The UK Energy Bill, which outlines the introduction of a feed-in tariff system has been given further support, this time by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

The government will be required to introduce a feed-in tariff scheme whereby small, renewable electricity, heat and gas generators, such as communities, schools and businesses would be guaranteed a premium rate for any energy fed back into grid. The CIH have commended the new clause in the Energy Bill, stating that it will help businesses and communities generate clean, renewable energy.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive, said:  “A feed-in tariff for renewable energy would give the much needed financial support to communities to take control of their own energy generation.  The opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, reduce fuel poverty and bring communities together to benefit all their residents are enormous.”

It is widely believed that, at a time when people are becoming more aware of the necessity for renewable alternatives, the generation of power in public spaces such as schools and petrol stations will represent a positive social project.

Germany added further credence to the Feed-in Tariff system at the Sydney Energy convention last month by asserting that their success in the renewable energy sector has been based on Government legislation there which promotes investment in renewables.

The payment of premium rates for energy supplied to the national grid by the German Government combined with decades of green issues being pushed to the fore in Scandinavia and northern Europe has seen Germany become a world leader in the field of Solar and Wind energy. This will certainly come as a boost to environmental groups in the UK where important government legislation, passed at the end of November will see the UK compete in this area by 2010.

In the UK a number of initiatives have been taken, including the installation of industrial wind turbines in public spaces such as supermarkets and petrol stations. It is widely believed that when more ‘solar-rich’ states such as Australia and South Africa put their weight behind the Feed-in Tariff system, there could be no limit to its success across the globe.

Britain‘s controversial Energy Bill was passed yesterday, signalling a significant move towards the use grid connected, renewable energy sources across the UK.

The new laws will see the UK cut gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 and open the door for feed in tariffs, with the Government paying owners of grid connected solar and wind systems a premium rate for the energy they produce.

Environmental groups and members of the renewable energy industry have warmly welcomed this new legislation. The Renewable Energy Association released the statement,

“The Renewable Energy Association is delighted that that government has recognised the advantages of a tariff-style incentive scheme which will open doors for small-scale producers of renewable heat, electricity and bio-methane,” Philip Wolfe, Director

It is generally accepted that the progressive feed-in tariff policies of European countries such as Germany, France and Spain have stimulated and accelerated the growth of renewable energies there.