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A time of opportunity
1 Dec, 2008
HOW will Cornwall react to a world in which climate change, peak oil and energy security are the greatest challenges, and how will this response be affected by the global recession?
It is easy think negatively. But now is a time of great opportunity and a time to demonstrate leadership, not only within Cornwall but regionally, nationally and internationally.
Never before has Cornwall had a greater chance to achieve a resilient, low carbon economy. We would be crazy to think that Cornwall has “done its bit” for renewable energy. Not only would we be doing our future generations a great disservice but we would also be missing a great economic opportunity for this innovative county.
With the current downturn there will be an inordinate amount of pressure to think short-term. But the challenges that Cornwall faces, those of climate change, peak oil and energy security, are far greater long-term issues.
This is a time of opportunity for Cornwall. Last week Lord Stern, former chief economist of the World Bank, delivered a timely message to the Government arguing that a recession is actually a good time to pursue the low carbon agenda. The classic government response to a slowing economy is “fiscal stimulus” — a public spending drive to create jobs. To deal with a 21st century recession, these public spending drives should be focused on sustainable energy. This would create jobs in such areas as insulating hard-to-treat homes and manufacturing renewable technologies. But crucially, in Lord Stern’s words, it would create “a more sustainable pattern of growth" which reduced our national dependence on fossil fuels.
For two millennia, Cornwall’s innovation and self-sufficiency have been the foundations of a resilient economy. Up until the early 20th century Cornwall was self-sustaining, with power production taking place within local communities. As recently as 1902, Redruth and Camborne were linked by electric trams.
The last 80 years — the oil and gas age — have not only seen unprecedented damage to the planet, but also to Cornwall’s ability to provide for itself. The county is now almost entirely reliant on outside resources for power, heat and transportation.
This is a turning point for Cornwall where, quite frankly, the status quo is no longer appropriate or acceptable. We cannot rely on chocolate box images to sustain the county as a place where future generations can remain and prosper. Cornwall must not simply become a playground for short-term investment.
Cornwall’s tradition of innovation and self-sufficiency generate the perfect mindset for low carbon economic development, creating a resilient future for Cornwall’s communities and businesses.
Despite the many obstacles, dozens of organisations across Cornwall are taking radical action, from plumbers training to fit solar panels to venture capitalists investing millions in renewable technologies. In the public sector too, councils have installed wood-chip boilers and photovoltaic panels, housing associations have fitted hundreds of ground-source heat pumps to social housing and health trusts have nominated “energy champions” across every department. Even charities are making an effort, with solar panels springing up everywhere from village halls to the Eden Project.
Is this sense of urgency and long-term commitment to climate change mitigation and adaption recognised by our national government? There have long been question marks, but perhaps the message is finally getting through.
At long last, the Government is beginning to react positively by setting up the Department for Energy and Climate Change. The new minister Ed Milliband has promised generous payments to those feeding electricity into the grid from small scale renewables. If these promises are delivered, they will be warmly welcomed, but that is a big “if”.
In 1987, Environment Secretary William Waldegrave, made what was regarded as a ground-breaking speech on the importance of dealing with climate change. That same speech has been repeated at least 15 times since by each energy minister and prime minister — a sad reflection of Government inaction.
In Cornwall, the same mantras have been repeated for many years, but the structures have remained unchanged — until now.
If Cornwall ever had leadership in sustainable energy it is being seriously challenged. Wales and Scotland are way ahead and, indeed, others in the South West are catching up. So let’s not fool ourselves about our current leadership in renewable energy. Britain is way behind many of its European partners. Apart form Malta and Luxembourg, the UK is at the bottom of the European league table. As an island economy, the UK has every reason to be ahead. But our current position is a sad reflection of a lack of bravery in policy and legislation.
In Cornwall we need to concentrate on what we can realistically deliver. The Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership is currently producing a Climate Change Action Plan. The driving principle behind this project is that every sector must play a part in delivering the solution, therefore every sector must be involved in writing the plan (if you haven’t had your say yet, visit www.cornwall2050.com ).
