There is still a huge amount to do to win public support for renewable energy, Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, warned this week.
Speaking at the annual parliamentary reception of the British Wind Energy Association in London, on Wednesday, January 26 2010, he said: We have to use the years ahead to fight for this industry, not just because it is in our environmental interest and security interest, but is in our economic interest as well.

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP), Phase-1 and Phase-2 has closed to all new applications for grants for electrical microgeneration as of 5pm, Wednesday 3rd February, which follows the publication of the Government’s consultation on the Feed-In Tariffs (FIT’s)

A new report has claimed that no-frills airlines cost less for the environment with their low carbon footprint.

Budget airlines create a smaller carbon footprint, according to a new report.

The travel search engine Liligo claims that no-frills airlines cost less for the environment because they pack in more passengers and promote mainly short-haul destinations.

Planes belonging to carriers Ryanair or Eastjet were on average only three years old and already designed for energy-efficiency.

A consumer panel has told the electricity and gas markets regulator Ofgem that it must make companies reduce their carbon emissions.

The regulator created the Consumer First Panel in 2008 as an extension of its Consumer First Programme which it uses to understand the concerns and expectation of ordinary energy customers.

For the 2009 panel, 100 individuals were selected from Bristol, Aberdeen, London, Aberystwyth and Bradford.

There has been a lot of exciting change of late within the microgeneration sector. On the 12th November, the Green Energy Bill was made law - this Bill states that all microgeneration technologies, including wind turbines and air-source heat pumps (subject to size limits), will be as of the 12th January 2010 exempt from planning permission in or on domestic premises within England and Wales. This is great news for all those interested in or currently in the process of installing renewable energy technologies.

Devon is to get another nine wind turbines after plans were given the go-ahead.

Renewable Energy Systems (RES), which will build the 120m (393ft) high turbines at Den Brook near Crediton, said it was "delighted".

A planning inspector overturned objections about landscape impact by West Devon Borough Council.

Objectors questioned the turbines' output and said they would "devastate a beautiful valley".

The inspector felt that although there will be an impact on the rural environment, the harm caused could be outweighed by the renewable energy benefits of the development.

We are pleased to confirm, following today's Pre-Budget Report, that earnings from the tariffs will be free of income tax for householders who install systems for their own energy production.

Extract from Chancellor's speech:
"From April, people with a home wind turbine or solar panels who plug their excess power into the national grid, will receive on average £900 a year.
I intend to make this payment tax free."

Extract from Pre-Budget Report:

SunGift Solar have been awarded the Installer of the Year award at the 2009 Regen South West Green Energy Awards!

According to the guidelines given by Regen SW “this award recognises the renewable energy installer that stands out as an exemplar to other installers in the South West. Over the past 12 months they should have increased the number of installations or megawatts that they’ve installed, explored new opportunities, carried out high-quality work, and be recognised by customers for their high level of service.”

SunGift Solar have been nominated for the 2009 Green Energy Installer of the year award!

The shortlists has now been announced for, following a record number of entries this year. The awards, which celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups, sustainable energy companies, and local authorities in furthering the development of sustainable energy in South West England, are now in their sixth year and had two new categories – installer of the year and sustainable energy photo of the year.

The following have been shortlisted:

The Government has today launched a search for local authorities, charities and social enterprises to take up the challenge to help communities fight climate change.

Communities can apply for a share of a £10million fund as part of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge to build on existing low carbon schemes.

Around a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heating, lighting and powering electrical appliances in homes. By 2050 this needs to be almost zero if the UK is to cut its emissions by 80% highlighting the importance of local action.