiagnosed at lower levels.
can occur and the success of
in 1971 and is to an extent
The symptoms are similar to those of
tackling the risks from appliances in
due to the legislative changes and
a common cold or flu - headaches,
the home must now be extended to
proactive decisions taken by the
tiredness, difficulty thinking clearly
other causes.
industry itself over the past forty years.
– and are unique in each case.
We are becoming aware of
Medical professionals suggest that
new sources of carbon monoxide
boiler scrappage scheme and
giving the difficulties in diagnosis,
poisoning. It is believed that around
improvements in carbon monoxide
many people are living unaware that
12 people died in the past year
detection technologies have all
they are being poisoned.
from carbon monoxide poisoning
The landlords’ safety check,
raised public awareness. Altogether,
This level of under reporting poses
where the source was a disposable
this has led to a substantial
a challenge and we have worked
barbecue. This is commonly caused
reduction in the number of people at
closely with the medical profession to
by people taking a smouldering
risk from carbon monoxide created
highlight the importance of identifying
barbecue into their tent to cook or
by natural gas appliances.
carbon monoxide poisoning. It is
keep warm. The lack of ventilation in
obviously not just the individual who
such a confined space is the perfect
become complacent. Evidence from
is presenting themselves with the
condition for carbon monoxide to
the Department of Health suggests
symptoms who is potentially at risk;
be produced from the remaining
that a significant number of people
children and the elderly may be more
unburned fuel. It is estimated that 1.2
are subjected to lower levels of
susceptible to these lower levels.
million Brits go camping on a regular
This does not mean that we can
exposure and may not even be
Carbon monoxide poisoning from
aware that this is happening. This is
natural gas appliances is not the
basis where a CO audible alarm would make a critical difference.
Children and
the elderly may be more susceptible to these lower levels.”
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E C T T O
With campers storing gas or carbon
ED
PR
GAS SAFETY TRUST
FROM DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE Given the changes in the industry
the evidence gathered is used to improve safety.
based fuels in tents, even when
and the evolving challenges we face
extinguished, a CO alarm would make
to prevent death and injury from
a big difference to help protect them
carbon monoxide, The Gas Safety
we can make the best use of our
from the risk of carbon monoxide
Trust is now taking a new strategic
resources and can generate the most
poisoning. Camping equipment
direction. The Gas Safety Trust will
value. It also makes best use of the
frequently carries many common
seek to support and enhance the
expertise at the disposal of the Trust.
sense rules to reduce risk and through
methods of educating and raising
education and awareness raising of
awareness of carbon monoxide.
monoxide, our emphasis will no
carbon monoxide poisoning fatalities
This is important work and our
longer be solely on gas. It will include
and injuries can be prevented.
refocusing will add great value
all fuels such as oil and solid fuel.
Standards and checks for the effectiveness of CO alarms
through complementation. Our purpose will remain the same,
The Trust believes this is where
Because of the threat of carbon
The most recent Downstream Incident Data Report (DIDR) included
have developed to reflect this. A
as we remain committed to helping
an assessment of domestic solid fuel
spokesperson for the Council for
improve fuel safety and reducing the
and oil heating incidents (as reported
Gas Detection and Environmental
number of incidents involving carbon
by HETAS and OFTEC), which offered
Monitoring (CoGDEM), which has
monoxide exposure.
a broader picture of carbon monoxide
seen the development of carbon
In the past, we have been involved
monoxide alarms progress in Europe
in a wide variety of projects from
for use outdoors, said:
consumer awareness campaigns to
safety issues and has helped shape our GST focus. It is clear from the successes of the past that lives can be saved.
“CoGDEM is pleased that EN
providing carbon monoxide alarms to
50291-2 has recently been published
vulnerable groups in the community.
The DIDR report and the media
However, given that there are a
coverage of incidents show that
as a safety standard specifically for CO alarms which are to be used in
number of other organisations working
while CO is clearly an avoidable
temporary accommodation such as
in this area, we have decided that the
cause of injury and death, it is still
caravans, motorhomes and boats.
main focus of our activities will now
occurring. The Gas Safety Trust
CO alarms which comply with this
be on funding research and projects
can be a driver of information but
tough standard are now available and
that will provide evidence to support
it takes collaboration with industry
are also suitable for temporary use
these other bodies in improving and
and others seeking to prevent
in tents.”
promoting fuel safety.
these incidents to deliver results.
