With British local elections taking place on May 6, it’s a fairly open secret that the current Labour government will call the general election for the same day in order to increase voter turnout and have a decent shot at retaining power, with pre-election polls showing that the gap between the Conservatives and New Labour are narrowing.

The potential change of government, of course, remains. With that change would come potentially influential changes in policy, and that will apply to the still forming UK environmental policy and legislation, as much as with more established policy areas.

Given that the growing interest in environmental policy led to Labour’s formation of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), and that the department is still in its infancy (it was formed in October 2008), an understanding of the effects of a shift in government is vital.

What, then, are the potential repercussions for environmental policy after the general election in May 2010?

If the Conservatives Takes Power

On the subject of a Conservative win in the upcoming election, there is something of a resignation in the UK press. An understanding of the main points on their environmental policy, then, is a must for anyone who takes an interest in the future of sustainability and the environment in Britain.

They have pledged to enact the following:

• Offer every household a Green Deal, the right to have up to £6,500 worth of home insulation improvements, enabling households to reduce their energy bills, with the costs being met from the much greater savings that arise;
• Transform electricity networks with 'smart grid' and 'smart meter' technology that automatically matches supply and demand, allowing a huge increase in renewable power;
• Create a decentralised energy revolution by introducing a system of feed-in tariffs to encourage micro-generation of electricity;
• Expand offshore wind and marine power and provide government backing for a network of large-scale Marine Energy Parks.

Similar to current New Labour plans in that the introduction of smart meters and a smart grid are a top priority, the Conservatives have spoken little of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) – where Miliband as will be seen, has championed it - but equally haven’t made many inroads into green energy, other than a cursory commitment to the growth of offshore wind power. Their plans for a large-scale marine energy network, though, is ambitious: how it could be implemented, though, remains to be seen.

If Labour Remain in Power

Ed Miliband will probably remain in his position as Secretary of State for the DECC, and as such remain the effective orchestrator of British environmental policy in the wake of changes to international obligation after the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit.

Generally speaking Miliband has been a popular appointment to the position of ‘Climate Change Secretary’ and would be one of the chief beneficiaries of a Labour re-election, with his generally good work having sounded him out as a potential candidate for future Labour leadership.

In his two year tenure Miliband has enacted the ‘Low Carbon Transition Plan’, and championed research into Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which he has earmarked as a practical application of the ‘clean energy’ principle attached to the use of renewable energy, and the relatively limited funds attributed to environmental concerns from the government coffers.

A persistent presence at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, Miliband is an active player in the international scene, and despite his relatively low profile in the UK, has carved out a reputation that makes him one of the government’s more established politicians in international negotiations.

For continuing work in environmental policy, then, a Labour re-election – provided Miliband isn’t shifted around cabinet – could be the UK’s best option. Miliband and the DECC haven’t been without their criticisms, though: tentative support for nuclear power drew many in dissenters, and CCS is a little moderate for some. His seeming silence on the large-scale production of renewable energy capabilities, too, could lead to questions about his true environmental commitments.

If There’s a Hung Parliament

Long out of power, the Liberal Democrats could see their first shot at government in decades: speculations are rife on the prospect of a hung parliament, and for the first time the Liberal Democrats have made it clear that they would consider a potential coalition with the Conservatives.

The introduction of the Liberal Democrats into government could prove for interesting changes in relation to environmental policy. That, though, would depend on the party’s decisions regarding loyalties to the UK’s two major parties.

With the Liberal Democrats, renewables seem to enter the equation:

Both Labour and Conservatives support the construction of new nuclear power stations. More nuclear power will soak up subsidy, centralise energy production and hinder development of Britain’s vast renewable resources. Nuclear has a dirty legacy and increases global security risks. We oppose construction of further nuclear power stations.

Liberal Democrats will drive a massive programme of investment in renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar. We will also transform the National Grid into a smart decentralised grid which will respond dynamically to the changing patterns of energy demand. Smart metering and guaranteed prices will unlock the potential of local and community energy generation, giving people control over the energy they use.

