Clean Energy Sector Slow Down?

An article published in the Observer on the 15th February indicated that the recession is now impacting on even the larger players in the CleanTech world. Clipper Wind Power and BP have announced cutbacks with Siemens Wind Power planning to make 400 redundancies. The concerns follow a boom in the industry during 2006 and 2007 that cannot be sustained now that the recession has taken hold. Funding for clean energy projects from public markets, venture capital and banks has slowed as the economy has slowed. It is suggested that the hardest impact is being felt in the Solar and Wind sectors.

However efforts are being made to combat this slow down. For example in the City of London where VC finance for new projects is now extremely scarce, UK government have combated the problem through the London Technology Fund. This not-for-profit fund is available to assist struggling companies with their registered office within Greater London. Chairman David McMeekin will be coming to the CleanTech Innovation Forum in London to talk about the help and funding available to companies that are feeling the pinch.

This is one example of several funding opportunities being made available by government who not only need the capability to reduce their own emissions, but have the obligation to invest in the long term survival of UK industry. The CleanTech industry has massive potential; once devices become more widely available, economically sustainable and people's confidence in them is established, there is a huge customer market for them to target. However a period of time and investment is needed to get to this level. Information about some of the funding available can be found in the Industry updates section of this bulletin.

Severn Barrage Update

The entries have been whittled down to five and the debate is a lively as ever. The topic of discussion being, what is the greater environmental concern, climate change or habitat conservation? The scheme that is claimed as the one favoured by Whitehall is the 10-mile mega barrage, states the Guardian. This scheme would run the length of the estuary and harness enough power to provide 5% of the UK's electricity.

However this would mean huge changes to the estuaries natural regimes and threaten a wealth of ecosystems. Power removed from the famous Severn Bore would have consequences on a great number of estuarine environments threatening the survival of species in several locations.

Alternatives have been offered to combat this risk, the most talked about being the construction of a series of pools that would fill when the tide is in and provide a constant energy source as they emptied through a system of energy harnessing devices. Although the impact on the environment would be reduced under this scheme, so too would the volume of energy generated. There is a long way still to go before this debate finds a resolution making it sure to be in the headlines for some time to come.

Taking Technology East

With growing press coverage for the onset of huge disasters associated with climate change a lot sooner than we had anticipated, and the reasoning for this falling largely on coal powered energy generation in China, Its good to see the super power turning to UK industry for assistance. A meeting set up by the British Geological Survey in Nottingham, on the 10th of February, saw key representatives from China's industry meet with UK developers of Carbon Capture and Storage schemes.

Establishment to successful collaborations and partnerships would give UK industry a massive boost. China is one the world's largest carbon producers and has plans in place to increase emissions through the commissioning of more coal fired power stations, making the opportunities for export very great.

Scotland Embraces Climate Change Challenge:

Despite recent claims to the contrary, the Scottish Government are investing in the future of renewables in Scotland; and with the ambitious targets and legislation in place to reduce green house gas emissions by 80% by 2050, this investment is certainly needed.

Perhaps most poignant to readers is the Saltire Prize. The Scottish Government announced the scheme, that will fast-track the development of Scotland's marine power, in December. The Scottish Government web page states,'£10 million will be awarded to the team that can demonstrate in Scottish waters a commercially viable wave or tidal energy technology that achieves a minimum electrical output of 100GWh over a continuous 2 year period using only the power of the sea and is judged to be the best overall technology after consideration of cost, environmental sustainability and safety.' More information

Last Chance in Technology Strategy Board (TSB) Prize

Low Carbon Vehicles: Ultra-efficient systems for the market advancement of electric and hybrid vehicles is due to close to expressions of interest on 26th February. TSB have allocated up to £10 million to fund highly innovative collaborative research projects in the field of ultra efficient electrical systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. The competition is based on developing a robust industry led consortia which is capable of developing technologies that will encourage the transition to electrical and hybrid Vehicles. More information

Other TSB Competitions due to close this spring include:

Energy Generation and Supply: Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies will close to expressions of interest on 23rd April. TSB have allocated up to £10 million pound of funding for innovative and collaborative research that will help meet UK and EU targets as well as improve energy security. Funds will be awarded to projects that demonstrate improvements in lowering costs, deploying technology on the markets and addressing the difficulties of hydrogen generation, storage and utilisation. More information

Energy Generation and Supply: Carbon Abatement Technologies will close to expressions of interest in 23rd July. Funding of up to £15 million has been jointly allocated by TSB, Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and Northern Way for the area of Carbon Abatement Technologies. Funding will be awarded for collaborative innovative research, development, component and pilot scale demonstration. These technologies will play a big part in helping the UK meet its carbon reduction targets and as such offers a large customer base to those able to develop the innovative technology required. More information