'Clarity and consistency' needed in government green strategy

Renewables pioneer Andy Boroughs, of Shrewsbury, said the industry had been thrown into turmoil by the speed with which the reduction in the Feed-in Tariff for solar PV installations was being introduced, with the Government failing to properly consult with sector businesses.

Mr Boroughs, who was instrumental in introducing low carbon heating technology to the UK, spoke out following the defeat of the motion in the House of Commons to delay the December 12 deadline and the Green Deal announcement last week.

He said: “Frankly, it was bad enough that the solar PV industry was thrown into turmoil when the recent cuts were announced, to now delay it would just cause further confusion.

“But that's what the Government appears to be on this issue – confused. Every day there appears to be a different figure put on exactly how much the continuation of the FiT would add to energy bills, ranging from £55 to £80 per household by 2020. But even the Government's own impact assessment shows any increase in bills resulting from leaving the current Feed-in Tariff regime as it stands would amount to around £26 a year.”

Mr Boroughs is managing director of Welshpool-based renewable heating company, Organic Energy, which provides wood pellet boiler heating systems. His company is also a UK distributor for SCHOTT Solar PV.

“We don't believe the FiT could have remained at the current level, but obviously to maintain it until April would have been the sensible option in the first place.

“But how can the Government expect the industry to see its energy policies as credible, when the consultation ends nearly two weeks after the FiT is reduced? How can businesses make strategic plans for future growth, if the Government keeps tinkering with the rules and moving the goalposts? And then the Green Deal is announced, with apparently no proposals to connect up energy efficiency with the installation of renewable technologies.

“What we need is due thought, consideration and diligence by the Government in preparing a long-term strategy for a low carbon economy. In a week which has seen a protest over the solar tariff reductions outside Parliament, a debate on the issue in the Commons, and revelations over the incredible profit margins of the Big Six energy companies, now is the time to put renewables at the forefront of the UK's future energy policies,” he added.

Solar PV installations completed after December 12 will no longer attract the 43p/kWh rate which is being cut to 21p/kWh. Last Wednesday's Labour motion in the House of Commons on deferring the cut-off point was defeated by 71 votes.