Microgeneration technologies use renewable fuel to produce environmentally friendly, sustainable energy:
Environmental benefits
- Reduction in carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels, helping to combat climate change
- Using renewable energy supplies does not deplete the Earth's resources
- Energy generation efficiency is improved as more than 90% of the fuel is converted to energy, as opposed to traditional power stations which can waste over half of the fuel in transportation before it even reaches the consumer
Financial benefits
- Microgeneration uses freely available resources such as the wind and the Sun, so overall energy costs can be vastly reduced
- You will be less likely to be affected by energy price fluctuations
- Many microgeneration technologies qualify for government grants such as the Feed-in Tariff. This means you will receive a fixed payment for energy you generate, and another fixed payment for any surplus energy you export back to the grid
Practical benefits
- Heat and electricity can both be generated in the same process at the point of use
- Some microgeneration systems can provide benefits all year round, reducing fuel bills and cutting carbon emissions, regardless of building orientation or weather
- Technologies such as micro-CHP do not require planning permission
Social benefits
- Microgeneration promotes energy diversity in a competitive market, as there is less reliance on large energy companies to provide fuel, ensuring that affordable energy is available for all
- Microgeneration encourages users to think about their own energy use and educate others
- It fosters a sense of pride to be part of the fight against climate change
- Many employment opportunities will be created as the industry grows