Next Energy Group meeting – Weds 25th January – on Fracking (hydraulic fracturing for shale gas)
“Fracking Hell” – the untold story of Hydraulic Fracturing for Shale Gas. Meeting at WS Atkings, at Woodcote Grove, starting 7.30pm. Open to anyone interested. No charge. “Fracking” is not only environmentally damaging, but there is drilling due to start shortly near Balcombe, in Sussex. Rob Basto, from Transition Redhill will explain what is going on, and why we may need to be concerned. Then there will be questions and discussion.
Shale Gas: A Boon That Could Stunt Alternatives, Study Says
Shale gas has transformed the US energy landscape in the past several years—but it may crowd out renewable energy and other ways of cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A MIT study indicates that the new abundant natural gas is likely to have a far more complex impact on the energy scene than is generally assumed. If climate policy continues to play out in the United States with a relatively weak set of measures to control emissions, the new gas source will lead to lower gas and electricity prices, and total energy use will be higher in 2050. It will retard the growth of renewable energy’s share of electricity, and push off the development of carbon capture and storage technology.
Government moves today (Thursday 19 January 2012) to cut solar subsidies by early March – reducing the uncertainty hanging over the solar industry since Ministers attempted to rush through payment cuts in December – have been welcomed by Friends of the Earth. The solar industry was left reeling – and 30,000 jobs thrown into jeopardy – when the Government announced plans last year to abruptly cut payments for any solar scheme completed after 12 December 2011 – 11 days before an official consultation into the proposals had even closed.
Govt to appeal High Court solar ruling on 13 January
ndustry remains in dark over feed-in tariff rates after climate minister Greg Barker confirms appeal against high court ruling. DECC has consistently warned that delaying the proposed cuts to incentives could result in the feed-in tariff scheme exceeding its spending cap – a scenario that some solar industry insiders fear will result in deeper cuts to incentives from April.
Surrey Green Homes 2012 weekend 24th and 25th March
Action Surrey, the group working across the whole of Surrey on energy issues, are running a weekend, on 24th – 25th March, where people across the county, who have installed energy efficient or energy generating measures into their homes, invite visitors in on one day, to find out more about the details, benefits, problems, costs etc. They did the same in 2011, with 30 properties open, and several hundred visits. They are asking if other households would like to take part this March.
Petition to HM Government on getting a better rate for electricity generated by the early PV installers
Please sign this e-petition to the Government, which has been set up by Alan Watson, who is a member of the Epsom & Ewell Energy Group. It is about getting a better rate for electricity generated by the early PV installers, who took the risk and paid a higher price for installation, and now get a very low rate indeed.
High Court gives solar FiT legal action the go-ahead
Friends of the Earth and two solar firms have been given the go-ahead to challenge the Government in the courts over its plans to slash the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) for small-scale solar photovoltaic installations.
EU bans production of 60 watt bulbs
Under EU regulation the production of 60 watt bulbs will cease, in an effort to encourage the use of more energy efficient lighting.
LEDs offer a brighter future, says report
Under EU regulations, 60 watt light bulbs are being phased out.
Setting sun: solar panels feed-in tariff halved
This is a good article from the Guardian giving a lot of information about the decision by “the greenest government ever” to cut Feed In Tariffs for photovoltaics by 50% with only 6 weeks’ notice, though no change was expected till April. At least two legal challenges have been threatened, including one by Friends of the Earth, if the government doesn’t back down on the 12 December deadline.There will also be a protest at Westminster on 22nd November.