Interestingly, and alarmingly for many, it could be that only a hung parliament may draw out any potential for renewable energy investment. Given that the chance of an actual Liberal Democrat victory is highly unlikely, it would seem that all renewable energy supporters can hope for is that in a coalition government, the Liberal Democrats could pressure their chosen dominant partner into certain commitments involving the technology.

Posted under Articles, Gas & Electricity

At Ecoswitch we're often talking up the benefits of renewable energy and green energy for the home, because it can often be cheaper, and it is certainly more environmentally friendly. What we don't do though, is explain that switching to alternative energy is good for business.

Why Renewable Energy is a Great Way of Promoting CSR

Switching to an alternative energy company harbours the same benefits for a business as a home: it can work out cheaper, its environmentally friendly, and its stable and sustainable.

In one respect though, it is exceptional. for a business, it can be the perfect way to signal ethical considerations and a serious commitment to the corporate social responsibility of an organisation.

These days, that side of a business is more important that has ever been before, and whilst the work of an electricity and gas supply goes on silently, its useful for a business to be able to show that it practices what it preaches ethically by showing that even the way that their business is powered adheres to a code of environmental friendliness.

It might not be the most important consideration when switching to renewable energy, but its certainly one that uniquely benefits businesses and organisations.

Saving Money, Helping the Environment, Attracting Custom

Of course the fact that it may be cheaper, and that it significantly reduces CO2 emissions (in fact, on 100% renewable energy tariffs, they're effectively zero) is still an incredibly encouraging thing at business level.

That it can also attract custom is just an extra added bonus: there are certainly individuals out there (including this writer, for one) who would see an organisation using renewable energy companies as something of a vote-swinger.

It's important to say that it won't do much solo - if the organisation is terrible to begin with, a green energy supply isn't going to change things - but if its a choice between two great companies, then many would go with the one who has taken time to implement such ethical considerations.

Switching a Business to Alternative Energy with Ecoswitch

If this kind of thing sounds like the right kit and caboodle for you, then take a look at switching to renewable energy through the Ecoswitch green energy pages.All you need is geographical details and a few rudimentary stats regarding energy consumption, and you're away.

Switching takes a few minutes, but the rewards last years. So take a look now!

Posted under Gas & Electricity

With the current spate of snow making home comforts all the more important, the usual increase in households looking to switch gas and electricity suppliers in the cold winter months could take a more drastic turn; its been a cold few months and the experts say that snow could keep falling for another two weeks.

In this cold period, then, many people will be looking at the alternatives for energy supply, either to bring down cost or to think about the energy they're using and the wider effect that has.

Electricity Switching - The Financial Benefits

One obvious motivation for switching suppliers is to lower cost, and that's precisely why so many people start to look at switching in winter: with thermostats going up and more electricity being used, the cost of utility bills becomes all the more apparent.

In the winter months it starts to make sense to look at keeping the heating up so as to keep out the cold, and to see if cost can be reduced in doing so.

Looking at switching suppliers in order to bring that cost down is the easiest and best way to do so, and there can often be substantial savings: on quarterly bills the difference can be one of hundreds of pounds.

Electricity Switching - The Environmental Benefits

As the heating goes up and the electricity rattles into overdrive, others think about switching for non financial reasons: all that extra heat in the house, all those extra appliances, must be having some effect on the world around them, must they not?

A common reason for switching suppliers generally, but one that also gets picked up in the colder winter months, is for environmental reasons. If a supplier can promise that the electricity and gas it supplies will have a lesser effect on CO2 emissions and global warming even as heating and electricity gets more use, then such suppliers can prove particularly popular.

Some suppliers specialise in that kind of energy particularly. Good Energy, Green Energy UK and Ecotricity were all founded with the aim of providing commercial alternative and renewable energy.

In just this instance, it can be a load off the mind if a guarantee can be made that turning up the heating won't do the planet untold damage. A perfect reason to look into electricity switching, then.

How to Switch, Whatever the Reason

Comparing companies and switching suppliers and tariffs is simple, and can be done through Ecoswitch. Take a look at the electricity switching forms, and fill in a few simple details. The whole process, from start to finish, takes only a few minutes.

So be it financial applications or environmental concerns that might sow the seed for switching tariffs or suppliers, make sure to take a look through the compare and switch section of the Ecoswitch website.