Detection is not a substitute for
Our efforts will be focused on
Recognising the developing causes
prevention through thorough checks
becoming the trusted source of
of carbon monoxide together and
of equipment and taking sensible
evidence based fact for fuel safety in
putting into practice methods
precautions, but these alarms
the UK. This evidence will be used to
of improving awareness will be
could be a valuable contribution
inform and implement safety initiatives
essential. Our renewed focus
for preventing death from carbon
for the betterment of consumer safety
and the support we can offer to
monoxide poisoning in this
in the UK.
developing research in this field will
environment that would not otherwise be anticipated.
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We will work in partnership with other organisations to ensure that
help protect people from this silent and avoidable killer.
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“The Gas Safety Trust can be a driver of information but it takes collaboration with industry and others seeking to prevent these incidents to deliver results.”
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HHIC TECHNICAL TEAM
Carbon monoxide awareness has stepped up quite a pace recently. The press hav e reported a few tragedies about camping acc idents in the UK. Disposable barbeques hav e been taken inside the closed, environme nt of a tent for warmth resulting in the fatal con sequences of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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HHIC TECHNICAL TEAM
C
hristmas 2012 saw the ITV soap,
servicing of domestic heating and hotwater
Coronation Street weave into
products, in line with Building Regulations
its storyline a carbon monoxide
in England and Wales. It is managed and
incident. Fiz Brown a popular character in the soap collapses due to gas poisoning. She
promoted by HHIC. Benchmark requires that installers
foolishly let her friend Tyrone mend her boiler
complete a Benchmark checklist when
but he was a car mechanic and not a trained
commissioning a new heating appliance
heating engineer.
installation. Failure to install and commission
The Heating and Hotwater Industry’s
according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Council’s (HHIC) technical team are always
and complete the Benchmark Commissioning
thinking about how industry can improve
Checklist will invalidate the warranty for gas
safety on a variety of issues. What kicked
boiler installations.
off a new project regarding changes to the
Benchmark also runs a quality scheme
commissioning of gas boilers from April
for installers who wish to demonstrate their
2013 are mainly safety concerns as well
commitment to raising standards. HHIC
as the introduction of new competency
boiler manufacturers already require engineers
requirements. These stipulate that a heating
to correctly complete the Benchmark
engineer must be proficient in the use of flue
Commissioning Checklist as a condition of
gas analysers.
the manufacturing warranty – hence the new
So what does all this mean? HHIC has
requirement to record CO and combustion
worked in partnership with other bodies,
ratio on the checklist will also form part of
including Gas Safe Register, Energy and
these warranty conditions.
Utility Skills, UKLPG and COGDEM. After
The new measures are designed to improve
all the teams’ hard work, all parties involved
CO safety in relation to new installations of
agreed to new requirements to measure and
condensing boilers. The Health &Safety
record CO levels, along with combustion
Executive and Department for Business
ratios, when gas engineers commission
Innovation & Skills have been involved in these
a new boiler installation. From April 2013
discussions and fully support the industry’s
boiler manufacturers are recommending that
steps towards improving CO safety.
engineers should measure the level of CO in the chimney/flue gases and the combustion ratio using an electronic combustion gas analyser (ECGA – often known as a flue gas analyser of FRGA). The measured CO level and the combustion ratio should then be recorded on the appropriate commissioning documentation (e.g., an HHIC Benchmark Commissioning Checklist, as supplied with every boiler in the UK).
Benchmark Changes There will also be changes to Benchmark which is the nationally recognised scheme that places the responsibility on both the manufacturers and installers to ensure best practice in installation, commissioning and
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Measurement HHIC technical panels and other industry bodies wanted a very strong process for the measurement of CO, using an ECGA when commissioning a condensing boiler. For example, how flue integrity can be verified and how the process of CO testing is carried out, and when advice should be sought. But HHIC cannot stress enough that all boilers go through rigorous testing and adhere to standards. These are factory set to ensure very low CO emissions. However, these further checks on the boiler and chimney/flue will help to identify any problem that may have arisen during installation and will give the householder reassurance that the heating system has been left in a safe condition. The proposal to implement these new CO safety measures follows logically from the recent ACS requirement for gas engineers to be competent in using ECGAs, via CPA 1. It also supports the conclusions of the All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group report: ‘Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.’ All this will be great news for the consumer. It is important to keep the momentum going that the powerful storyline in Corrie started and we hope to see lots more CO awareness articles in the press.
