Microgeneration strategy for Scotland
Following on from the Renewables Routemap 2020, this is a sectoral routemap for microgeneration.
Overview and Summary of Actions
In our Microgeneration Strategy for Scotland, the Scottish Government sets out its support for microgeneration and its ambitions for the sector. It showcases what has been achieved by national and local government, industry, communities, householders, the skills sector and other stakeholders across Scotland to grow the market for microgeneration.
The following sections set out our aims and ambitions for the growth of microgeneration in Scotland. We set out the successes and key actions we have taken to date to address barriers which could constrain uptake, across a range of policies: planning, building regulation, skills, housing and fuel poverty. The Strategy also outlines the work done by a range of organisations including the Scottish Energy Installers Alliance, the Colleges Energy Industry Partnership, Community Energy Scotland and the Energy Savings Trust.
Deployment: This section highlights what has been achieved both nationally and regionally across Scotland. It highlights the current installation rates and considers scenarios for future growth, taking into account the rapid changes in the market over the last year. It outlines the range of measures in place to support growth of the market and further actions.
Technologies: This section outlines the most common technologies currently being deployed and highlights technologies made in Scotland such as Gaia Wind and Kingspan wind turbines, Mitsubishi Ecodan Heat Pumps, and Sustainable Technologies and AES solar thermal panels. We also look to the future, with investment and innovation in Scotland through initiatives such as the Energy Technology Partnership ( ETP).
Planning and Regulation: The section outlines current planning and regulation, including the Scottish Government's updated online planning advice for microgeneration and other guidance. We also highlight the strong links between planning and energy efficiency, embedded in our Planning and Building Standards.
Skills: This section outlines the employment and training opportunities in Scotland. It highlights the work of Scottish industry, including the development by SummitSkills of industry qualification, and by the skills sector, such as the role of the Colleges Energy Skills Partnership in coordinating microgeneration training across Scotland's colleges and information on training provision for microgeneration.
Communication: This section demonstrates the range of advice, information and support that is available, for example the integrated renewable energy and energy efficiency advice supported by the Scottish Government through the Energy Saving Scotland advice centres, the Energy Saving Trust's Green Homes Network and online information. This section also identifies key target audiences and considers the options to improve awareness raising.
Summary of Actions
| Action 1 Scottish Government to convene a Microgeneration Task Group, reporting to the Renewables Industry Leadership Group of the Energy Advisory Board to take forward the recommendations, monitor deployment, review progress against benchmarks and consider further actions, as required, in 6 months following the outcome of the Comprehensive Review of the Feed in Tariff and in the run up to implementation of the Green Deal. The Task Group will expand the Microgeneration Strategy Stakeholder Group to include representation from end users such as consumer groups, Registered Social Landlords and the construction sector. | To report by end of 2012 |
| Action 2 The Scottish Government will boost its Home Renewables Loans Scheme, delivered by the Energy Savings Trust, to provide additional support for renewable heat. | August 2012 |
| Action 3 Energy Savings Trust will build on its successful solar PV hotspot campaign on behalf of the Scottish Government, to deliver discounted offers in each local authority area. | Ongoing |
| Action 4 The Collaborative and Scottish Government Procurement Division, Scottish Procurement, will put in place a Framework to facilitate public body access to renewable technologies. | Ongoing |
| Action 5 The Scottish Energy Installers Alliance will continue to work with MCS to strengthen links between existing industry competencies and microgeneration standards. | Ongoing |
| Action 6 The collaborative working group comprising the Scottish Government, community groups and the Scottish distribution network owners ( DNOs - Scottish Hydro and Scottish Power) will work together to identify innovative ways of maximising existing grid capacity. | Ongoing |
| Action 7 The Scottish Government will continue to engage with Heads of Planning Scotland and planning authorities on a regular basis to identify key actions that could support effective decision making on wind turbine planning applications. | |
| Action 8 The Scottish Government's Building Standards Division will extend its Technical Guides for Low Carbon Equipment to include solar PV and consider other technologies for future guides, where appropriate. | Ongoing |
| Action 9 The Scottish Government is reviewing the energy standards for buildings, examining the potential for further emissions reductions in 2013 and will consult on its proposals later this year. | Consultation by end of 2012 |
| Action 10 Skills Development Scotland will work stakeholders including Scottish Colleges to build on the audit of training provision to provide a searchable database, including Further Education and Higher Education provision. | Immediate |
| Action 11 The Microgeneration Task Group will map current research into existing housing stock, and identify gaps and future research needs. | By end of 2012 |
| Action 12 Scottish Government will continue to support the Energy Saving Scotland advice centres' advice service for householders and small businesses on microgeneration, including Home Renewables Visits from specialist advisors where appropriate. | Ongoing |
| Action 13 Scottish Government will work with the Microgeneration Task Group and Energy Saving Trust to provide comprehensive and coordinated advice and awareness raising on the financial mechanisms to support renewable energy and energy efficiency. | August 2012 |
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