Posted under Gas & Electricity

A growing environmental consciousness in the UK has led to a growing number of households looking dutifully for ways that they can reduce their CO2 emissions; with environmental concerns - from climate change and global warming to sustainability - taking precedence in the media and in general public concerns.

In the house such measures have included a greater effort at recycling, buying organic produce, and trying to use less gas and electricity.

On that final point, though, many households have preferred to cut back on energy rather than look at alternatives: understanding that gas and electricity use is a big contributor to general CO2 emissions, many homes are willing to cut back but less aware of the environmental benefits and possibilities involved in a switch to clean electricity, green energy and renewable energy.

Green Utilities through Green Energy Tariffs

There are companies in the UK that are dedicating themselves to providing green utilities to homes in the UK through green energy tariffs: gas and electricity tariff plans that either partly or wholly source their energy from sources such as solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectricity and wave and tidal power, as well as biomass and nuclear energy.

In providing such energy to UK homes, these companies are helping substantially reduce the CO2 emissions for those households that use them: relying on energy that is largely carbon neutral - the mechanics could still produce CO2, but the energy itself does not - these green energy tariffs are a perfect alternative for those interested in the environmental impact of their living habits and day to day actions.

Of the companies providing such a service, the big three are Good Energy, Ecotricity and Green Energy UK. Other more traditional energy companies, such as E.On, are looking to improve their green electricity percentages, but most other companies lag far behind.

Reducing CO2 Emissions Through Green Utilities

Already growing in popularity, these green tariffs are giving households a way to use all the modern comforts that they need without fear of spiralling CO2 emissions, and without having to make sacrificial cutbacks.

Looking to sustainability, too, these green utilities are building a future means for energy production that will safeguard utilities in the future.

Switching to Green Utilities Online

For those interested in green utilities, its easy to switch. Take a look at the Ecoswitch green tariff comparison, input the necessary info and check the prices and availability.

If those factors are satisfactory, click switch and Ecoswitch will take care of the rest. Its simple and takes a few minutes.

Posted under Articles, Gas & Electricity

At current, most electricity in the UK comes from traditional methods - fossil fuels, particularly coal, from coal-fired power stations - and the growth in energy consumption through a growth in population, not to mention a growth in industrialised populations, has been one of the biggest contributors to global warming, CO2 emissions, and the problem of climate change.

The reduction of CO2 emissions has been a constant goal for politicians in the past two decades, from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change first set up at the 'Earth Summit' in Rio in 1993, to the Kyoto Procol in 1997 and the new deal laid down at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference this month.

Where energy efficiency has become an issue, and the reduction of CO2 emissions in business an issue too, the way that households get their electricity has been left largely untouched: looking at bringing down consumption rather than changing the way we consume, coal-fired power stations remain the order of the day, so that only a reduction in energy use can bring about a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Green Energy in a Domestic Setting - An Occurrence on the Rise

There are companies that are looking to change that, of course. Currently the biggest organisations in the UK for just this purpose are Good Energy, Ecotricity and Green Energy. All three aim to produce renewable energy, green energy and clean electricity for use in the domestic sphere, meaning that energy consumption is not related to CO2 emissions.

Unfortunately, though it can sometimes be more expensive - or more difficult to get hold of - than conventional energy sources; the companies that have had a hold on gas and electricity consumption for decades - E.On, British Gas, etc - use cheap sources, meaning that they can provide their service cheaply.

But that is not to say that green energy isn't cheap: it just struggles at times to match the prices of those companies who are more interested in cost that environmental concerns.

Continued Investment is Bringing Down Green Energy Prices in KWH

Despite any potential difference in price, though, it has been shown that green energy and ethical gas and electricity are coming to match traditional gas and electricity prices per KWH. As technology improves and the use of green energy is becoming more common place, prices are coming down; they are expected, potentially, to begin to beat the prices of so-called 'brown' electricity.

It is an encouraging scenario indeed. And with CO2 emissions reduction so fervently sought after, government and private investment in green energy, too, will be a welcome thing indeed.

