It will rain 'til September - but can renewables make the difference?
That was the Daily Express headline on 7th July 2012 and at the moment it seems like they were right. But there is a ray of light on the horizon in the form of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which could be the catalyst for a better future all round.
With the unseasonably wet weather continuing to grip the UK, flood warnings in place and forecasters predicting yet more wet weather to come, the summer of 2012 could well be remembered more for the images of flooded properties and people escaping rising water than of the Diamond Jubilee or the Olympics.
Reports this week are that climate change, of which the burning of fossil fuels is the major contributing factor, is playing a significant part in the conditions we are currently experiencing. The BBC has published comments from a leading climate scientist at the UK Met Office Dr. Peter Stott, who believes one potentially important factor in the current conditions is the rise in the amount of moisture in the atmosphere over the oceans. With more moisture in the air the likelihood of more sustained rainfall increases and according to Dr. Stott “that could make all the difference between a place getting flooded or not getting flooded.”
However, there is a ray of light on the horizon. Details of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which aims to reward adopters of renewable energy systems such as heat pumps with annual payments, are set to be announced in October ahead of its introduction in 2013. When Prime Minister David Cameron visited Ice Energy to discuss the RHI, he made it clear that Government was firmly behind the initiative which will play a major part in meeting carbon reduction targets for the UK as a whole. This has subsequently been reinforced by the comments of Energy Minister Greg Barker who stated “The RHI is essential if we are to meet the UK’s legally binding target of 15% of our energy from renewables by 2020 and our carbon emissions reductions targets. In 2020, 12% of our total heat demand will have to come from renewables, increasing from less than 2% currently. The RHI is central to delivering our framework for low carbon heat.”
Ice Energy Managing Director Andrew Sheldon who has championed heat pumps for well over a decade is eagerly anticipating the October announcement. “Judging by Mr. Barker’s recent comments Mr. Cameron has remained true to his word as the RHI is not only imminent, but commitment to the RHI is clearly demonstrable. One could also argue that in order to drive the uptake of renewables required to meet Government targets, there is the potential for greater incentives than those initially proposed” said Mr. Sheldon.
“This is potentially fantastic news for those consumers with the foresight to embrace renewables and that’s without the potential savings of over 60% on fuel bills which could be achieved when compared to the very systems which have played such a destructive and instrumental role in the overall issue of global warming.”
“When it comes to the environment, every little really does help and I firmly believe that by installing heat pumps and other renewable technologies, we can all help turn the tide of climate change for future generations.”