“After all the teams’ hard work, all parties involved agreed to new requirements to measure and record CO levels, along with combustion ratios, when gas engineers commission a new boiler installation.”
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GREEN DEAL
“Eight core cities across England have also been given over £12 million to help them kick-start the Green Deal in their regions.”
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Government’s promise to tackle
the UK’s draughty homes BY THE GREEN DEAL TEAM, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DECC) The Green Deal, the Coalition Government’s flagship new energy efficiency initiative, is here. As of 28th January 2013, homes and businesses have been able to sign up for a Green Deal and transform their property. The Green Deal is revolutionary and will play a huge role in upgrading the UK’s inefficient buildings, which currently account for a huge 43 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
“The Green Deal is revolutionary and will play a huge role in upgrading the UK’s inefficient buildings, which currently account for a huge 43 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions.”
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I
t removes some of the biggest
heating controls. Homes and
barriers to demand for energy
businesses across Britain are
efficiency measures, for
wasting energy and money, yet
example by providing access to
demand for energy efficiency
up-front finance, and is creating a
measures remains low.
new, exciting market. The Green Deal is a massive
By giving people the opportunity to pay for highly desirable energy
opportunity to transform the UK’s
efficient measures, such as double
buildings. Millions of homes do not
glazing and new heating systems,
have full double-glazing. More than
with the savings on their energy
half do not have enough insulation
bills the Green Deal is providing
or an efficient condensing boiler.
a really attractive proposition. All
Most do not even have proper
Green Deals will have to pass the
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41 19/3/13 10:27:16
GREEN DEAL
“It’s a vital time in the world of energy efficiency and the Green Deal has enormous potential – it could see British homes and businesses save enough energy to power 1 million homes in 2020.”
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‘Golden Rule’, which limits the
of the Green Deal. Money has been
under the Green Deal and linking
amount of Green Deal finance that
awarded to 39 successful projects,
to Green Deal Participants who are
can be offered by a provider to
covering over 150 local councils
at the show. Next up will be Grand
the estimated energy bill savings
across England.
Designs Live, at London’s Excel
likely to result from the installation
in May, where the Green Deal will
of new measures. This means that
have also been given over £12
sponsor the seminar theatre; there
customers will get a good deal.
million to help them kick-start the
will also be a Green Deal trail
Green Deal in their regions. The
linking participants present.
The Green Deal is designed to
DECC has also agreed media
tackle some of the big worries
cities – Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds,
people say put them off making
Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle,
partnerships for Green Deal
their homes more energy efficient.
Nottingham and Sheffield – are
paid-for coverage this spring.
Can they get reliable, impartial
taking forward ambitious proposals
This activity will give space to
advice? Will the work be done
to lower their carbon emissions
explain the Green Deal, the kind of
well? Can they afford it?
and this funding is supporting
improvements that can be done,
their plans to test key elements of
and the benefits gained.
To ensure Green Deal is a
Our second phase of advertising
success, DECC have begun a
the Green Deal. Their proposals
number of initiatives, designed to
include retrofitting properties
will appear in national press and
drive consumer demand for the
across whole communities to raise
magazines from March. All of our
Green Deal.
awareness of the Green Deal.
advertising drives consumers to
Hundreds of pounds of
A £3M budget for a Green Deal
call the Energy Saving Advice
cashback is currently available
communications campaign was
Service on 0300 123 1234 or to get
to householders in England and
announced in December and
online at gov.uk/greendeal to find
Wales who make energy saving
this work began 28 January with
out more.
home improvements under the
wide coverage in broadcast, print
Green Deal (a separate cashback
and social media channels. The
material produced by DECC is
scheme applies in Scotland).
‘Green Deal with it’ national press
available for use by partners and
Households quick off the mark
campaign launched on 29 Jan with
businesses who are participating
could get over £1,000 cashback.
insertions in all national and daily
in the Green Deal – and can be
It is a first-come, first-served offer
titles (including Scotland and Wales
accessed at gov.uk/promoting-the-
and the more work households
titles) over the following four weeks.
green-deal.