Posted under Articles, Gas & Electricity

Hydrogen is a hotly touted energy source for many, and a form of energy to be cautioned away from for others. It is, however, the focus of quite substantial current development and spending. Hydrogen also has a unique place in the public imagination following its place in the futurism schematics of past decades; put forward as a fuel for for cars and transportation machines, many of us will remember the story of the hydrogen powered car that 'the corporations won't let us have'.

Hydrogen (H) is produced from water (H20); when the hydrogen is combined with oxygen (O), it produces energy.

The hydrogen must first be produced from water, then, before it can be used as a fuel. Electrolosis of water is one method of 'getting the hydrogen out' of the water; it is paramount that the energy used for the electrolosis process is kept at a low level in order for the whole enterprise to be worthwhile (i.e., so that it isn't the case that more energy is spent than is gained); the energy used for this electrolosis should also be of a renewable kind, from a green source. Hydrogen, produced in this way, could then be a viable alternative to fossil fuels. But done wrongly, more energy will be spent producing the hydrogen than is gained when the hydrogen is eventually used as a fuel; and if the energy used to produce the hydrogen is from 'dirty' fossil fuels, then the whole enterprise starts to look pretty un-green.

Those who wish to promote hydrogen as a fuel of choice in a future green energy economy point to its 'clean' nature when used a fuel for cars or engines; there is no volatile, noxeous or pollutive gases in its exhaust, and instead, only water vapour is released. The controversy arises instead from the energy used in its creation and transportation as a fuel- this is where the current development process needs to iron out the problems. One possible option to aleviate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the production of hydrogen is to have carbon capture or carbon sequestration used where the hydrogen is produced: carbon capture, however, is a controversial issue in many people's books, and hasn't been resolved satifactorily for everyone. It seems rather a bad and wasteful idea to pump out CO2 willy nilly, with the hope of this gas being 'captured'.

The use of renewable energy to produce hydrogen from water is a way out of the fossil fuel method of production. A hybrid of hydrogen power with wind or solar is a hopeful option- in this way, the wind (freely available and renewable) can be used not only to create power for the grid, but also to electrolise water and gain hydrogen; the hydrogen is thus made without damaging the atmosphere with fossil fuel pollutants and CO2, and the hydrgoen thus gained can be used as an alternative power source when wind or sunlight is not strong. The energy sources thus bolster each other. The use of excessive energy to store the hydrogen (a very delicate substance), however, would still need to be reversed.

The main argument against using hydrogen as an alternative fuel, then, is that it isn't freely available (like wind) and needs energy to 'create' it- and this use of energy in hydrogen's production can also have the side effect of producing harmful greenhouse gases and pollutants.
Amongst other issues is the fact that hydrogen is a gas at most temperatures, which requires energy to store and maintain.

Motorised vehicles, for which hydrogen has been historically linked in an optimistic manner, are generally being converted to electricity instead; Ford have dropped all plans to make hydrogen powered cars, and are instead planning only to electrify their vehicles.

Despite these issues and concerns, hydrogen production is nevertheless a large expanding indistry. According to the Chemical Economics Handbook, SRI, July 2001, it is estimated that 50 million tons of hydrogen were produced globally in 2004, next to 170 million tonnes of oil. According to the University of Leeds, the growth rate of hydrogen, worldwide, is around 10 per cent per year

At present, the figures show that barely any of the hydrogen being produced is coming from renewable sources- figures seem to agree on about 5%. The rest is from dirty fuels. The Chemical Economics Handbook puts the percentages of energy methods for procuding hydrogen at 48% natural gas, 30% oil, and 18% coal, water electrolysis 4%- a miserable figure from a green perspective.

Let us hope, then, that if this form of energy will continued to be used in such large quantities, a severe reversal happens in how it is produced; and if not, then other sources of energy are quickly found to replace it.

Posted under Climate, Electricity Generation, Gas & Electricity, Renewable Energy

E.On has just received planning permission from South Lanarkshire Council for the development of a 29.9MW wind farm consisting of 13 turbines able to power around 20,000 homes. The development, located on land at Dungavel Hill, south of Strathaven, Scotland, should help offset around 40,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per year.

The permission granted by the local council will allow E.On to help the Scottish Government achieve its' Green Energy Targets of 31% by 2011 and 50% by 2050. Ahmed Mulla, E.ON's project developer for Dungavel, said:

"This is excellent news for us and another step towards helping Scotland meet its renewable energy targets."

