http://www.ownergy.co.uk/index.php en Copyright 2011 2011-11-25T12:45:02+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/rhi_introduction_delayed_again/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/rhi_introduction_delayed_again/#When:08:58:05Z   The government issued this statement on 29th September (the day before it was due to start!): "As you will be aware, DECC was planning to launch the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for non-domestic generators on 30 September 2011. State Aid approval is a necessary condition for the scheme to go ahead. As part of that process, the European Commission has expressed concerns that the large biomass tariff is set too high.  We understand that the Commission has given state aid approval for the RHI, subject to a reduction in the large biomass tariff and we expect to receive written confirmation of this very soon. Changing the large biomass tariff will require the RHI regulations to be amended and submitted to Parliament for approval.  We are unable to launch the scheme as a whole until this process has been completed. Therefore, unfortunately, we will not be able to open the scheme for applications on 30 September 2011 as we had originally planned. Once we have received written confirmation from the Commission, we will make a further announcement about what this means for the large biomass tariff and the timing of the launch.  We are committed to launching the scheme as soon as possible to minimise disruption to stakeholders." News 2011-09-30T08:58:05+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/businesses_which_invest_in_renewable_energy_could_make_average_returns/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/businesses_which_invest_in_renewable_energy_could_make_average_returns/#When:14:23:09Z Carbon Trust Advisory analysis has found that businesses which invest in renewable energy could make average returns of 11-12%, with the potential for returns in excess of 20%. According to the findings, new financial incentives, energy market trends and building regulations are combining to create a compelling case for UK businesses to generate their own renewable energy.   With energy prices set to grow by up to 37% by 2020, the opportunity to reduce utility bills is a strong incentive for investigating renewable energy options. Government initiatives such as Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Feed in Tariff (FiT), which are also designed to act as incentives for businesses to act quickly and benefit from the capped level of funding on offer.   Anaerobic digestion (AD), wind, biomass heating systems and ground source heat pumps are some of the most attractive and practical renewable energy technologies for UK businesses, the report reveals. AD grid injection and biomass boilers offer the highest average internal rate of return. However, there is a wide variance in returns from renewable energy, with different factors determining the overall effectiveness of the different methods on an individual basis. These factors include whether a company should purchase or directly generate renewable energy; whether to adopt on or offsite projects, levels of internal expertise and the implications through an organisation’s extended supply chain.   As part of the project, the Carbon Trust Advisory conducted interviews with leading companies to find out about the challenges, opportunities and best practice associated with implementing renewable energy measures. The industries with the most to gain are utilities, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and agricultural sectors.   Retailers and consumer goods brands are tending to lead the way. ASDA, IKEA, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer have all set a target of moving to 100% renewable energy. The Carbon Trust Advisory analysis of the results shows that businesses are taking a mixed approach to sourcing renewable energy from either their own projects or purchases from energy providers. One business which has made strong progress in this area is IKEA. The furniture retailer now obtains 80% of its total energy use for renewable and has invested in a mix of ground source heat pumps, biomass, solar panels and wind power.   Charlie Browne, IKEA UK and Ireland Sustainability Manager, explains: “Taking care of people and the environment is integral to how we do business, so we are continually working to significantly reduce our carbon footprint from all parts of our operations. As part of our global ‘IKEA Goes Renewable’ programme, we are committed to heavily investing in making IKEA buildings more energy efficient and using more renewable energy. For example, our most recently built UK based stores in Coventry, Southampton and Dublin have been designed to incorporate measures that will have a major impact on these areas, including geothermal heating and cooling systems, biomass boilers and improved insulation. Our recent investment into a 12.3 Megawatt wind farm in Aberdeenshire and a £4million investment to fit over 39,000 photovoltaic (solar) panels to the rooftops of 10 IKEA stores shows our clear actions to reach our goal of 100% renewable energy supply.”   