All Green Deal promotional
The ‘Green Deal with it’
It’s a vital time in the world of
campaign has moved into
energy efficiency and the Green
digital channels this month and
Deal has enormous potential
the energy efficiency of homes
continues throughout April. Display
– it could see British homes and
across local authority areas is
advertising appears on sites that
businesses save enough energy to
helping kick start energy efficiency
reach our three target audience
power 1 million homes in 2020.
projects to tie in with the launch of
groups efficiently; those searching
the Green Deal.
for the Green Deal, home
consumers by providing
improvements and key energy
more options for making
saving improvements.
home improvements. And it’s
have done, the more cash back they could receive. £10 million of funding to improve
The money is being used specifically for Green Deal household energy efficiency
Looking ahead, the Green
The Green Deal is encouraging
empowering businesses by
assessments to see where energy
Deal will be at the Ideal Homes
enabling them to compete for
savings can be made in the
Show which starts mid March at
energy efficiency opportunities in
home, whole house retrofits to
Earls Court in London. The Green
new and innovative ways.
demonstrate the benefits of energy
Deal will be sponsoring the Low
efficiency and local events and
Cost Living Home highlighting
other activities to raise awareness
improvements that can be made
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Eight core cities across England
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43 19/3/13 10:27:47
BIOMASS
BY JEAN-MICHEL SEVERINO From climate change to volatile oil prices, all signs point to a looming global energy crisis. Confronting the growing challenge means that humanity can no longer afford to ignore the inexhaustible resource found in the organic material that the sun provides each day through photosynthesis. Solar energy enables plants to absorb carbon gas and thereby produce not only oxygen, but also matter that the animal kingdom uses for food – and that our machines can use for energy.
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“Biomass, on the other hand, has several advantages. Supplies of it are large and available throughout the world. Moreover, the technology necessary to convert it into energy – including high-yield burning, gas conversion, and liquefaction into synthetic fuel – has long been mastered.”
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BIOMASS
“Confronting the growing challenge means that humanity can no longer afford to ignore the inexhaustible resource found in the organic material that the sun provides each day through photosynthesis.”
S
ince the Neolithic (or late
extraction, refining, and distribution
Stone Age) period, humans
costs, but not that of creating the
have been cultivating this
raw material. Millions of years
“biomass” in order to feed itself.
and 200 tons of plant matter are
Yet, even in today’s world, its energy
necessary to produce one liter of
potential is ignored. Beginning with
oil, whereas just 15 kilograms of
the industrial revolution, humans
plant matter are required to make
sought energy from coal, and later
one liter of synthetic fuel.
from oil and natural gas, but this
After the oil glut, with oil below
leads to the exhaustion of non-
$20 a barrel, interest in developing
renewable resources.
energy from biomass ebbed,
Existing alternatives for
attractive only to “green” militants
diversifying energy production are
and those interested in fundamental
limited. Nuclear energy presents a
science. Yet the potential is
number of disadvantages, owing to
immense. The planet’s biomass
concerns about safety and disposal
– forests, pastureland, savannas,
of radioactive waste. Hydroelectric
and crops – make up productive
power is already widely used, while
capital that generates a 10%
wind and solar energy are structurally
“return” every year. Like a battery
sporadic and disparately available.
that runs out and is then recharged
Biomass, on the other hand, has
by the sun, this supply is renewable
several advantages. Supplies of it
indefinitely, as long as it is managed
are large and available throughout
properly. The annual return on this
the world. Moreover, the technology
capital is currently estimated at 60
necessary to convert it into energy
billion tons, yet only two billion tons
– including high-yield burning,
is consumed for food purposes and
gas conversion, and liquefaction
10 billion tons for energy.
into synthetic fuel – has long been
Increasing the responsible use of
mastered. Widely used during
this energy source would contribute
World War II, this technology has
to the fight against climate change
since advanced considerably.
by reducing the amount of carbon
Biomass energy, however, is the
in the atmosphere and diminishing
victim of unfair competition from
the amount of fossil fuel required
fossil fuels. Oil’s price reflects its
to produce energy. Moreover, its
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“The ancient Egyptians and the Incas practiced a religion of the Sun, believing it to be at the beginning of all life on Earth.”
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BIOMASS
“Increasing the responsible use of this energy source would contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and diminishing the amount of fossil fuel required to produce energy.”
