Cabinet minister visits green energy scheme at the University of Surrey

Friday 22 October 2010

This is a renewable energy source using locally sourced woodchip from sustainably managed woodlands within 10 miles of the boiler and will reduce the park’s reliance on gas.
Mr Huhne visited the park in the wake of an announcement by the Government to confirm the introduction of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme that is designed to encourage the use of renewable energy sources.

He said: “In the Spending Review the Government was able to confirm the good news that the Renewable Heat Incentive will go ahead in June 2011. I was thrilled to be with LC Energy on a visit to Surrey University, one of the many sites they supply with renewable and low carbon energy.

“The £860 million Renewable Heat Incentive will be key to meeting the UK’s target of 15% of energy being renewable by 2020, thus saving carbon, improving energy security and creating green jobs.”

Jason Harborow, the CEO of the Surrey Sports Park, said: “The Secretary of State was very impressed with the range of facilities and the quality on offer at Surrey Sports Park. He was particularly interested in the integrated energy efficient features installed in the building. “
Mark Lebus, of LC Energy, the firm behind the new eco-friendly system, was among those who met the Secretary of State. He commented: “Surrey is one of the most wooded counties in the UK and, if properly managed, could provide over 500,000 tonnes of sustainable woodchip available from the South East each year. Already cost competitive with gas, the introduction of RHI will see more businesses, hospitals and schools adopt renewable energy as a primary heat source, with the positive knock-on effect this will have to the sector and the businesses which service it.
The Surrey Sports Park is an exemplar model of the local timber to local heat renewable energy supply chain. LC Energy is delighted to have been awarded the long term supply agreement and sources the wood chip from the Surrey Hills woodlands near the boiler”
Notes for Editors:
What is the Renewable Heat Incentive?
It is a payment for generating heat from renewable sources. Like the Feed-In Tariffs, it is set by Government. It is administered by the official regulator Ofgem and paid for directly by the Treasury. On October 20th, within the Spending Review, the Government announced that the RHI would be reduced in scope by 20% as it will now be paid for by the Treasury rather than through a levy on energy bills as originally planned.
About Surrey Sports Park
Surrey Sports Park houses some of the most up to date sports facilities in the country, as well as Surrey’s first 50 metre pool, there will be glass backed squash courts with 2 show courts for 180 spectators, eight outdoor floodlit tennis courts, two new floodlit artificial grass pitches including one 3rd generation, a 120 station health and fitness centre and a 12m high Climbing Centre with a unique bouldering facility. Its 250 seat Starbucks Coffee House is the first Starbucks in Europe to be housed within a multi-sports facility.
Not only does the Surrey Sports Park facilitate able bodied sporting excellence, it also provides first rate facilities and access for disabled athletes and selection as an official training venue for the Paralympic Games in 2012 has emphasised its top rate provision for disability sport. For more information visit www.surreysportspark.co.uk
About the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life – helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 140 companies employing 2,700 staff.
The Sunday Times names Surrey as ‘The University for Jobs' which underlines the university’s growing reputation for providing high quality, relevant degrees.
Surrey is a member of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience. www.1994group.ac.uk

Media Enquiries

Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 686141, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk