SUMMARY/PURPOSE
1.
To agree an action plan to promote the generation of
renewable energy from systems which are appropriate to the intimate scale of
the Island landscape.
CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT
ITEMS
2.
None
BACKGROUND
3. Energy is fundamental to our economy and way of life.
However, the production of energy is also responsible for much of our
greenhouse gas emissions. Local authorities make decisions that are vital for
energy policy, for example on planning, regeneration, procurement, housing and
transport and are therefore seen as pivotal in delivering national energy
objectives.
4. An assessment of the Islands renewable energy resource was
conducted in 2002 to identify how the Islands 10% renewable energy target
could be achieved using commercially viable technologies. The assessment showed
that the installation of 18MW of renewable capacity will meet the 10% target,
although there is the possibility of an accelerated rate of deployment to 28MW
(18%) of renewable capacity. Details of that resource assessment are shown
in Appendix 1, together with a more recent assessment from Future Energy
Solutions of the potential at 2010 and 2016:
5. It
can be seen that in all cases on-shore wind was predicted to contribute at
least two-thirds of the total. Due to the commercial viability of wind energy,
its deployment appeared, at the time, to be necessary to meet the short-term
targets. It is unlikely that an offshore wind farm will be developed close to
the Isle of Wight due to the high level of shipping and sailing activity and
environmental constraints.
6. Since the publication of the Renewable Energy Strategy there
has been little progress on the installation of renewable energy systems.
However, there have been some changes in perception of the renewable energy
resource and an increase in the number of Island-based businesses developing
and installing renewable energy devices. There has also been commercial
interest in developing a wind farm with large turbines near Wellow. The
Administration has made clear, through its Renewable Energy Policy (pub. April
2005), its commitment to renewable energy. However,
it takes the view that, due to the intimate nature of the islands landscape and
the fact that over 50% is AONB, the goals and objectives of achieving renewable
energy targets are best met through means other than wind energy.
7. This paper presents the policies in the existing Renewable
Energy Strategy and outlines how the Council can contribute to the
implementation of these policies. It therefore meets the Aim High objective of
Reviewing and updating the Wight Renewable Energy Policy.
8.1 Existing Policy RES 1:
The level of contribution of RES technologies to
electricity generation on the Isle of Wight by 2010 should be at least 10%.
8.2 Commentary:
Total Island annual energy demand for heat
and power is in the region of 2,352 GWh per year (data collected 2003).
Electricity demand is 586 GWh with an average electricity load of 62MW and a
peak demand of 120MW. Gas demand is 1,766 GWh. There are small demands for
wood, coal, fuel oil and LPG. Island emissions from its energy use run at
1,406,655 tonnes of CO² per annum (including transport).
8.3 Energy outputs on the Island are minimal. There are a number
of Combined Heat & Power (CHP) engines installed at Wight Salads (c.8MW)
and one at Medina Leisure Centre. The oil-fired power station in Cowes is only
brought into operation to service high peaks in electricity demand and the
Refuse Derived Fuel plant at Forest Road, which previously produced 13.26 GWh
of electricity, is currently mothballed. The only truly renewable energy
generated on the Island is the Photovoltaic roof on Medina High School (13.8 kW
peak) and a small number of solar panels, wind turbines and ground-source heat
pumps.
8.4 The
Council believes that the contribution of renewable energy should be to both
heat and electricity demands and will aim for 18MW installed capacity.
8.5 A
further detailed assessment will be undertaken to determine the practical
contribution from RES technologies by 2010 in what is a highly dynamic arena.
The Policy Commission for Economy, Tourism, Regeneration and Transport will
investigate this matter and take evidence from local stakeholders. The Policy
will be changed to read:
8.6 Revised Policy RES 1:
The level of contribution of RES technologies to
electricity consumption on the Isle of Wight by 2010 should be at least 10%.
Technologies which provide renewable heat will count towards this total.
9.1 Existing Policy RES 2
The contributing RES technologies should be:
1. On-shore wind within the following context:
·
Within a
framework of planning criteria that have been developed and agreed with the
Islands community
·
With full
regard to all the environmental and landscape designations applying to the
countryside, marine and coastal environments
·
On the
condition of community ownership and/or local economic benefit
2. Biomass
This should be encouraged through the development of a
flagship CHP project using forest residues, other waste woods and energy crops
to pilot and showcase the technology. If appropriate, the technology could be
applied to a centralised Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system.