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abundance in southern countries
encouraging producers to increase
promises to facilitate their economic
yields and productivity.
development. Considered the “energy
Thus, while cultivating energy
of the poor” until today, biomass could
would create new constraints, it
become a source of wealth if it is
would also open new possibilities
grown and harnessed with the support
for many economic actors. The
of the international community.
farmer and the forest worker could
Thus, “energy crops” could be
become more involved in the
developed to produce biofuel.
market; the mine engineer could
Residue from forest, agricultural,
begin to take an interest in crop
and agro-industrial activities could
fields, the banker in plant shares,
be collected and converted. For
etc. But, in order to prepare for a
example, the six million tons of
scaling up of energy cropping, new
waste produced annually by Niger
policies must be implemented, both
could theoretically be used to meet
in northern and southern countries,
that country’s entire energy needs.
in terms of agriculture, land and
However, in many places,
water management, protection
energy cropping would certainly
of biodiversity, fuel taxes, and
compete with food crops. Long-
information and awareness-raising.
term estimates project that over a
The ancient Egyptians and the
50-year time horizon, most of the
Incas practiced a religion of the Sun,
planet’s arable land would have to
believing it to be at the beginning
be used to feed the world and for
of all life on Earth. Science has
forest conservation. Thus, areas
since proven this to be the case.
dedicated to energy production,
Nowadays, when it has become
particularly biofuel, may not reach
more important than ever that we
the level that societies would wish.
embrace renewable resources, we
But, while such competition would
should use the Sun to cultivate our
reveal new global scarcities, it would
energy, just as our ancestors used it
also bring higher prices, thereby
to cultivate their food.
Jean-Michel Severino, a former vice-president of the World Bank, is the director general of the Agence Française de Développement (jms@afd.fr). Copyright: Project Syndicate www.project-syndicate.org
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BOOK REVIEW
What has ever done for us? 50
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$6.6 Trillion – ANNUAL GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE CAUSED BY HUMAN ACTIVITIES (11 PER CENT OF WORLD GDP) The tiger snakes found at Kangaroo Island can make heating systems more effective according to Tony Juniper in his new book: ‘What has Nature ever done for us?’ The snakes who are unable to warm their bodies themselves must find other solutions to the job of thermal control.
A
ccording to Juniper,
natural world, showing us that we
although the snakes
are in nature’s debt for providing us
are very secretive they
with its services for free. Juniper
are under intense scrutiny by
is a clever environmentalist – he
researcher, Peggy Rismiller. The
understands that many people
snakes come in different colours
switch off over messages about
and they can flatten the first third
a declining planet but this
of their body to reveal black skin
book provides the economic
between the scales. When they do
consequences in doing so. He also
this, they can heat themselves up
describes its beauty in sometimes
even in weak sunshine and become
beguiling detail.
an effective solar collector. Rismiller
A fact at the beginning of a
notes that if we could understand
chapter shows that 27 per cent of
this we could use the methods
Heads of Global companies say that
developed by the snakes to make
the loss of natural diversity could
solar heating technology more
cut business growth. This book is
efficient, to collect heat during the
particularly important for industry
day and then use it at night.
leaders who understand that
Juniper’s book is bursting with
sustainability has to become part
examples like this and it presents
of their business model. What is
a fascinating journey through the
happening to our natural resources
$3.7 Trillion: value of Carbon Capture Services gained by 2030 through halving the deforestation rate
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BOOK REVIEW
is truly terrifying and this book
years to keep its forest undamaged.
to be set well above the levels of
doesn’t pull any punches but it does
Juniper reveals: “This figure was
Guyana. But as Juniper concludes
offer hope in how we can conserve
arrived at in part through calculating
it would be less expensive than
nature and provides case studies in
the value of the work done by the
to invest in carbon capture and
how some countries are benefitting
forests to capture and store carbon.
storage technologies.
by a new approach.
