WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

SPONSORS OF legal eaglesOther renewable areasDelays to projects have been experiencedin other areas of renewable technology forexample, wave and tidal, although thesearise from delays to grid connections,particularly in Scotland. This area ofrenewable technology remains in thedevelopment of commercialisationstage, but was boosted recently by theannouncement of funding in support of it.The use of biomass continues to increasewith several schemes moving forwardmost notably at Drax. Andrew Jacksoncontinues to advise in this area, where wework on several different biomass relatedprojects. We have also been instructedby biofuel producers and distributors in anumber of matters.Green Investment BankThe year has also seen the launch of theGreen Investment Bank although not at alevel and with the powers that everyonewould have wished. The governmentGreen Deal Scheme has also beenfinalised and finally came into force earlyin 2013.The renewable industry’s contribution toelectricity generation continues to growwith nearly 12% of UK electricity comingfrom renewable sources, with wind beingthe dominant technology and also themost technologically mature.Renewable energy futureThere is no doubt that in the futurerenewables and energy policy willremain a significant source of interestand development with many of thetechnologies reaching commercialisation.Concerns remain, however, that thegovernment does not appear to have a“Plan B” if some of its current policies donot reach fruition.Andrew Jackson remains at the forefrontof these developments.Martin CollingwoodAndrew Jackson Solicitorswww.andrewjackson.co.ukClick to view more infoGovernment commitmentThe government remains committedto having a mix of methods of energygeneration including nuclear, fossil fuelswith ccs as well as implementing energysaving and carbon reduction as a meansof achieving its environmental targets.Carbon capture and storage remains anarea of debate and development withsignificant interest being shown and trialschemes being approved by the EU.As a low carbon technology, nuclearcould play an important part in helpingto meet the climate change targets. Thegovernment is committed to a nuclearnew build programme; nuclear generatesaround 19% of the electricity but all butone reactor is due to close by 2023.There have been significant withdrawalsfrom the nuclear build programme andcapital cost of new stations is problematic.2012 also saw the use of fracking torelease shale gas as a new ingredient inthe mix.www.windenergynetwork.co.uk79