UK aims for more home-generated energy

British officials have come out with a new strategy designed to promote decentralized energy and microgeneration — small-scale renewables — for homeowners and communities across the UK.

The strategy was developed in collaboration with industry representatives, consumer groups and other stakeholders.

“I want to see a revolution in energy generation at a local level, giving genuine power to the people,” said Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker. “We want to help people who are enthusiastic to generate their own energy matched by an industry with the desire, creativity and tenacity to grow in a sustainable and responsible way.”

Barker added the strategy provides “a clear way forward  which includes cutting red tape for micro hydro projects helping this industry to prosper.”

The strategy includes actions to improve the government’s Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) process to make it work more effectively for small- and medium-sized organizations. It also aims to ensure consumer protection across the microgeneration sector, and to encourage development of the skills and knowledge needed as the sector expands.