The British Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has released a five-year plan for the solar and biomass industries in an attempt to give investors certainty on subsidy levels for the 2013–2017 period.
“We want to see a healthy solar industry that grows in a sustainable way,” said Edward Davey, Energy and Climate Change Secretary. “That’s why our support levels reflect the fall in the cost of the technology.”
Building-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) projects will receive higher rates than ground-mounted projects, which the DECC believe will encourage the installation of solar projects at larger factory or warehouse buildings. Nevertheless, the funding made available will still be a cut of 20% from current levels.
“We have listened to industry about the need to differentiate support between building mounted and ground mounted installations and we have introduced two bands as a result,” said Greg Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change.
“Our proposals for solar projects on commercial buildings will encourage businesses to consider solar PV as a serious option for meeting their power needs.”
The press release also made clear that the Government plans to ensure the Renewables Obligation (RO) funds new biomass projects, with support for £600 million available, enough to create nearly 1,000 jobs.
“Biomass will make a significant contribution as we seek to increase the amount of cost-effective, low carbon renewable power in our energy mix,” said Davey. “The support we are setting out [this week] will bring new investment into the economy and create new jobs.”
Source: Department of Energy and Climate Change
Image Credit: R Walker (some rights reserved)
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