APPENDIX 19
Memorandum by the Energy Saving Trust
THE CAPACITY
OF MICROGENERATION
TO MEET
A SUBSTANTIAL
PROPORTION OF
UK ELECTRICITY DEMAND
IN THE
MEDIUM AND
LONG-TERM
On the 5 December the DTI published the report
"Potential for microgeneration study and analysis" to
inform the Low Carbon Buildings Programme and the wider microgeneration
strategy[72].
A copy of the report is attached. [73]The
report was undertaken by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of
the DTI in conjunction with Element Energy Limited, Cambridge
University Faculty of Economics and E-Connect to study and analysis
the potential of heat and electricity microgeneration technologies
up to the period 2050.
The report concludes that microgeneration has
the potential:
— To deliver between 30 to 40% of the
UK's electricity needs with CHP (fuel cell and stirling engine)
leading the way, followed by microwind and solar PV by 2050.
— To reduce CO2 emissions by 15%, with
a significant contribution from fuel cell CHP and microwind by
2050.
The report also concludes that many of the technologies
needed to achieve this will be cost effective before 2020. Biomass
heating is currently cost effective (compared with electricity)
and microwind turbines and solar PV will be cost effective by
2010 and 2020-25 respectively.
The report explored the effects of microgeneration
on the UK electricity network. It is unlikely that substantial
network reinforcement will be required for an installed capacity
of up to 500 W/household on a typical piece of network. Above
this point, some cost may be incurred. However this is substantially
lower than the cost of the microgeneration equipment itself and
can be managed with appropriate regulatory intervention. The report
concludes that impacts on the electricity distribution network
should not be a significant constraint on any timescale.
Recent consumer research conducted by the Energy
Saving Trust on attitudes towards microgeneration technologies
shows that more than half of the people in the UK would like to
generate their own energy. It is critical that consumers embrace
these technologies to stimulate the deployment of the microgeneration
technologies outlined in the report. However, capital grant schemes
and other government interventions such as building regulations
and ensuring a fair price for electricity exports are critical
to their success.
Given the above evidence, we strongly believe
that with the creation of a level playing field microgeneration
has the potential to meet a substantial proportion of UK electricity
demand in both the medium and long-term. In doing so microgeneration
technologies will reduce CO2 emissions, make a major contribution
to the future security of energy supply in the UK and can help
alleviate fuel poverty in off-gas network areas.
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleasID=181382&NewsAreaID=2
72 http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/consultations/pdfs/microgeneration-est-report.pdf Back
73
Not printed. Back
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