3. Anaerobic Digestion
Dairy cow manure is the only significant source for
anaerobic digestion, but the investment is not easily achievable for the
farming community.
4. Tidal Stream
The technology remains in the early stages of
development, but Hurst Narrows and south of St. Catherines Point have been
identified as potential locations for tidal farm demonstration sites.
9.2 Commentary:
Recent developments suggest that the
potential for electricity generation from renewable sources on the Island by
2010 may be greater and more diverse than previously assumed. The potential,
excluding onshore and offshore wind, is illustrated in Appendix 2.
9.3 If, with these revised estimates, the local and regional
targets for 2010 cannot be achieved,
then on-shore wind could play a part. There is, however, the potential to
dramatically increase the contribution of tidal energy if development is
supported. Using the tidal races around the headlands and inshore
channels, as well as deep water sites, could provide an output of the order of
12.5 MW, contributing significantly to the target of
18.5 MW. It should also be noted that targets are based on electricity
generation only, and that there are significant opportunities to generate
renewable heat (biomass, solar water heating, ground-source heat pumps) and
transport fuel (biodiesel). Whilst the regional targets are currently based on
a percentage of electricity production, the purpose of the policy is to reduce
CO² emissions, which would also be served by the generation of renewable heat
and transport fuels.
9.4 Action:
The Council will promote the use of biomass
and tidal energy. Funding has been secured for the promotion of biomass heating
systems. It will also promote microgeneration in line with guidance shortly to
be issued by Government. The Council has recently secured Leader + funding to
promote the benefits of renewable energy, install renewable energy systems in 4
community buildings and investigate models for community investment in
renewable energy technologies. The Council will show leadership by installing
renewable energy systems in its own buildings and the opportunities for
deployment will be considered over the next 12 months. Furthermore, all new
building schemes funded by the Council will assess the potential for renewable
energy installations and carry these out where the payback period is less than
7 years. The policy will be changed to read:
9.5 Revised Policy RES 2:
The Council will seek to meet Renewable Energy targets
through the full exploitation of:
1. Biomass (including woodchip, wood pellets, energy
crops and anaerobic digestion)
2. Tidal Stream
3. Energy from Waste
4. Landfill Gas
5. Microgeneration
10.1 Existing Policy RES 3
The Isle of Wight Council investigates the possibility
of locating tidal stream turbines off the coast of the Island.
10.2 Commentary:
The UK has developed the most advanced tidal stream concepts to date. As there is presently no strong international competition, the UK has an opportunity to develop a world-class industrial capability with a strong competitive advantage. To capitalise on this, rapid advancement of the technology is necessary.
10.3 Over the coming years the marine energy industry will provide diversification for the offshore and shipbuilding industries, employment opportunities, increased security and diversity of energy supplies, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enormous export opportunities. The Island could prove to be an ideal location for marine energy businesses. The Isle of Wight is one of only 30 or so possible sites in the UK that have suitably strong tidal currents and deep enough water for the deployment of commercial tidal stream technologies. Unlike many of the potential sites identified in the UK, sites around the Island benefit from good grid connections and close proximity to the main demand load centres on the mainland. Sites in more remote areas of the UK are likely to be hindered by a weak grid and substantial losses through transmission to the high demand loads in urban areas.
10.4 Technology and expertise from other industries, located on the Island and around the Solent, could assist with the design, construction, deployment and operation of tidal stream devices. Of particular relevance are the marine, offshore, composites and turbine manufacture industries. Dockside locations may be available for assembly and movement of generators to their final location. The Island has a strong marine manufacturing and engineering heritage, a good local skills base and available labour. Academic expertise in marine engineering and oceanography is located at Southampton University and the Isle of Wight Centre for Coastal Management. This could provide numerous benefits, including detailed mapping of the sea bed and currents around the Island, sedimentation monitoring, environmental impacts and contacts with European networks.