When this Action Plan is published, it will provide a comprehensive blueprint for action local generation of renewable heat and power, as well as energy efficiency. The plan will have implications for planning, land use, waste and transportation. It also recognises that the most powerful way for large organisations, both public and private, to reduce their carbon footprint is to involve those who supply them with goods and services.
In order for this action to be delivered, it will need to be monitored and managed by a co-ordinated team of experts in positions of real strategic influence. These experts must also continue to contribute to and learn from best practice across Europe, rebuilding Cornwall’s reputation as an international leader in climate change.
The creation of a new council and new economic development agency offer the potential to put carbon reduction at the top of the strategic agenda. This is an opportunity too important to miss.
Feed-in tariff will boost low-carbon economy
24 Nov, 2008
A change in the price paid for green electricity will help the UK to catch up with its European neighbours, say local sustainable energy experts.
The Energy Bill, which becomes law next week, paves the way for a “feed-in tariff”, creating a fixed price for energy produced by small-scale technologies such as rooftop solar panels or community wind turbines.
“This decision will drive a boom in renewable energy investment by individuals, communities and small businesses” says Tim German, Director of the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership.
“Millions of people would like to invest in microgeneration, but the current system is too complicated, and for many people the figures just don’t add up. Feed in tariffs have been used in Europe for nearly twenty years; this is Britain’s first step towards catching up with the competition.”
The new scheme will give investors a guaranteed income, making it easier to get bank loans to cover the cost of installation. When a similar scheme was introduced in Germany, there was a huge increase in microgeneration, especially electricity from rooftop solar panels. Over 170,000 Germans are now employed in the renewable energy industry, which is worth €9 billion per year.
Although the costs are passed on to customers, the average German household pays just €1 per month towards the scheme.
The Energy Bill allows feed in tariffs for schemes of up to 5MW (enough to power around 3,500 homes), but the government is likely to set much lower limits depending on the type of technology and type of investor. Community-owned solar schemes for example are likely to receive much more support than business-owned wind turbines.
The final prices and size limits will be announced following a period of consultation. The target date for the launch of the scheme is April 2010.
Eden turbine provokes strong reactions
30 Oct, 2008
Local residents aired their views at a public consultation for a 127m wind turbine.
Chaired by BBC Radio Cornwall's Laurence Reed, the debate drew support from many, but objections from others - especially those living nearest to the site.Cornish Coastline Under Threat
13 Oct, 2008
A National Trust report reveals that many miles of Cornish beaches, footpaths and properties will fall into the sea.
The "Shifting Shores" report claims that Godrevy Beach and St Michael's Mount face a "high risk", whilst Boscastle Harbour is a "medium risk".
Climate-Energy Minister inspired by CSEP
3 Oct, 2008
The decision to appoint a Secretary for Energy and Climate Change may well have been inspired by CSEP
For several years, campaigners have criticised the lack of joined-up action between the separate departments of Environment, Business, Transport and Local Government.
“Whilst DEFRA has called for increases in renewable energy, DBERR has pushed for more nuclear power” says Mr German. “DFT has called for greater use of public transport, but DCLG policy encourages free parking at supermarkets.”
Following Cornwall’s success in achieving ‘Beacon Council’ status for sustainable energy, the Government commissioned the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership to write a report on ‘aligning policy’ on these issues.
“One of our top recommendations was the creation of a Department for Energy and Climate Change, which we repeated in our response to the Energy White Paper, so obviously we’re delighted to see this put into practice.”
The first ever Climate and Energy Secretary is Ed Miliband, whose previous job as Cabinet Secretary involved co-ordinating policies between departments. Mr German says this makes him the natural choice for the new post:
“Since energy and climate change have been the biggest ‘cross-cutting issue’ of recent years, Mr Miliband will already be well aware of the task ahead of him. Let’s hope that this move signals a change of gear in the Government’s attempts to tackle the climate-energy crisis. We haven’t a moment to lose.”
See link below for BBC coverage of this story
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