Baxi Group Welcomes Launch of Government Microgeneration Consultation

Published by Anna Forster for Baxi Group in Environment and also in Central Government, Housing, Local Government

Baxi Group has hailed the Government’s announcement of a root and branch review of the UK’s Microgeneration policy and publication of a new Microgeneration Strategy early next year as a “significant boost for the likely mass market adoption of micro-CHP (Combined Heat and Power) in the home”.

Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, MP launched the consultation process at the Micropower Council Summer Reception in Westminster on Monday 12th July. The consultation will look at four key areas for development – Quality, to ensure consumer confidence in microgeneration; Technology, to improve product performance through more trialling; Skills, to develop the microgeneration supply chain and Advice, to provide better information to homeowners, communities and small businesses.

“By generating energy for homes from renewable or low carbon sources, microgeneration technology, such as micro-CHP, has a central role to play in reducing fuel bills for homeowners and cutting carbon emissions in new and existing housing stock” says Simon Osborne, Baxi Group’s Specification Channel Manager. “This announcement demonstrates the Government’s confidence in microgeneration to deliver on these objectives and its commitment to the industry’s long-term growth and prosperity”. 

Baxi Ecogen is currently the only wall-hung, domestic micro-CHP unit which can be specified by local authorities, housing associations and private developers. Thanks to its Free Piston Stirling Engine (FPSE), Baxi Ecogen can generate up to 1kWh of electricity, whilst providing abundant supplies of space heating and hot water for the home.

In welcoming the development of this new policy framework for microgeneration, Baxi Group also backs calls from the Micropower Council for a formal commitment from the Government on the implementation of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

“The RHI is a vital initiative for the microgeneration sector. It will help drive the rapid uptake of the technology which in turn will help reduce carbon emissions more quickly and effectively address fuel poverty in the country” adds Simon Osborne. “We urge the Government to make it clear that the RHI will be introduced on schedule in 2011.”

The RHI enjoyed broad cross-party backing during the passage of its enabling legislation in 2008. Supporting a range of renewable technologies, the RHI will apply the principles of 'Feed-in Tariffs’ to renewable heat, rewarding users based on the type of heating method and the output of the appliance.

Baxi Group is well-placed to help homeowners as well as public and private sector specifiers reduce carbon emissions in new and existing dwellings with its extensive Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) heating and hot water range. Baxi Group is committed to developing and supplying innovative new heating technologies that will play a role in tackling climate change, reducing the use of fossil fuels and addressing the issues of fuel poverty. For more information, visit www.baxigroupspecification.co.uk.