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Renewable energy: what are your thoughts on our options?

Renewable energy: what are your thoughts on our options?


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The topic:
There are many forms of low carbon and renewable energy sources.  Would you install some form of microgeneration on/in your home and if so what type? What forms of large scale renewable energy plant would you support near to your home?  We have the problem but can we face the consequences, or are we all NIMBY's?

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Mon, 2007-03-05 20:34

david@mcdonaldm... said,

I am considering replacing my existing oil fired heating system (which is hugely inefficient) with a combination of solar thermal and biomass fired heating.

I am not sure that I could justify the cost of this if it were not for the fact that my current system was originally installed in the 1950s and is life expired. I would also like to avail myself of the grant funding available from dti and defra for this kind of expenditure, but this system is looking as creaky as my old boiler at present.

The REA reported recently "Funding is available for microrenewables under the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). But February's LCBP fund for household grants was allocated in full by midday today (1st February), just 12 hours into the new calendar month. REA members and their customers will now have to wait a full calendar month before applications can be received under the March cap. "

Anyone wishing to install new equipment needs to have their wits about them it seems if they are going to have any chance of securing a share of the support grants.

Be warned!

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Sun, 2007-03-25 12:36

transport said,
Energy & Transport Group David, This was a good example of government not being aware of the scale of the issue. The subsequent furore resulted in last weeks Budget announcement of additional funding being made available. You are correct that the cost of changing systems is not financially attractive unless a replacement system is due and then the additional capital costs are +15-20% more. However, in terms of energy security and reduced emissions, you will be ahead of the game. Peter Mc Kendry
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Sat, 2008-04-12 20:40

Schnitzer said,

I changed my oil heating system to pellets (heating and tap water) and drive my car (a Skoda) with biodiesel. Solar thermal collectors heat the water in summer and invested in a wind farm.
It should be easy to be "renewable" as an individuum.
What would happen to the system if everybody does so. We spend so much money on stupid things, why not on renewables if they are a little bit more exxpensive?

Hans S

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