Green energy to be key focus for firms - 04/01/2012

Many business energy users may look to make their use of electricity greener and reduce their bills in 2012 by adopting new technologies and taking advantage of government schemes.

BusinessGreen stated the launch of the government's flagship Green Deal policy could be a make or break moment this year, as it has the potential to radically reduce the UK's carbon footprint.

The coalition is set to make a large push to encourage early adoption, though the publication added the level of take-up for the scheme "will either resoundingly answer its critics, or prove an appalling damp squib".

In November, the government announced an extra £200 million of funding to encourage homes and businesses to sign up to the initiative as soon as possible.

Another scheme set to feature heavily is the Renewable Heat Incentive, which BusinessGreen said should see a high level of interest from both commercial energy users and domestic gas and electricity customers.

It stated 2012 will be a good time to investigate this technology before any enticements are reduced.

Many firms may turn to the RHI scheme due to continuing uncertainty surrounding Feed-in Tariffs, as a legal battle regarding the legality of cuts to solar energy subsidies is set to continue.

The government signalled this week it is likely to appeal a High Court ruling that declared the changes to be unlawful.

Another aspect of improving energy efficiency that is often overlooked is smart meters, the publication noted, though this may change in the coming year.

BusinessGreen said: "Expect to see smart meter firms and the large IT and energy companies that are working with them raising their profile in the months ahead."

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