10.5 The Administration has already expressed a desire to investigate the possibility of becoming a centre for marine energy technologies. Whilst the technology is still in its infancy, it is suggested that a proactive approach is required in order to establish the industry on the Island. The contribution of such devices to renewable generation on the Island are still unclear, but there are likely to be significant long-term benefits from establishing a design, manufacturing, installation and O&M base on the Island.
10.6 However,
the immediate opportunity is to establish a Marine Renewable Technology and
Test Centre, with a working title of Solent MARine Test (SMART) Centre on the
Isle of Wight, which will be the location of choice for the testing of scale
model and demonstrator generating devices. The facility would offer shallow and
deep-water test sites for a range of devices as well as monitoring of
environmental impacts, including effects on coastal erosion and sediment
transfer. The Centre could market its facilities throughout Europe. The
availability of the research facility close to the capacity for equipment manufacture/assembly and
installation might help to embed any future manufacturing operation. There will
certainly be benefits from establishing a world-class centre of excellence in
what is a growing area of commercial activity.
10.7 Action:
The Council has recently secured funding from SEEDA to conduct a feasibility study into the creation of the Tidal Energy Test Centre. The study will be conducted by Cowes-based consultancy MTMC (Marine & Technical Marketing Consultants). It will identify possible sites for the location of underwater sockets, connected to local electricity grid, which will facilitate testing and electricity generation. Should suitable sites be identified the Council will assist with the consenting process. The Policy will be changed to read:
10.8 Revised
Policy RES 3:
The Isle of Wight Council will investigate the possibility
of establishing a Test Centre for tidal energy devices and locating tidal
energy turbines off the coast of the Island.
11.1 Existing Policy RES 4
The remainder of the RES target will be achieved by
the operation of the RDF plant and the implementation of photovoltaic (PV)
technology in new build.
11.2 Commentary:
The RDF plant at Forest Road has not
generated power for more than 2 years and is unable to be re-commissioned in
its current condition. At present, approximately 50% of municipal waste and
almost 100% of commercial waste is landfilled and Island Waste Services and the
Council are exploring new systems for exploiting the energy potential from this
waste, once viable options for reuse and recycling have been exhausted.
11.3 It is believed that the greater implementation of PV and other
microgeneration technologies can be stimulated through the planning system.
Planning Policy Statement 22 Renewable Energy makes the introduction of
renewable energy into development projects normal planning matters. This
means that local authorities now have the ability to produce policies on these
matters, and to take them into account when determining applications. The
appropriate technologies are solar water heating, solar photovoltaics
(electricity), biomass and small wind turbines. This type of planning policy is
already in place in a number of London Boroughs and other local authorities
where it has not inhibited development.
11.4 The SE Plan has a similar policy on renewable energy in the built
environment, which states:
POLICY EN1: DEVELOPMENT DESIGN FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
I.
Local
Development Documents should encourage the incorporation of high standards of
energy efficiency in all development. This will be achieved through design,
layout and orientation. Local authorities should use design briefs and/or
supplementary planning documents to promote development design for energy
efficiency and renewable energy. Local authorities should also encourage the
use of energy efficient materials and technologies, by using all the tools at
their disposal. A proactive approach towards the implementation of this policy
may involve:
II.
Encouragement of developers to submit an assessment of a
developments energy demand and provide at least 10% of the developments
energy demand from renewable sources for housing schemes of over 10 dwellings
and commercial schemes of over 1,000m2
III.
Attainment
of high energy efficiency ratings in all new development, where appropriate,
through the use of best practice guidance such as Building Research
Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and the National Home
Energy Rating (NHER)
IV.
Incorporation of
renewable energy sources including, in particular, passive solar design, solar
water heating, photovoltaics, ground source heat pumps and, in larger scale
development, wind and biomass generated energy
V.
Active
promotion of greater levels of energy efficiency and use of renewable energy
sources where opportunities arise by virtue of the scale of new development
including the regional Growth Areas.
VI.
Local authorities and other public bodies, as
property owners and managers, should seek to maximise energy efficiency and
incorporation of renewable energy technologies, when refurbishing their
existing stock.
11.5 Major developments are the ideal opportunity to demonstrate a
commitment to sustainable energy. The Pan Urban Extension has been highlighted
as a potential flagship scheme incorporating district heating and/or
building-integrated renewable energy. A report has been produced for the
Council by consultants whitbybird which highlights the opportunities for the
development.