Commenting on the report, Hugh Jones, Managing Director, Carbon Trust Advisory, said:   “This report should help convince more UK businesses to move to renewable energy. However, selecting the right strategy for renewable energy can be a complex area and we recommend that businesses make a staged approach to adoption. This includes trialling different measures, testing their viability and doing this sooner rather than later before energy price increases and regulatory pressure become more pressing." News, Articles 2011-09-08T14:23:09+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/sunday_times_covers_uks_first_solar_park/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/sunday_times_covers_uks_first_solar_park/#When:01:00:44Z This followed Friday's coverage by the BBC. Courtesy: Sunday Times News 2011-06-26T01:00:44+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/new_report_on_solar_pv_in_the_uk/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/new_report_on_solar_pv_in_the_uk/#When:23:40:53Z The Solar Trade Association has published a report by consultants Ernst and Young on the UK solar industry outlook. It shows that prices of solar panels are falling so fast that by 2013 they will be half of what they cost in 2009. The blue chip consultants conclude that solar electricity could play "an important role" in meeting the UK's renewable energy targets. They say: Grid parity with retail prices is expected to be achieved in the UK by 2020 without subsidy for non-domestic, on-site installations. News 2011-06-19T23:40:53+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/fast-track_review_decision/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/fast-track_review_decision/#When:12:01:19Z It has decided to proceed with the changes as proposed, despite the vast majority of the responses to its consultation disagreeing with the changes. For more details see here. This means that tariffs for solar systems above 50kW are so low that they will hardly ever be economically viable. News 2011-06-09T12:01:19+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/government_review_of_feed-in_tariffs/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/government_review_of_feed-in_tariffs/#When:10:00:47Z See further details here. What does this mean for Ownergy projects? It seems likely that the tariffs for larger solar installations may come down more than the regulated 7% in April 2012, and possibly sooner. Projects already in hand should seek to complete, ideally before July, to be sure of retaining the existing tariff levels. Beyond that it's still a bit murky and may take some weeks to become clear. Keep in touch! News 2011-02-07T10:00:47+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/first_solar_park_project_granted_plann/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/first_solar_park_project_granted_plann/#When:15:45:55Z LONDON, NOVEMBER 26 2010: Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP, advised by renewable energy company, Ownergy, today announces plans to develop its first solar park, having recently received planning consent for the construction of the first phase at its Westcott Venture Park in Buckinghamshire. The chosen site is runway 31 at the former World War Two Westcott airfield, which is currently used as a business park. The solar park will be eligible for the renewable electricity Feed-In Tariffs, and, as Rockspring will be able to use nearly all of the generated power onsite for its business tenants, the annual returns are predicted to average over 10%. The first phase comprises the installation of 1,500 solar panels in the middle of the runway, with a combined capacity of about 350kW. Following phases are planned that would see the capacity extended to at least 1.2MW in size, providing enough energy to power the entire park in the daytime. With an onsite electricity requirement of 2,500 MWh per annum, Rockspring will be maximising the financial benefit of the Feed-In Tariffs. Under the scheme, the returns are higher when the electricity is used onsite as the avoided cost of purchasing electricity is higher than the additional 3p per kWh paid for exporting electricity back to the grid. The main generation payment of 29.3p per kWh is paid regardless of whether the power is used onsite or exported as surplus. Westcott airfield was built as a training base for World War Two Lancaster bomber crews and subsequently became the main repatriation facility for Prisoners Of War. During the Cold War it became a rocket research establishment before being decommissioned and turned into a business park. Commenting on the planned use of the site as a solar park in response to the planning application, the council’s archaeological planning and conservation officer commented that “...the installation on the runway is a very effective re-use of the heritage asset [and] is in character with the innovative technological history of the site”. Today Westcott is a 600 acre business park and is home to circa 70 businesses. Having carried out the initial feasibility studies required for the site, Ownergy is in the process of appointing the main sub-contractors. Construction of the solar park will begin in the New Year with completion due in the Spring. The partners are now considering the timetable for planning applications for the subsequent phases. Rod Mordey, Head of UK Asset Management at Rockspring Property Investment Managers, said: “This flagship project underlines Rockspring’s commitment to sustainability and will greatly assist with our long term goal of powering Westcott with 100% renewable energy.” Philip Wolfe, Chairman of Ownergy, said: “This location is absolutely perfect for a solar park. It is an excellent use for this ‘brown-field’ site. The occupiers of the Westcott Venture Park will be able to use the electricity we produce and so maximise the financial return for Rockspring. This is exactly the sort of project the Feed-In Tariffs were designed to support.” About Rockspring Property Investment Managers Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP is a professional investment fiduciary specialising in the acquisition and management of commercial property throughout the UK and continental Europe on behalf of major institutional clients - either directly for single-client accounts or through the Group’s series of tax-efficient, co-mingled investment funds. Rockspring is authorised and regulated by the FSA. Fully independent and 100% owned by its Partners and employees, Rockspring is headquartered in London and has a network of offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Madrid, Paris and Helsinki. Its Executive Board includes Richard Plummer (Chairman), Robert Gilchrist (Chief Executive), Edmund Craston (Managing Director) and Ian Baker (Partner - Finance). 