Technology for the Future

Energy, its cost and the security of its supply has become increasingly important against a backdrop of declining fossil fuels, a looming energy crunch, rising fuel prices and an economic downturn. On top of that, climate change is a real and drastic threat that calls for immediate changes in our energy consumption and supply habits.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. The end of a fossil fuel era does not mean a step backwards. Renewable energy is the technology of today and the future.

Setting a Positive Example in Schools

Schools that choose to install renewable energy generating equipment ensure a stable energy future and offer an important message to the surrounding community. A renewable energy installation also sets an environmentally positive example and provides a first-hand experience of innovative and pioneering technology for students. The establishment will also gain an assessable, demonstrable educational tool, which reduces energy costs and bills.

Government Funding

There are a number of Government subsidy programmes to help educational establishments install renewable energy technologies including the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP), the Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP) and Building Schools for the Future.

The LCBP and CSEP both offer capital grants of up to 50% towards the cost of an installation, and applying simultaneously for these programmes means it is possible to obtain grants for up to 100% of an installation.

Alternative Funding and Support

Environmentally conscious companies like the Co-operative group also recognise the potential of schools to lead by example on sustainable energy. The Co-operative group run the Green Energy for Schools scheme, which has seen them pledge £1million to fund the installation of free photovoltaic (PV) or solar panels in UK schools.

A hundred schools around the UK have now been fitted with free solar panel systems worth £20,000 and the Co-op has pledged another £1million to continue this level of support. They have also begun trials of other renewable energy technologies, such as biomass boilers and micro-wind turbines, with a view to opening up funding for these also.

The REA

Many of the REA’s members manufacture, supply, install or maintain renewable energy generation systems which are suitable for installation in schools.

The Renewable Energy Association was established in 2001 to represent British renewable energy producers, to provide a united voice for the renewables industry and to promote the use of sustainable energy in the UK. Since then, the Association has grown rapidly to their current membership of just under 600 and is the largest renewable energy trade association in the UK.

REA membership is active across the whole spectrum of renewables: merchant power, heat and renewable transport. The Association represents a wide variety of organisations, including generators, project developers, fuel and power suppliers, equipment producers and service providers. Members range in size from major multinationals to sole traders.

For more information and full member details please visit www.r-e-a.net