By paying to keep that work going,
This book is interwoven with
the world would get an economic
facts, case stories and economics
provides is the natural carbon
benefit reflected in the payments
but it is also one that feeds the
capture and storage of rainforests.
being made by Norway.”
imagination too. From a literary
One of the examples Juniper
Guyana is a poor country in
Norway’s financial incentive
perspective there is an almost
South America but has extensive
has also resulted in modernisation
story-telling element of exotic lands
rainforests and the soils and
of Guyana, which has resulted
and almost fantastical creatures and
minerals have huge economic
in moving its energy sector to
landscapes. The clarity of language
value. One of the concerns is
renewable energy, solar energy
in this book prevents any alienation
that if the practice of logging and
for indigenous families and more
from what are really quite complex
mining increased to a larger scale
low carbon jobs. Juniper often
subjects. From the crisp, matter
there would be less carbon storage
highlights the positive in this book
of fact tone to the magical almost
in the forest and more in the
but he does not shy away from
folksy descriptions of trees called
atmosphere. Juniper explains that
describing the problems too.
azaroles, chinkapins, cornelian
Guyana’s President Jagdeo invited
In other parts of the world this
cherries, medlars, mulberries and
an international partner to help to
particular programme would have
other exotic delights grown in
pay to keep the rainforests intact.
higher costs and research reveals in
experimental plots in Devon.
Norway came forward and agreed
South East Asia the price of slowing
to pay Guyana $250 million over five
down deforestation would need
You are also taken all over the world to habitats unfamiliar and ones that cry out for a possibility of far flung travel. “Bright purple
“There is a species of tiger snake that in cooler climates might offer new ideas on how to make heating systems more effective.”
and shining emerald feathers dashed and darted between flowers.” Juniper’s description of hummingbirds visiting a bush in the Colombian Andes in an area of subtropical cloud forest is particularly vivid. Leaving the moments of whimsical to more grounded concerns, it is not an unknown fact that we have become less dependent on fossil fuels to meet governments’ carbon emission targets, yet the demand for energy will increase. Juniper states: “Soil is probably the least appreciated source of human welfare and security.” Soil provides carbon capture and storage and “one estimate holds that at the global level it would be possible to take
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$274 Billion: contribution to Global GDP from fishing, fish processing and sales
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in and store some 5.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in soil every year.” As Juniper explains this is a massive opportunity in a world that is struggling to prevent the devastating effects of climate change. Juniper in his conclusion discusses how modern economies are controlled by governments and private sector companies who are both driven by ‘shortterm incentives’ and ‘pressures’ resulting in a false economy. It is human nature to look after those in your immediate vicinity and to achieve instant profits and this ‘short termism’ is how today we conduct economic activity. Juniper and other significant thought leaders want companies to think more about natural capital as an ‘underpinning service for the economy.’ The attitude held by many is to take as much natural resources
“Bright purple and shining emerald feathers dashed and darted between flowers”
as possible while it is still there. natural systems never exceed the
The reality according to Juniper
important to the performance of most
is that we need to shift towards a
companies and the issue is ‘how
value of the benefits gained from
bioeconomy where human economic
we can benefit economically while
keeping them intact.’
development and nature fuse.
keeping the environment intact.’
Juniper uses the example of
Technology is important by
This book does not let up and it is no easy ride and rightly so
consumer goods giant, Unilever
transforming how we collect our
- why should it let us off the hook
who is standing out as a leader by
natural resources for example by
as we are all responsible for our
setting out a Sustainable Living
better farming practices but nature
planet? As you progress throughout
Plan with the goal of cutting its
cannot be replaced by technology.
the book you start to realise
environmental impact by half by
The carbon capture and storage
from the soil beneath our feet,
2020. This new nature- friendly
properties of rainforests and soils,
photosynthesising plants, the sun,
approach invited questions from
photosynthesis and the productivity
pollinating insects, forests, to the
journalists who wanted to know what
of our oceans are essential yet fragile.
water in vast oceans, nature has a
this would mean for quarterly profit
Nature provides us with so much
huge price tag on its head and we
forecasts. But the CEO ‘suggested
but it requires ‘careful management
can profit from its value. But if we
that investors only interested in
of natural systems so that it can
continue to abuse its generosity
short-term returns should take their
carry on providing us with what
as we have been doing the world
money elsewhere.’ Other major
we need.’ Juniper wants ‘the
over then nature also has a raging,
companies are following this example
bioeconomy to support human
unpredictable face and it will make
such as Puma and Marks and
needs with the use of natural capital
us pay for man’s folly.