2010 marks the 26th anniversary of Rockspring’s establishment by founder and Chairman, Richard Plummer. As of June 2010 Rockspring had gross assets of €6.3 billion in funds under management and undrawn commitments. It represents a diverse client base including the Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust, the Rockspsring PanEuropean Property Limited Partnership, RockspringTransEuropean II, III & IV, The Industrial Trust, Retail Plus, The Rockspring German Box Fund, The Rockspring Portuguese Property Partnership, Rockspring Total Europe, Rockspring UK Value Fund and single client mandates. Rockspring’s property assets are currently located in the UK and 10 other European countries. For further information, please visit www.rockspringpim.com About Ownergy Ownergy is an end-to-end provider of renewable energy solutions, from feasibility and design, procurement and management, through to delivery, system maintenance and tariff management. The service is specifically aimed at ensuring that customers maximise their returns under the Feed-In Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive. To find out more, visit www.ownergy.co.uk News 2010-11-26T15:45:55+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/report_on_the_first_six_months_of_the_feed-in_tariffs/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/report_on_the_first_six_months_of_the_feed-in_tariffs/#When:10:44:22Z LONDON, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2010: Ownergy, the full service provider of renewable energy systems, today published a report on the first six months of Feed-In Tariffs uptake in the UK since the scheme went live on April 1st. The report shows that the market is developing in line with initial forecasts. It also provides powerful evidence that Government fears about Feed-In Tariff eligible installations being out of control are unfounded. The key findings are as follows: •    32MW of installations to date means the scheme is on track to meet the first year targets of 100MW •    The number of installations to date will mean just over a 1p increase to the average electricity bill •    Majority of installations are for residential solar PV •    Interest from the commercial market has been modestly encouraging and is predominantly for installations where the generated power can be used onsite,is in line with the objectives of the scheme •    The 8% per annum average rate of return is adequate in some sectors but there are still a considerable number of barriers to entry that dissuade investors of all types The report details the feedback from the industry that any cuts in the tariff rates would undermine investor confidence and dramatically reduce installation rates. This would mean that targets would not be hit, the current increases in job numbers would be reversed, and confidence in other subsidy schemes would be destabilised. Philip Wolfe, Ownergy chairman and architect of the Feed-In Tariffs scheme in his former role as Director-General of the Renewable Energy Association, said: “The industry and Government should share my pleasure in the uptake of the Feed-In Tariff eligible renewable energy systems. The scheme is delivering exactly what it was meant to do in terms of a rapid increase in the number of installations, creation of jobs and increase in the amount of renewable energy generated in this country which has historically been pitifully low. “But it is apparent that the scheme has a long way to go before we are in the enviable position of having to consider dampening enthusiasm through lower tariff rates as is happening in some countries in Continental Europe. Despite the best efforts of the industry, awareness of the Feed-In Tariffs is still low and there are still several barriers to entry. “If the Government believes that an early review of tariff levels is required, it could not be more mistaken. To do so would stop investment in its tracks and undermine confidence not just in all renewable energy schemes but in other sectors dependent on a consistent regulatory regime. “It must also be stressed that the Feed-In Tariffs is paid for through a levy on electricity bills and is not from public expenditure. As such, it can make no contribution to reducing the public sector deficit.” Download the full report   News 2010-10-04T10:44:22+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/ownergy_appoints_paul_roberts_as_managing_director/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/ownergy_appoints_paul_roberts_as_managing_director/#When:15:29:31Z LONDON, AUGUST 12th  2010: Ownergy, the full service provider of renewable energy systems, today announced that it has appointed Paul Roberts as managing director with effect from 6th September. This allows Ownergy founder, Philip Wolfe, who has been managing director since the company launched in February this year, to concentrate on business development, his duties as company chairman and continuing collaboration with the wider renewables community. Ownergy was founded