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A new package of support to help Welsh Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) profit from the renewable energy sector has been launched by Environment Minister Jane Davidson.
 
Environment Minister Jane Davidson with Development Officer Louise Morris and Mike Batt of the Carbon Trust at Llanarthne Village Hall
The Environment Minister unveiled a programme aimed at helping Welsh businesses to achieve the necessary accreditation to install microgeneration technology such as solar panels and heat pumps.

Speaking at a community hall in Llanarthne that is itself is bursting with renewable energy  technology, the Minister said: 

“Renewable energy really is the future; it causes minimal damage to the environment, will not run out and is not dictated by factors, such as oil supply, which are outside our control.

“I believe that Wales should be at the forefront of the transition to a low carbon economy and want to make it as easy as possible for Welsh businesses to make the most of the opportunities associated with renewable energy.

“In order to do this renewable energy installers must be accredited to the Mircorgeneration Certification Scheme, however many  tell me that the cost and complexity of this process is presenting a real barrier.

“The programme I am launching today will address both these issues and will ensure that businesses in Wales have every opportunity to reap the economic  benefits associated with our move to renewable and  low carbon energy solutions. “

Through the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), small and medium sized renewable energy installation companies will be able to access interest free loans to cover the cost of gaining MCS accreditation.

Eligible companies will also be able to access the services of a development officer who will provide free and impartial advice to steer them through the accreditation process.

The programme will allow Welsh companies to benefit from the growth in the renewable industry stimulated by Feed-in Tariffs which were introduced by the UK Government in April. The Feed-in Tariff will enable businesses, communities or individuals to be paid for the renewable electricity they generate and export to the grid.

The launch of the MCS accreditation support programme was held at the community hall in Llanarthne which benefits from a passive solar design, a solar hot water system and ground source heating. Plans are also underway to secure funding for a new photovoltaic system.