media release - Regensw
MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release: 20 October 2011
Campaign wins Government boost for SW Wave and Tidal Energy Sector The government has today announced plans to boost support for wave and tidal energy projects. The announcement is good news for the burgeoning tidal and wave sector in the south west and follows a campaign by Regen and partners to bring the support available for these exciting technologies in line with that available in Scotland. The government’s proposals are set out in a consultation on the main mechanism to support renewable energy, the Renewables Obligation. The plans would increase support for wave and tidal stream projects up to 30MW from 2 ROCs to 5 ROCs. The total support could be as much as £1.5 billion over the lifetime of the projects supported. The south west is well placed to make the most of the incentives - with the Wave Hub project excellent wave & tidal resources, and world leading companies. Regen is working with DECC and Cornwall and Plymouth Councils to develop a South West Marine Energy Park, and with Bristol City Council on supporting the offshore renewable sector. Merlin Hyman, Regen chief executive, said “We have put a strong message to Ministers that the potential of the south west to be a world leading centre of wave and tidal energy is dependent on bringing the support in line with that available in Scotland. We, therefore, welcome this announcement as a major boost for development of a South West Marine Energy Park to enable the development of these exciting technologies.” Changes in support for other technologies have also been announced by the government including a drop in support for on-shore wind farms from 1 ROC to 0.9 ROCs which will make smaller projects more difficult to finance. Merlin Hyman commented, “Given the economic climate the government’s proposals for support for large scale renewable energy are positive for some technologies and not as bad as feared for others. These proposals set the framework for the UK to make the most of its excellent natural resources and create thousands of much needed skilled jobs.” - Ends Notes to Editors The consultation on proposals for the levels of banded support under the Renewables Obligation for the period 2013-17 and the Renewables Obligation Order 2012 can be found at: www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/cons_ro_review/cons_ro_review.aspx Interviews To interview Merlin Hyman or any member of Regen SW, contact us on the number below. About Regen SW Regen SW is a leading independent, not-for-profit, centre of expertise in sustainable energy. Its mission is to enable business, local authorities, communities and other organisations to deliver ground-breaking renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with thriving local supply chains. www.regensw.co.uk For further information Please contact Merlin Hyman, Regen SW on 01392 494 399 or email [email protected]
Campaign wins Government boost for SW Wave and Tidal Energy Sector The government has today announced plans to boost support for wave and tidal energy projects. The announcement is good news for the burgeoning tidal and wave sector in the south west and follows a campaign by Regen and partners to bring the support available for these exciting technologies in line with that available in Scotland. The government’s proposals are set out in a consultation on the main mechanism to support renewable energy, the Renewables Obligation. The plans would increase support for wave and tidal stream projects up to 30MW from 2 ROCs to 5 ROCs. The total support could be as much as £1.5 billion over the lifetime of the projects supported. The south west is well placed to make the most of the incentives - with the Wave Hub project excellent wave & tidal resources, and world leading companies. Regen is working with DECC and Cornwall and Plymouth Councils to develop a South West Marine Energy Park, and with Bristol City Council on supporting the offshore renewable sector. Merlin Hyman, Regen chief executive, said “We have put a strong message to Ministers that the potential of the south west to be a world leading centre of wave and tidal energy is dependent on bringing the support in line with that available in Scotland. We, therefore, welcome this announcement as a major boost for development of a South West Marine Energy Park to enable the development of these exciting technologies.” Changes in support for other technologies have also been announced by the government including a drop in support for on-shore wind farms from 1 ROC to 0.9 ROCs which will make smaller projects more difficult to finance. Merlin Hyman commented, “Given the economic climate the government’s proposals for support for large scale renewable energy are positive for some technologies and not as bad as feared for others. These proposals set the framework for the UK to make the most of its excellent natural resources and create thousands of much needed skilled jobs.” - Ends Notes to Editors The consultation on proposals for the levels of banded support under the Renewables Obligation for the period 2013-17 and the Renewables Obligation Order 2012 can be found at: www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/cons_ro_review/cons_ro_review.aspx Interviews To interview Merlin Hyman or any member of Regen SW, contact us on the number below. About Regen SW Regen SW is a leading independent, not-for-profit, centre of expertise in sustainable energy. Its mission is to enable business, local authorities, communities and other organisations to deliver ground-breaking renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with thriving local supply chains. www.regensw.co.uk For further information Please contact Merlin Hyman, Regen SW on 01392 494 399 or email [email protected]
