Region could be carpeted with turbines

Jan 26 2009 By Dan Warburton, The Journal

Between a ROC and a hard place

THE Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROC) are cited as the main reason for energy companies seeking turbines in rural areas.

They are a chance for big energy suppliers to prove they are committed to climate change without having to invest in new renewable technology.

There are three steps in the energy chain – the producer, the supplier and the consumer – and all are tied into the ROC scheme.

For each megawatt hour of energy a wind turbine company produces, the electricity regulator Ofgem gives them one ROC.

Energy companies which supply energy to our homes are under an obligation to invest in renewable sources.

Ofgem wants each supplier to have a certain amount of ROCs each year to show their commitment but many energy suppliers just buy these up without any real investment.

ROCs are typically selling for about £46, which inflates the price of wholesale electricity for generators.

That gives them a huge incentive to find sites where they can erect turbines – meaning landowners can be offered £100,000 a year for housing a wind farm.