Spencer. Business leaders who are
based on taking only dividends and
forward-thinking realise that nature is
where costs in terms of damage to
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Jodie Wiltshire
WHAT HAS NATURE EVER DONE FOR US? Author, Tony Juniper with a foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales. www.profilebooks.com
HEATING & HOTWATER INDUSTRY COUNCIL
19/3/13 10:29:34
“The attitude held by many is to take as much natural resources as possible while it is still there. The reality according to Juniper is that we need to shift towards a bioeconomy where human economic development and nature fuse.�
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MEMBER NEWS
MEMBER NEWS BY ISAAC OCCHIPINTI, MEMBERSHIP MANAGER
I would like to take this opportunity to thank HHIC members for renewing their membership for 2013. We are always grateful for this continued support from companies in the heating industry and continue to repay your loyalty with our hard work.
I
t has been a difficult economic
association with whom the government
excluded from the scheme. The
the process. One of the reasons for
climate throughout 2012 and
consults with on all policies affecting
reasons are varied but many focus on
forming this group is because DECC
many of you have experienced
the domestic heating market. This
the high entry costs and punitive levels
has indicated that it would prefer a
demanding market conditions. HHIC
very much reflects the strength of our
of regulation in order to be eligible. The
single group with whom to negotiate
has been playing its part in looking
member base and the knowledge and
frustrations are that the heating installer
and act as the collective voice
for ways to stimulate the market. A
influence that members have on the
is one of the most regulated of all trades
representing companies involved in
possible solution for creating stimulus
market. It is crucially important that
and yet the Green Deal is seeking extra
the biomass heating industry. We will
has been to secure heating within the
HHIC maintains this relationship to
bureaucratic, box ticking in order to
be working alongside ICOM and other
flagship Green Deal scheme. HHIC
help ensure that the government is
allow them to participate.
stakeholders such as HETAS.
and its partners convinced ministers
realistic over what it can deliver. It
HHIC has been working closely
and officials from the Department of
is also important that our industry
with the DECC communications team
to ensure that the RHI is successful
Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
has more certainty about the policy
on how to engage with the heating
and we are eagerly waiting DECC’s
about the potential for heating which
landscape to improve confidence
industry. In February, DECC attended
consultation response to see if our
gave heating installers the opportunity
about its business planning.
a meeting with the PR and marketing
messages have helped to shape the
representatives from HHIC members.
legislation. Most of all we hope that the
to become a trigger for the Green
2013 is set to become another
There is still a lot of work to be done
Deal. It also ensured that heating
challenging year. We know that market
This allowed for a frank discussion
final scheme will see generous tariffs for
would receive its share of the incentive
trading will be tough and even more
on what DECC needed to do to help
all technologies and will be launched
funding for the scheme. DECC has
so with little in the way of government
manufacturers disseminate a positive
nationwide and not as a pilot.
embraced these proposals and it
incentives. But against this bleak
message to their installers whom they
was encouraging to see a number
backdrop, there are a number of
meet on a very regular basis. Further
publishing a ‘Heat’ options paper this
of heating products benefitting from
serious initiatives that will be launched
action is scheduled for later this spring
spring. Early indications reveal that
the Green Deal cashback scheme
and one that has been already.
on how to take this forward.
it could look at ways of developing
announced in October 2012.
The Green Deal was launched on
We are also expecting the launch of
Finally, DECC are going to be
policy that meet the aims of the Heat
January 28 2012. HHIC was invited
the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive
Strategy published last year. It will
for the first time in many years heating
to the launch events which attracted a
(RHI). This ground breaking piece of
be interesting to see which direction
has featured very prominently in the
large level of political support. There is
legislation is due in the summer. It has
DECC will take. It could move
government’s energy and environmental
no doubt that the government would
taken a number of years for the scheme
towards regulation or a less punitive
policy programme. HHIC has
like to see this initiative succeed.
to become a reality and there are real
approach. One thing is for certain,
hopes that this incentive could finally
HHIC hopes that it will acknowledge
During the past twelve months and
continued to build and reinforce its
However, HHIC has also recognised
relationships with the government both
that the policy has elements that are
start to help those who wish to install
the 15.4 million inefficient boilers
at the civil servant and political levels.
currently not working and solutions
renewable heat technologies.
currently in use and that any move to
It is encouraging to report that we are
need to be found. As of yet, small
HHIC has launched a Biomass
reduce our carbon output could start
increasingly perceived as the leading
installation companies are feeling
Heating Group in order to assist with
with incentivising their replacement.
IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE PLEASE CONTACT ME ON 01926 513742
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