in February to deliver renewable energy systems eligible under the Government backed Feed-In Tariffs and Renewable Heat Incentive schemes. Since the Feed-In Tariffs went live in April, the company has seen interest in large standalone and commercial renewable energy projects exceed expectations whilst the residential market has grown strongly as forecast. Despite the uncertainty about the approach the Government will take regarding the Renewable Heat Incentive, Ownergy has shown that its ability to simplify the delivery of both renewable electricity and heat installations is a compelling proposition in both the residential and non-residential sectors. With Paul’s appointment as managing director, the company will have increased capacity to service and grow the wide range and size of projects that are emerging within the market. These include single system residential and commercial installations as well as solar parks, hydro-power schemes, anaerobic digestion plants, wind turbines and district heating projects. Paul is a proven business leader with a successful track record of growing services businesses through highly focused sales and marketing strategies and superior customer service. He also has a wealth of experience in strategic business development, having previously worked for companies in banking, asset finance and private equity. As an early investor in and non-executive Director at Ownergy,  he believes that renewable energy is set to become one of the main growth areas in the UK over the next decade and beyond. Ownergy chairman, Philip Wolfe, said: “Since the launch of Ownergy and the Feed-In Tariffs, the renewable energy market has begun the exponential growth that we expected. Ownergy has already proved the value we bring to our customers within this market and with Paul’s appointment we can maintain the high quality of service that has already become our hallmark. At the same time, it will allow me to focus my efforts on developing our business as the tariffs continue to open up new markets.” Newly appointed managing director, Paul Roberts, said: “Having watched Ownergy firmly establish itself in a new and rapidly growing market, I am delighted to be joining the executive team at a very important time in the company’s development. We are seeing lots of interest from potential customers across a range of sectors and we are in a great position to convert this into a rapidly growing and profitable revenue stream for the business.”   News 2010-08-12T15:29:31+00:00 http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/ownergy_launches_solar_park_developer_service/ http://www.ownergy.co.uk/site/ownergy_launches_solar_park_developer_service/#When:09:56:40Z LONDON, JUNE 17 2010: Ownergy, the full service provider of renewable energy systems, today announced the launch of its solar park developer service. As prime contractor, Ownergy will manage all aspects of a solar park development from design through to installation and ongoing system management. Since the launch of the Feed-In Tariffs on April 1st, Ownergy has successfully  engaged in a number of solar park projects in the UK and the launch of this service consolidates the company’s offering. The full scope of Ownergy’s service, where required, includes the planning, procurement and management of a solar park. This begins with the feasibility and design of the project, including assistance through  the process of attaining planning permission. Ownergy will then carry out the procurement of equipment and the appointment and management of all delivery sub-contractors. Finally, Ownergy will maintain and manage the systems through the 25 year lifetime of the Feed-In Tariffs for solar photovoltaics to ensure optimal financial return. Ownergy’s experience in solar parks dates back to 1982 when the company’s Managing Director, Philip Wolfe, conceived and installed a modest 30kW array in the former coal yard of the Marchwood Power Station. Today there are no solar parks live in the UK, although globally they are recognised and widely adopted as clean source of bulk energy. However, the advent of the Feed-In Tariffs has made the development of such projects financially viable. This is similar to the experience in Germany, which has similar levels of solar intensity and has pioneered the introduction and success of Feed-In Tariffs over the past decade. The investment in new photovoltaic generation stations in Germany last year exceeded that in traditional coal, oil and gas plants. Suitable projects, such as those Ownergy is currently developing, include disused quarries, old airfields and similar brownfield sites. Solar parks can also be built on farmland, without taking it wholly out of use, as the solar arrays typically cover only about 25% of the available area. Prospective solar park developers are asked to contact Ownergy, preferably with a site plan or OS map of the proposed site available. Otherwise, customers can use our Commercial Energy Selector to pinpoint the location. Launching the service, Philip Wolfe, Managing Director of Ownergy, said: “The level of interest in solar park development in the UK since the Feed-In Tariffs went live has been impressive and we are currently waiting on planning permission for our first live project. Our experience and knowledge of both solar parks and the Feed-In Tariffs makes us ideally positioned to help prospective owners identify optimal site requirements and , where required, manage every aspect of the solar park’s development.” Note to editors: more details on the solar park project mentioned in the release will be given after planning permission is attained.   News 2010-06-17T09:56:40+00:00