Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2010 are correctly recorded and that they be signed by the Chairman.

1.         Neil and Carolyn gave an overview of the renewable energy topic with Neil providing the initial presentation and background, and Carolyn outlining the current situation regarding the work of KCC in this field. A copy of the presentation slides will be sent to Members and these notes should be seen as an adjunct to the slides. Questions were asked throughout.

2.         Neil began the PowerPoint presentation, which is attached to these notes. Energy efficiency is key in the process so that the ‘house is in order’ first.

3.         Regarding the first slide Mr Ferrin commented that he found the slide slightly misleading as it was referring to the energy mix in terms of electricity generation and not the whole energy mix including oil. Neil acknowledged this and has subsequently removed it from the slide. In respect of the definition of renewable energy Neil explained that renewable energy cannot always be considered zero carbon as sometimes fossil fuels are needed to utilise them and there are also transportation issues.

4.         A slide was shown indicating the key drivers for renewable energy development and it was explained that we need the equivalent of 30 new power stations over the next 20 years. At the same time there is a growth in the use of appliances and hence energy demand, and all in an increasingly regulated environment. There are national, regional and local impacts and at the same time, new economic opportunities. 

5.         The Renewable Energy Strategy outlines the financial support and increased investment needed as well as the increased role for the public sector.  The Renewables Obligation requires suppliers to source an increasing percentage of electricity from renewables. For every MW hour of renewable energy generated there is a tradable ROC (Renewable Obligation Certificate) which has value.

6.         Regarding zero carbon buildings, by 2016 all new homes built will need to have zero net energy consumption; by 2018 all new public buildings and by 2019 all non-domestic buildings. The only way to hit these targets will be to incorporate renewable energy.

7.         A slide was shown on targets for renewable energy and it was explained that the Europe- wide target was for 20% of energy to come from renewables by 2020 – the target specific to the UK is for 15%. Mr Brazier asked whether the 12% indicated for heat was included in the 35% shown and it was explained that this was in addition to the 35%.

8.         Mr Ferrin said that he thought the figure for heat generation was quite low and did this include open fires, to which Neil responded that it could. The breakdown reflects where progress can most be made towards the UK target in the time available.

9.         Mr King clarified the point that logs are considered to be a renewable resource, while coal (as is a fossil fuel) is not.

10.       Neil indicated that the SE Plan targets came with a health warning as they were based on data from 1999/2000 and Mr Ferrin  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.