The scheme will also bring contract opportunities to local employers in the region. During the construction phase there are expected to be between 50 and 60 contractors working on site.

South Lanarkshire Council are also pleased as E.On have agreed to make a minimum contribution of £60,000 per year to the Council's Renewable Energy Fund for the lifetime of the project.

In response to these community and social initiatives, Ahmed Mulla commented:

"We're especially pleased the planning report recognised the benefits this project will bring to the local community and beyond.''

The above development is another positive development for E.On and another example of how a large multinational is now trying to make serious efforts to balance environmental considerations with the need to make profit.

The above development follows a similar announcement back on 07 October this year, when E.On decided to shelve plans for a new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth. That would have been the first one built for three decades. But E.On recognised that Britain didn't need another Coal Fired power station, particularly in light of the constant deluge of environmental pressure from a variety of organisations spearheading 'The Big If and Give Coal The Boot' campaign.

These positive environmental developments are increasingly helpful to E.On as their Environmental Performance is measured partly by the amount of energy that they source as a Company from Renewables. EU targets require the UK to source 20% of their overall energy requirements from Renewables by 2020. The latest Fuel Mix data provided by Suppliers indicated that E.On are sourcing 0.3% of their energy from Renewables so developments like Dungavel will only serve to help their environmental performance longer term.

Posted under Articles, Corporate, Electricity Generation, Gas & Electricity, Renewable Energy

An important aspect of green lifestyles and changing the way things are done, Ecoswitch provides users with the chance to compare gas and electric prices. Green energy tariffs mean that, at a fundamental level, a home or an organisation can embody a green and environmental lifestyle.

Understandably though, Ecoswitch only deals with those companies that are providing gas and electricity which makes a sustained effort at using, and developing the use of, green technologies, green energy and renewable energy sources. It is their innovation that is making green energy more readily available, at prices that won't deplete people's term deposits and savings accounts. It is the future of our planet that hangs in the balance, and we can all play a part. Ecoswitch recognizes those companies that are doing their best to go green. That's why our support is for the 'Green Three': Good Energy, Green Energy UK and Ecotricity.

These three energy suppliers are the only three in the UK that make use of more than 30% renewable energy in their overall fuel mix for the gas and electricity they provide their customers. they are also, generally speaking, the companies who are best placed to continue developing further use of these technologies: Ecotricity have written specifically on their green energy development results and aims.

When choosing to give web users a chance to compare gas and electric prices and save themselves some money, then, Ecoswitch made it their aim to support the Green Three over others.

Renewable Electricity and Gas - Getting 100% Green Energy with the Green Three

The second reason that the Green Three have made waves - and another reason for Ecoswitch to support their endeavours -  is that they are the only gas and electricity suppliers to offer 100% renewable energy tariffs to their customers.

Whilst the Green Three have yet to reach the allusive target of producing a 100% renewable fuel mix, then, they have made sure they're one step closer than their competitors by producing their 100% renewable energy tariffs. And as they grow, it will be hoped that the number of people that green energy tariff can be offered to will also grow.

How to Compare Gas and Electric Prices with Ecoswitch

Should the aims of the Green Three seem interesting, its simple to compare their tariffs with those of other suppliers: simply take a look at Ecoswitch's gas and electricity comparison pages.

From there its a matter of inputting some basic details about energy consumption and location, and Ecoswitch will give an accurate account of the cost of a number of energy tariffs that keep the environment in mind.

Posted under Articles, Gas & Electricity

Wind power is something that most of us are by now familiar with. Wind power- the energy of the raw winds, used to turn mills, whose drive then transfers the energy to a more handy form for us humans- is now so widespread that windfarms are a common sight, and are steadily multiplying across the face of the earth.

But while wind power continues to be a popular form of renewable energy in both the public's mind and in the policies of politicians and in government acts, a criticism of the medium persists: the intermittent nature of wind power. Coal, as long as it is abundant or easily bought on the market from elsewhere, can always be burnt. Wind, however, is not always so passive and malleable- wind farms consist of giant mills rooted deep into the ground, and are thus at the mercy of the climate and weather, which ultimately produces the aerial currents which are its 'fuel'.
Wind farms cannot move elsewhere in order to get a better hit of wind, like a surfer who wants to find the best waves, and winds cannot be imported or moved in bulk.

