Crucial consultation paints grim picture for small-scale energy

The UK Government has today (July 19) published a series of documents detailing the proposed closure of the Feed-in Tariff Scheme and has issued a Call for Evidence on the future for small-scale low-carbon generation.

To date, the Feed-in Tariff has supported much of the UK’s small-scale low-carbon generation: producing a portfolio of assets helping us meet our energy targets, develop smart energy systems, help consumers take control of their energy supplies and support rural economies.

The new consultation proposes closing the feed-in Tariff scheme from March next year (2019).

Commenting, Scottish Renewables’ Senior Policy Manager Hannah Smith said:

“While we are pleased to see this consultation published, it has some worrying consequences for the already struggling small-scale renewables sector.

“The picture for this part of our industry isn’t especially rosy. Since previous cuts to the Feed-in Tariff there has been a drop off in deployment of technologies such as hydro schemes and small-scale wind.

“That, coupled with considerable delay to the publication of this consultation, has already forced businesses into liquidation and created significant uncertainty as to whether small-scale energy generation can survive in the UK.

“From farmers with wind turbines to households with solar panels – and everything in between – the proposed closure of the Feed-in Tariff scheme and lack of clarity from the UK Government on the next steps for the sector has left us all questioning what the future holds.

“Government proposals to close the scheme in its entirety, by its own admission, risk both jobs in the sector and decreases in deployment levels of small-scale low carbon generation. Though we welcome the Call for Evidence into the future for small-scale low-carbon generation, the lack of clarity on support beyond the Feed-in Tariff is not welcome news.”

Senior Policy Manager Miss Smith highlighted the benefits derived from local energy production and consumption.

She continued:

“What is clear is the huge set of benefits FiT-scale projects deliver: to our energy system, to communities and to consumers the length and breadth of the country.

“At a time when we need to make our energy system smarter and develop a strong post-Brexit economy, denying a future for these technologies makes no sense.

“It is crucial now that we protect these benefits by delivering meaningful support for small-scale renewables through the Call for Evidence, and we look forward to working with the UK Government to do just that.”