A group of companies, led by Low Carbon Solar UK, filed a claim in the High Court yesterday. They are seeking a judicial review because of deep cuts being proposed by the Government to the Feed-in Tariff scheme for solar projects over 50 kilowatt (kW) in size under a fast-track review announced in February. Under Government proposals, the review would trigger cuts to solar subsidies of up to 70 per cent.
Risk to solar investment
However, in a statement yesterday, the group of companies seeking the judicial review accused the Government of being "irrational".
"Targeting ground mounted, grid connected solar PV projects at the larger end of the tariff bands, which are the most cost effective and efficient of the range of possible applications of the technology, is irrational in the context of promoting investment in renewable energy to meet the Government's renewable energy targets whilst balancing the cost to the consumer," the statement said.
The application for the judicial review also claims the fast-track review is not based on evidence of excessive deployment of solar technology as the Government claims it is. Instead, it says the Government is using a perceived risk of excessive deployment as an argument for the review rather than acknowledging a flawed projection for the number of developments that would take place.
"In pulling back on a commitment to support solar energy, the Government will cause the abandonment of hundreds of community scale schemes," Shorrock said. "The cost of not getting this right now, aside from the Government meeting its climate change targets, include the creation of new jobs, a diversified income for farmers and landowners, reduced energy costs for businesses and the provision of more secure and reliable energy for the UK."
Others involved in the High Court claim include Alectron Investments Ltd, Element Power Ltd, Juwi Renewable Energies Ltd, Lark Energy Limited, MO3 Power Ltd, Donald Anderson, Guy Anderson, Kate Kenyon and The Green Company (Europe) Ltd.
The Government's fast-track review into solar is due to complete next month.
To read the full story click here
Source: http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk