Conclusions from first Spanish local workshop

The Diputacion of Huelva, which is the Spanish partner in the WICO project, has held 2 local workshops. The first was held in February 2010 and the second in May 2010 and 15 key stakeholders attended the events.

The main conclusions from the two workshops were as follows:

Main conclusions of 1st local workshop:

* Local authorities are not aware of the difference between large wind and small wind.
* There is no current legislation specifically for miniwind and hence the feed-in-tariffs don't take this into account.
* There is a similar situation with the environmental laws which mean in Andalusia installations must go through the same process which can take up to 2.5 years to complete.
* The miniwind sector believes it is key to encourage isolated installations and not large miniwind parks, and must avoid the same issues that occurred with PV in Spain. * There is a need for good government legislation and better knowledge at the local level.
* Connecting to the grid is currently also problematic and you have to abide by RD1955, and in general off-grid installations are considered more appropriate at the moment. For which, in theory you still need planning permission, although often this is flouted.
* It is felt that to sensistize the public beginning with the off-grid market may be preferable.
* There are many restrictions to installing in National Parks.

Main Conclusions of the 2nd local workshop:

* There is a new law being proposed which could dramatically change the market for miniwind, a law specifically for microgeneration.
* Currently the tariff is unfavourable, the same as big wind. The new law proposes for miniwind up to 100kW for feed-in-tariffs similar to that of other EU countries of around 0.30€ per kWh.
* It is generally felt by those present that FIT are better than subsidies, although this does depend on the country’s characteristics.
* A different financial model will be required than that of large speculators as was the case for PV.
* It is felt that the technology is not yet mature and many savings in efficiency and costs can still be made.
* We are in a catch 22 where the Administration is waiting for the product, and the producers are waiting for the market.
* One of the best proposals for the new law will be that the electricity company will be obliged to connect you, unless it can come up with proof that this is unviable.
* More installer training is needed.
* Planning charges by local authorities can be charged, up to 10% of the costs of the insallation which is a huge barrier.
* For individuals to connect to the grid they must register as self-employed and pay 250€ per month.
* Other barriers are the method of energy billing which doesn’t encourage energy savings with too many fixed charges.

Initial Recommendations are as follows:

For policies
* Awareness and dissemination campaigns (local job Vs wind parks).
* Accreditation based on real production of small wind turbines.
* Guaranteeing of production from installers(investors).
* Avoid large mini wind parks to avoid feeding negative perception.
* Training and formation, such as the Energy Managers on line courses, being done by the Diputacion of Huelva.
* Strong political commitment.
For Legislation
* Differentiation needed between grid-connected wind parks and mini wind(grid connected or stand alone).
* A FIT of least 0.20€ (it is actually 0,45€ in Portugal).

For Planning Authorisation
* For Grid-connected systems Delays in permits should be shorter and fast-track solutions should be sought.
* For Off-grid, the permits should be much simpler

Posted 2010-07-08 12:57:08

Case study from Spain: wind installations successfully installed on mobile phone transmitters

The Spanish parnter of the WICO project, the Diputacion of Huelva is leading on a project in Spain called the RuralRES project http://ruralres.diphuelva.es/ which has particular relevance to the WICO project.

The RURALRes project is developing 15 best practices in 'miniwind' and of particular interest is a success story currently taking place in Spain where mobile phone transmitter relay stations are being equipped with hybrid installations including small wind turbines.

One of these installations is located in Chucena in Sevilla. Traditionally diesel generators are required to be in operation between 8-10 hours per day to provide adequate charge for the battery pack to power the relay transmitter.

The wind installation has reduced the hourly use of the diesel generator by 6 hours a day and fuel costs have been reduced from 800 Euro per month to 300 Euro per month.

Interestingly the maintenance personnel have also noted that the wind turbine provides much more power throughout the year than the solar panels.

However the most critical element of this is the commercial viability of the operation which is already being replicated across Spain with continuing improvements.

For more information visit:
http://ruralres.diphuelva.es/

Posted 2010-05-20 12:26:54

Feedback from the first British workshop held during Seawork Exhibition in Southampton June 2010

On 17th June the WICO project hosted a workshop during the Seawork 2010 exhibition in Southampton. The event focused upon the opportunities small wind systems represent to marine businesses.

Many marine companies will have access to coastal locations with significantly better wind resources than further inland. For these locations wind turbines of various designs and sizes will be strong contenders within a low-carbon energy strategy. The power generated by a wind turbine increases as a cube function of the wind speed. This makes sites with higher mean wind velocities very much more attractive.

As individuals or companies, generating our own electricity to both cut bills and reduce our carbon foot-prints is an attractive idea. Installing a small wind device is one of a number of ways to achieve this but how do you know if it is the right technology to choose?

During the event a range of expert speakers explained to a marine sector audience how site selection, wind resource assessment and planning procedures have to be considered when contemplating the installation of small wind power devices.

Francesco Matteucci (Tozzi Nord) explained the importance behind accurate wind resource measurement and the techniques employed to achieve this. He also highlighted that the particular characteristics of a site can have a significant impact upon the power generated.

Brendan Webster (Marine South East) spoke about the work the WICO partnership has been undertaking to compare and analyse public policies and planning regimes and the impact they have upon the uptake of small wind installations. Of particular interest was the likely emergence of 'permitted development' status for small scale wind devices in the UK.

Alan Banks (CEO Envirobusiness) gave a detailed explanation of the UK's new system of Feed-In Tariffs for renewable energy generation and how it is making small wind turbines increasingly attractive and financially viable.

Stephen Crosher from quietrevolution, a leading UK turbine manufacturer described how vertical axis turbines might be the right type of device for installing in places where nearby buildings and other obstructions create turbulent air-flow. Under test quietrevolution turbines actually generated more power in turbulent wind conditions.

To download the presentations from this event please go to

http://www.marinesoutheast.co.uk/wico/downloads

Posted 2010-07-08 13:02:36

Coming soon.......open workshop in Ravenna on the 1st October 2010

The Italian partners of the WICO project, Province of Ravenna, will be presenting the WICO project at a conference in Ravenna on 1st October http://www.ravenna2010.it

The event specialises in the the management of waste, water and energy. The exhibition and conference which takes place from 29th September to 1st October, includes a busy schedule of conferences, workshops, LabMeetings and cultural events addressed to experts, planners, universities, public administrations and business operators.

The initiative is aimed at discussing technical-scientific and political solutions adopted for renewable sources and energy efficiency.

The aim of the Province of Ravenna's workshop is to develop discussions and interest in small wind systems, as well as the dissemination and transferability of the WICO experience and its initial findings.

The programme of the workshop will be available in the news and event section of WICO web pages

http://www.provincia.ra.it/Argomenti/Ambiente/Energia-ed-elettromagnetismo/WICO-Wind-of-the-Coast

Posted 2010-07-09 12:39:39

GeoData Institute