One potential solution that has been proposed is a hybrid of wind power and stored hydrogen. Put simply, the hybrid system works like this: power is harnessed from the wind through mills, and this power is used for the grid (where it heats our homes, lights our buildings, etc) as well as for the additional purpose of electrolysis water, which creates hydrogen- this hydrogen is 'bottled up' and stored, and on those days when the wind is lagging, the hydrogen is 'unbottled' and used to create electricity and power- either through fuel cell technology or through a combustion engine linked to an electrical generator.

There are many issues that have arisen in the discussion and early attempts at realising wind hydrogen hybrid technology- one major issue is the storage of the hydrogen itself. Underground storage has been investigated, and is often seen as the favoured method in a possible wind-hydrogen hybrid system. Hydrogen storage is tricky because, for one thing, it requires very large tanks to hold it. Increasing the pressure for these tanks would make them smaller, but also denser. Compressed hydrogen takes up a lot of energy for the compression process, making it inefficient; hydrogen can also be kept as a liquid (think the liquid nitrogen of Hollywood films that freezes what it touches). The thing about liquefaction is that the hydrogen has to be kept very, very cold to keep it a liquid- hydrogen boils at -252.882 degrees celsius, so it has to be kept at a lower temperature than that, which takes up a hell of a lot of energy. The delicate insulation for the appropriate storage tanks is also very expensive.

Underground storage, which many would like to see as the main way of keeping hydrogen ready for power creation when the wind is running weak, would involve depleted gas and oil fields, underground caverns, or salt domes- according to Wikipedia, the chemical manufacturing giant ICI has stored gaseous hydrogen in underground caverns for years without any problems.

The Australian company WHL Energy Limited is a key player in the development of this hybrid system, and according to its website 'is actively pursuing a regional expansion strategy in Latin America and China, in addition to the UK and Australia'. Wikipedia states that test sites for the company's wind hydrogen system exist across Canada, Denmark, North America, Argentina, Scotland, Greece, and Norway.

A wind-hydrogen hybrid, then, looks like a positive step towards smoothing out the problems with the renewable and freely available energy that can be gained from wind- whether the difficulties of hydrogen storage can be overcome will depend upon the limits of our technology and the unfolding of time.

Posted under Articles, Climate, Electricity Generation, Gas & Electricity, Renewable Energy

Situated in the eastern chunk of England that verges on ancient marshland and earthy conservation areas, Sarah Green's family farm possesses 25 acres of organic, Soil Association registered land, where seasonal and organic vegetables and fruit are grown. The kind of venture that is increasingly popular with families, foodies and anyone with an interest in food-miles, the farm's shop in North Street, Tillingham, sells their varied range of greens, along with their own free-range eggs and plenty of other stocks, including meat, juice, cereals and cooking essentials.

Travelling only half of a mile to the shop, the produce is also available in the form of 'veg boxes' (although a lot more than just veg can be bought). Sarah Green can deliver these weekly to pretty much anywhere in the Dengie Peninsula- that's the area of Essex between the tidal rivers of Blackwater in the North, and the River Crouch to the South.

Ranging in price from £8 to £20, there are five sizes of box available. The food is all seasonal, and a constant, weekly variation will keep the organic produce fresh and interesting. Potatoes and carrots are there as a staple every week- the winter months might see the addition of leeks, cabbage, parsnips, purple sprouting broccoli, curly kale, or celeriac. Summer might see bunched beetroot, cucumber, lettuce, spinach, radish, pepper, fine beans, aubergines, fennel, or many others. The vegetables are all harvested straight into your box.

For those wanting to try out Sarah Green's produce before they commit to a box, the farm also sells their wares in Green's shop at 74 High Street, Maldon, Essex and Lathcoats Farm Shop, Chelmsford.

A great way to support local farming in the east of England, and to bring home fresh and natural food without having to leave the house.

Visit www.sarahgreensorganics.co.uk for more details on Sarah's box scheme.

Posted under Articles, Companies, Corporate, Gas & Electricity, House & Home, Product Innovations