Domestic micro-generation: Economic, regulatory and policy issues for the UK

Establishing the zero-carbon performance of compact urban dwellings

“…Allen and Hammond (2010) found in their analysis that the combination of a microwind turbine and a solar PV system can completely displace the need for electricity from the grid. Wind generation, however, has also been shown to cause noise problems and have a low yield in urban locations (Watson et al 2008). Numerous papers have been published on the yield of PV, for example: Allen and Hammond (2010), Ren et al (2010), James et al (2010), Bahaj and James (2007); and with a specific focus on urban environments by Steemers (2003), Tian et al (2007) and Compagnon (2004).…”

“…Watson et al (2008) stated that wind generation has a very limited yield in an urban setting and bio-mass boilers were not considered in this particular case, preference being given to micro-CHP since it generates electricity as well as heat. Ground source heat pumps were also not considered because the available area for horizontal evaporator coil was limited and the commercial viability of installing vertically drilled systems was prohibitive.…”

Support schemes and ownership structures – the policy context for fuel cell based micro-combined heat and power

“…According to Directive 2008/4/EC (20), "small scale cogeneration" encompasses, inter alia, micro-cogeneration and distributed cogeneration units, such as cogeneration units supplying isolated areas or limited residential, commercial or industrial demands. In particular, Art.…”

“…This is a key requirement for operating support: the amount 20 The Policy Context for Fuel Cell Based Micro-Combined Heat and Power generated in a certain time span must be metered with approved technical equipment if this is to be the basis for the remuneration of a production unit. Investment support reduces upfront the investor's capital costs; simultaneously, investment support induces the risk that less electricity will be generated than under operating support because there is no incentive for maintenance.…”

“…Hawkes and Leach (2008) [18] model the operation of different mCHP technologies -in itself a rather technical issue -and derive recommendations on the combination of energy efficiency standards and support for mCHP technologies. Two other sources with a regional focus on the UK are [19] and [20]. The first one is the Department of Trade and Industry's microgeneration strategy, elaborating on a number of interesting initiatives in the field and deriving various actions as answers to a number of obstacles.…”