No large scale solar for 2015/16
The Contracts for Difference (CfD) register
has been released by scheme administrators
The Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC),
confirming that neither of the two solar
projects that won CfD contracts for the next
financial year will now go ahead.
With the RO now closed to >5MW solar
farms, and no CfD projects going ahead for
the next year, there will only be a handful of
large-scale projects built under grace periods
for the RO.
The Solar Trade Association’s head of
external affairs, Leonie Greene, said: “This
confirmation shows that what everyone in
the industry was saying was right: the £50/
MWh bids wouldn’t get built. That no large
solar farms will be built in the next year
under either the RO or CfDs is a tragedy, as
we predicted these types of projects could
be cheaper than gas in just three years with
stable policy support.”
This confirmation means that only 60
percent of the solar projects that won will go
ahead (3 of 5) at all. This contrasts with the
onshore wind sector, where 100 percent of the
projects that won were signed (15 of 15).
Greene added: “British solar SMEs are
now having to rewrite their business plans,
again. For an industry that is predicted to
be the dominant global energy source by
2050, the UK’s rollercoaster policies are not
helping its position. We hope that the new
government looks at this technology with
fresh eyes to develop a fairer and more
sensible approach.”
Heating &
Renewables Awards
host announced
Big name: Jason Manford will host The Heating & Renewables Awards at The Ricoh Arena on the evening of Thursday 10 September
Entries opened on Wednesday 1 April for the prestigious Heating and
Renewable Awards; boasting 17 categories that look to celebrate and
share best practice across the industry.
Plus, as organisers, we are pleased to announce a top personality
for the all-important role of host of the ceremony on Thursday 10
September: the one and only Jason Manford.
Paul Stephen, at Heating and Renewable Awards and REI editor,
said: “The awards have always been a hugely important date for the
industry and this year is no exception. The fact that we have managed
to lure one of the most popular and well-liked comedians is a sure
sign of our commitment in making the awards the most enjoyable and
successful ever.
“There is so much talent and hard work in the heating and
renewables sector and we want this effort to be recognised in the best
possible way. The awards are free to enter and we have expanded the
categories available to 17 – ensuring there is even more chance to learn
from and recognise new achievements.”
There is also a respected line up for the judging panel with Bill
Wright (ECA), Dave Sowden (SEA), Michael Harvey (HETAS)
continuing their roles from last year’s awards, whilst Richard Hughes-
Lewis (NAPIT) is a new addition for 2015.
From projects and innovations, to training initiatives and
apprentice of the year, the categories span across the heating and
renewable sectors offering a chance for everyone to enter from the
beginning of April – for free. The nomination period runs until June 30
to allow the judges to deliberate throughout July, with shortlists to be
announced prior to the awards ceremony on Thursday 10 September.
To see the categories and for nomination packs please visit:
http://heatingandrenewablesroadshow.co.uk/awards
www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk | 5