Evidence is mounting in support of small-scale, distributed electricity generation, termed microgeneration, as a means of addressing the climate change and energy crises caused by our fossil-fuel dependency. The concept entails households and other buildings generating their own heat and electricity and linking in to ‘microgrids’ – local power networks that supply the community. Microgeneration involves technologies such as solar panels, rooftop wind turbines and micro-CHP (combined heat and power) and government favours its expansion.

Now, two separate research groups have concluded that the concept offers much potential, providing the government supports it with regulations and funding. The reports have come as MP Mark Lazarowicz has taken up the challenge of lobbying for such support.

Sussex group

One of the research groups, headed by Dr Jim Watson of the University of Sussex, has submitted a response to the government's Microgeneration Strategy consultation, and also to the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee inquiry 'Keeping the Lights On:  Nuclear, Renewables, and Climate Change'.

Watson’s group, involving academics from the Sussex Energy Group, the University of Southampton and Imperial College London, is engaged in an ESRC-sponsored project, Unlocking the Power House, which is examining the economics of microgeneration and barriers to implementation. Their submissions to Parliament argue that microgeneration will only be attractive if the cost to consumers is reduced significantly.

Watson said: ‘These technologies hold great promise, but they are fighting on an uneven playing field. Our research shows that some basic changes in regulations could make a significant difference. People should be given the sort of help that energy companies receive through tax breaks when they invest in new power stations.’

Southampton group

Meanwhile, Dr Tom Markvart and colleagues at Southampton University's School of Engineering Sciences are also advocating the development of microgrids, ‘to provide a stable and reliable power supply from various energy sources’. Their recommendations are based on research published in Ingenia (published by the Royal Academy of Engineering). 'In the long term, microgrids offer the promise of substantial energy savings and reduction in emissions, without a major change in our lifestyle,' said Markvart.

Parliamentary moves

The case in Parliament is to be presented as a Private Member’s Bill by MP for Edinburgh North & Leith Mark Lazarowicz. His Bill, ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Energy’, includes measures to promote renewable energy sources, national targets for microgeneration, and a requirement for the government to produce a fiscal and economic strategy to assist with microgeneration and energy .

Watson, who has sent his submissions to Mark Lazarowicz, commented: ‘I get the impression that microgeneration targets (as Mark Lazarowicz advocates) do not have a great deal of support within government – and even some in the industry are approaching the issue with some caution.’ Asked whether he would support the Lazarowicz Bill, Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said : ‘…we are currently assessing the detailed clauses before coming to a definitive position.’