The need to reduce CO2 emissions, coupled with recent sharp increases in energy prices has incentivised householders, businesses, local authorities and housing associations to act with increased haste to reduce energy use.
"There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally”Economics of Climate Change, government adviser, Sir Nicholas Stern
What is microgeneration ?
Microgeneration is the production of energy on the smallest of scales, for individual buildings or communities.
Microgeneration technologies include small-scale photovoltaic (PV) arrays; micro-hydro generation; small wind generators and domestic-scale combined heat and power equipment. These technologies emit low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) or in some cases, no carbon dioxide at all, whilst allowing consumers to generate their own heat and/or electricity. Micropower Council link
Recent government initiatives and legislation should facilitate the development of the market for microgeneration by providing support and removing technical constraints through the Low Carbon Building Programme the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act, and the Microgeneration Strategy. 2007 will see the introduction of the government's new Code for Sustainable Buildings that will stipulate that new buildings minimise their environmental footprint and make better use of the resources they consume.
What is microCHP ?
Micro Combined Heat & Power (microCHP) is the simultaneous production of heat and electricity in individual homes. Effectively the microCHP unit replaces the gas central heating boiler and provides heat and hot water as usual, but additionally provides the majority of the home's electricity needs. |
