Planning for Renewable Energy in Worcestershire Research Paper

Domestic Micro Wind TurbinesDomestic wind power has receivedsignificant media exposure in recentyears, and its profile has undoubtedlybeen raised. Small turbines form part of asuite of micro-generation technologiesthat are increasingly gaining support fromhouseholders. The Government hasintroduced policy initiatives andgrant-funding measures to encourage thetake-up of micro-generation, but untilrecently the advice could appear toconflict with the system of developmentcontrol. The householder consents reviewis likely to lead to some forms of domesticmicro-generation gaining furtheracceptance as permitted development.Small-scale wind turbines are onlysuitable in areas where the wind flow islargely uninterrupted, and is of a sufficientaverage speed. This can effectivelypreclude many locations in built-up urbanareas. The effect on neighbouringproperties must not cause a loss ofamenity, be it through noise, visual blight,vibration, or shadow flicker.The initial financial outlay for small-scalewind turbines can be significant (in theorder of £2,000 for a 400W installation 34 ),and because the generating potential isrelatively low, the repayment period canbe long.As a largely rural County, Worcestershirecould potentially make extensive use ofmicro wind turbines, particularly in thoselocations that are not connected to thenational grid.34Paragraph 1(v), Key Principles, Planning PolicyStatement 22: Renewable Energy, DCLG (2004)Biomass/Biomass CHPThe use of biomass heat and/or powerplants as a means of generatingrenewable energy involves the burning ofplant matter in order to create heat and/orelectricity. The CO2 absorbed by theplants during their life is equal to orgreater than that released duringcombustion, ostensibly making theprocess carbon neutral. Transport andprocessing emissions must be kept aslow as possible in order to ensure that theprocess is sustainable. The DTI's 'UKEnergy in Brief 2006' states that domesticand industrial wood, together withco-firing of power stations, provided25.7% of renewable energy used in theUK during 2005.Combined heat and power (CHP) usesthe heat from energy generation thatwould otherwise be wasted as a means ofspace heating. CHP can be powered byconventional fuels such as gas, orrenewable biomass. CHP is most suitablefor mixed-use developments, due to itscharacteristics of being most efficientwhen supplying a constant demand(rather than, say, the predominantlyevening demand of most households).Biomass is sourced from either forestsand woodlands (short-rotation-coppice -willow or poplar harvested regularly -timber off-cuts, waste arisings, low valuewood from thinnings etc.); or from energycrops such as miscanthus grass.A key benefit of biomass is its versatility,in terms of both the variety of sources offuel, and the variety of end uses for theheat and/or energy generated. TheGovernment has stated that "There are arange of sources of renewable heat, butbiomass is the only fuel that can be usedover the whole range - from verysmall-scale domestic units to large-scaledistrict heating systems". (Extract fromparagraph 5.4, UK Biomass Strategy,2007).APPENDIX A ● Planning for Renewable Energy in WorcestershireTechnical Research Paper 35