Microgeneration nation

Mini wind turbines, solar panels and other small scale technologies could provide a substantial portion of the

’s energy needs by 2050, according to a new report published yesterday by the

.

It also finds that microgeneration technologies could deliver significant household carbon reductions in the future with the right circumstances in place.

The report – Potential for Microgeneration, study and analysis – was commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to inform the Low Carbon Building programme and the wider microgeneration strategy, which will be published in spring 2006. It has looked at the current status of the industry and perceived barriers to the wider uptake of the different types of technology. It has also suggested when each of these technologies could become more cost effective.

The main findings show that by 2050 micogeneration could potentially provide 30-40% of the UK’s total electricity needs; and that by 2050 microgeneration could help to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% per year.

Commenting on the report energy minister Malcolm Wicks said: “This report makes an important contribution to the debate on microgeneration.

“I would like more micro wind turbines, solar panels and other technologies on schools, homes and businesses as they can make a real difference in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, as well as helping people to understand better where our energy comes from and increase their energy efficiency. “