11.6 Action:
The Council, in partnership with Island
Waste Services will seek to re-establish electricity generation from waste. It
will also introduce, through the Local Development Scheme, a planning policy
requiring on-site renewable generation in new developments. Over the next 12
months it will assess the potential for renewable energy installations in its
own stock. The Cabinet has already resolved on 21/03/06 that for the Pan Urban
Extension the target of Eco Home Rating is to be excellent with an
aspiration to achieve exemplary standards in the provision of sustainable
energy. This will ensure a high quality sustainable development. The
Policy will be revised to read:
11.7 Revised Policy RES 4
A significant proportion of the RES target will be
achieved by the re-commissioning of a waste-to-energy plant and the
installation of microgeneration technologies in new build.
12.1 Existing Policy RES 5
It is proposed that the target for renewable energy
contribution beyond 2010 is considered and determined as part of an ongoing
process of monitoring and assessment of:
- The implementation and operation
phases of the 10% contribution
- The new wave of renewable technologies
(tidal stream, hydrogen)
- The trends in energy demand
- Global fossil fuel markets
- Energy supply security issues
12.2 Commentary:
The renewable energy sector is extremely
dynamic. Some technologies are developing more rapidly than expected, others
appear to have stalled. Most commentators, for example, highlight the
importance of hydrogen in future renewable generation, yet implementation dates
vary dramatically. In the context of climate change and, indeed planning policy,
horizons need to extend to 20 years and beyond.
12.3 Action:
The Council will explore a target for
renewable heat and power generation beyond 2010 as part of the Policy
Commission review. Whilst this paper principally addresses renewable energy
issues, it is important to recognise the contribution of energy efficiency to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Renewable Energy Strategy also contains
policies relating to energy efficiency and these are highlighted below,
together with a brief commentary, although further action to encourage energy
conservation will be considered elsewhere.This Policy will remain unchanged
13.1 Existing Policy EE1
Alongside the development of Renewable Energy Sources,
energy efficiency within the domestic sector should be promoted as a priority
concern of the Council by:
- Targeting energy conservation grants
initially on those households where fuel costs form a large element of
household expenditure
- Stimulating and maintaining the
highest levels of public awareness and education on matters relating to
energy efficiency and conservation
13.2 Commentary:
The Council, in partnership with a major
fuel utility, is offering highly discounted loft and cavity wall insulation to
all householders through the Island Insulation Scheme. It is also a partner in
the Island Warm Homes Group which is tackling fuel poverty, and the Island has
one of the highest referral rates in the country for Warm Front, the
Governments energy efficiency grant scheme for low-income households. This
Policy will remain unchanged.
14.1 Existing Policy EE2
The Pan Urban extension should be used as
an exemplar project for sustainable, energy efficient building with optimal use
of solar energy and biomass district heating.
14.2 Commentary:
See Policy RES4 above. This policy will remain
unchanged.
15.1 Existing Policy EE3
The Isle of Wight Council establishes a
multi-partner initiative to investigate the feasibility of developing a
biodiesel production plant on the Island (using used cooking oil or arable
crops as feedstock) and investigates funding opportunities to support the
set-up costs.
15.2 Commentary:
An experimental biodiesel plant has been
established as a private enterprise. The Council is currently exploring
community investment models as a means of securing the investment the business
needs to increase production. This Policy will remain unchanged.
16. An issue not explored in the Renewable Energy Strategy is
support for local enterprise. There are currently at least eight Island-based
enterprises developing innovative renewable energy devices. This includes 4
tidal stream devices, 2 wind devices, 1 road-based device and a building
integrated heating device. A number of other businesses are involved in the
installation of renewable energy systems. Recently, most of these enterprises,
together with others involved in environmental technologies have formed an
Association, Vectis Energy, for mutual support and benefit. During the last 12
months a number of these enterprises have approached the Council seeking advice
and support. A common theme is the availability of sites and facilities for
testing scale model devices. In response the Council, jointly with IWEP, will
explore the benefits of co-location of high-tech local enterprises involved in
the development, manufacture and installation of renewable energy systems and,
if necessary, identify suitable premises.