As a flagship within the Government's package of policies on reducing the UK's energy consumption and CO2 emissions, the Carbon Reduction Commitment energy efficiency scheme has sailed into some stormy waters.
First the employers' organization, the CBI, called for reinstatement of the CRC's 'revenue recycling' element that rewarded participating companies for being energy efficient. Now, research by leading energy supplier npower suggests that a sizeable percentage of qualifying businesses want the CRC scrapped altogether - or at least postponed - with many companies believing the scheme won't help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets anyway.
In fact npower's research revealed many companies believe that now the CRC has effectively become a tax that places an unnecessary financial burden on businesses, there is no incentive for industry to reduce its carbon emissions.
As a hot topic, the question of the CRC will inevitably surface during The Energy Lectures that form part of The Energy Show (National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, May 4-5) where npower is among the exhibitors. Sessions include Reducing Consumption, The Carbon Market, Metering, and Security of Supply.
EVENTS & EDUCATION
The Energy Show 2011 Show Preview
With its sister conference The Energy Lectures, The Energy Show is dedicated purely to energy purchasing, metering and on-site generation. More?
Publication provides guidance on carbon financing
Sustainable energy company GVEP has published guidance for energy entrepreneurs wishing to link their businesses to carbon finance. More?
MACHINERY & PRODUCTION PROCESSES
ABB offers fast energy appraisal of motor-driven plant
ABB has set up a 50-strong Energy Appraisal Team to advise of energy saving potential within a plant’s motor-driven applications. More?
Quick maintenance system cuts water pump downtime
MIP technology has been incorporated into Mono’s grinders to reduce downtime for the water and wastewater sectors. More?
BUILDINGS & FACILITIES
Energy cost savings from ENER-G’s latest BEMS
Tamper-proof building energy management system from ENER-G is pre-engineered for fast installation and commissioning. More?
Scheme aids tenants reduce commercial building emissions
Commercial landlord-tenant relationships could be redefined by a new scheme offering carbon reduction support to business tenants. More?
VEHICLES & TRANSPORT
£10m funding for low carbon vehicle R&D projects
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council is funding three projects into the development of low carbon vehicles. More?
BEAMA launches electric vehicle charging initiative
Organisations interested in developing a UK electrical vehicle charging infrastructure are being invited to join a new BEAMA initiative. More?
ENERGY PROCUREMENT & MANAGEMENT
Entry-level EMS for small/medium-sized businesses
Developed as an energy management solution for systems integrators, eSight Essential is an entry-level version of eSight's full EMS. More?
Hospital benefits from off-site CHP boiler house manufacture
A CHP boiler house, manufactured off-site by Armstrong, is helping a hospital trust deliver on its commitment to improve energy efficiency. More?
MICRO-GENERATION
Doosan to invest £170m in Scottish wind turbine project
Doosan Power Systems is entering the Scottish wind power business with an investment of up to £170m over the next ten years. More?
UKERC study shows fuel potential of biomass energy crops
Planting coppice energy crops on unused agricultural land could produce enough biomass to meet renewable energy targets. More?
FUNDING & FINANCE
Budget sets out plans for Green Investment Bank
Initial capitalisation for the new Green Investment Bank was set at £3 billion in the Chancellor’s Budget Statement. More?
LEGISLATION, REGULATION & STANDARDS
CBI calls for reinstatement of CRC revenue recycling
A call for the 'revenue-recycling' element to be restored to the UK’s CRC energy efficiency scheme has been made by the CBI. More?
David Keighley
Editor
EfficientEnergy.net
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