Microgeneration is defined as the production of heat and or electricity on a small scale from low-carbon sources such as solar, micro-wind, micro-hydro, heat pumps, biomass and small-scale fuel cells. Andrew Davies, the Assembly’s enterprise minister, commented that the use of small-scale technologies for harnessing renewable energy was becoming increasingly important.
The plan sets out targets and identifies a number of key actions that need to be implemented to achieve results in the field of microgeneration. Mr Davies commented that these measures include new training initiatives, planning guidance for microgeneration systems and increased use of microgeneration technologies across the public sector.
Mr Davies said: Introduction of microgeneration into our homes and communities is something we can all aspire to. My hope is that microgeneration technologies will become common in our homes and workplaces and that Wales will develop a strong industry and supply chains for their manufacture, supply and installation.
As well as the staggered introduction of microgeneration heating units, the plan proposes that 10,000 micro electricity units should be installed by 2012, with this number rising to approximately 200,000 by 2020. The plan also proposes that 50 combined heat and power and or district heating systems should be installed by 2020.
The assembly referred to these measures as stepping stones to a significant contribution from microgeneration systems to the UK goal of reducing carbon emissions by 60% by 2050. Mr Davies concluded that microgeneration has an important part to play in the reduction of carbon emissions, but that, in order for the plan to succeed, the Welsh Assembly, UK government, local authorities and Carbon and Energy Savings Trusts would have to work together.
