Hydro Update
11th June 2010
The Micro Hydro Working Group os developing MCS Standards for both MCS Products and Installers. To facilitate access to the scheme in the meantime, the group has developed a set of "transition arrangements", meaning essentially that if the installer / product meets certain minimum criteria, it can be added to the list for now, subject to becoming certificated once the standards have been finalised and a Certification Body is accredited.
The transition arrangements for hydro products are available by clicking here.
The transition arrangements for hydro installers are awaiting final sign-off, but are expected to be published in the week commencing 14th June 2010.
BWEA supports the MCS Scheme
22nd December 2009
BWEA and the international small wind sector state support for the MCS Scheme please click here to be directed to the statement from BWEA.
EU Energy Commissioner hails microgeneration as an important part of the EU's energy future
Micropower Europe
http://www.microgenerationeurope.eu/
Brussels 30 June 2009: Commissioner Piebalgs announced that microgeneration will be a key part of the EU's future energy mix at the launch of Micropower Europe in Brussels on Friday, together with Charles Bradshaw-Smith, President of Micropower Europe and Head of Innovation at E.ON.
In his speech, Commissioner Piebalgs said that microgeneration is an important part of the future energy mix, not only in terms of climate change and energy efficiency, but also for the energy security of the European Union. He recognised the importance of new ‘buildings as powerplants', and emphasised that many existing or renovated houses in the future can also benefit from the integration of renewable energy sources or co-generation.
Speaking at the launch of the new organisation to promote microgeneration, sustainable energy for the built environment, Micropower Europe's President Charles Bradshaw-Smith said: ‘European citizens who invest in energy efficiency and microgeneration enjoy more manageable and stable energy bills, emit few greenhouse gas emissions and consume energy in a more enlightened way - in their homes and throughout their daily lives'.
‘It is essential that the EU, Member States and companies spread the word and inform the hundreds of millions of ordinary citizens of the benefits offered by installing microgeneration technologies so that by 2020 many have it and everyone at least knows someone who has benefited. We need exemplars in every street in the European Union' said Charles Bradshaw-Smith.
Micropower Europe is a member-funded organisation advocating policy and regulatory initiatives that will lead to mass uptake of microgeneration products among European citizens. Founding members include major European energy suppliers, global manufacturers and specialist technology companies.
The launch of Micropower Europe coincided with the world's first exhibition dedicated to microgeneration, Citizens Generate Energy 2009. Leading manufacturers and suppliers showcased products, bringing together the general public and experts from the global sustainable energy sector during EU Green Week.
Microgeneration scheme 'boosting renewables'
From Energy Saving Trust Daily News
05 March 2009
A scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers to reassure consumers, is helping the renewable industry, according to one firm.
Heat pump installer ICS, which became the 200th supplier to be approved under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) praised the system.
Gary Broadbent, managing director of ICS, said: "It is clear that the MCS is moving the renewable energy industry forward and we are pleased to have achieved accreditation in a relatively short space of time."
The scheme is owned by the Department for Energy and Climate Change, though it was developed by BRE Global and is administered by Gemserv.
It certifies small scale renewable energy installers and products, providing protection for consumers and ensures that grant money from government, such as under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, is spent effectively.
Starting next year, small scale renewable generation installations, whether in homes or businesses, could sell surplus electricity to the grid for more than they buy it.
