Facilitating
Renewables East exists to remove barriers in order to ensure that renewable energy in the East of England fulfils its potential. The East of England has plentiful renewable energy resources and there is great potential for offshore wind, biomass energy, the manufacture of liquid bio fuels for transport and small scale renewables for buildings. Up to 4,400 new jobs in the renewables industry could be created by 2010.
In order to take full advantage of the opportunities on offer, we have to remove the barriers to the physical deployment of renewable energy in the region, and integrate renewable energy policies and strategies at a local and regional level. In order to do this, we're offering help with:
- developing necessary technologies and improving access to electricity networks e.g. bringing down the cost of connecting to local energy distribution schemes, exploring the possibilities of less expensive energy storage technologies, promoting community heating networks
- breaking down financial barriers e.g. advising smaller-sized renewable energy schemes on how to secure sufficient finance, improving the biomass supply chain, encouraging farmers to invest in energy crops
- helping with planning e.g. offering guidance in creating target figures for local, sub-regional and regional development plans and spatial strategies
- challenging institutional and/or policy barriers e.g. the negative impacts of the New Electricity Trading Arrangement (NETA), encouraging tax advantages for biodiesel and bio-ethanol users
One of our key activities is our events programme - events organised by Renewables East or participation in partner's events. We also provide support taking businesses to international events helping them grow their business.