Britain is about to welcome a revolution that will help to meet the two

current challenges of climate change and the credit crunch. Businesses and

householders are rapidly realising that they can take control of the power

they generate to light and heat their homes; and government-set

Feed-In-Tariffs (FiTs) set to come in force next spring will help them

benefit financially.

Finding out more about actions to take and benefits

that will accrue can be challenging. A new event being held at Wembley

Stadium on 1 and 2 December this year is set to solve this and de-mystify the

whole procedure. Smart Energy '09, with its conference organised by the

Renewable Energy Association and exhibition organised by Media Generation

Ventures, offers organisations and contractors working on behalf of

individuals, the perfect one-stop-opportunity to learn, network - and do

business.

The first day of the conferences focuses on 'Smart Energy and Businesses' and the second on 'Smart Energy and Communities' - both days

feature sessions designed to explain the different technology options

available, their features and their practical application, as well as an

practical information on how each of these technologies will benefit under

the new government incentives.

Powerful plenary sessions include speakers

such as Jeremy Leggett, Executive Chairman of SolarCentury the leading

provider of solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions in UK; Susan Pelmore, of Pöyry

Consulting; and Pilgrim Beart, Chief Executive of AlertMe, the device partner

of Google's online PowerMeter.

"Britain is indeed on the brink of an

energy revolution," says Paul Stott of Media Generation Ventures (a member of

the Media Generation Group who also organise All-Energy, the UK's largest

renewable energy exhibition and conference).  "Thanks to FiTs and government

emission reduction policy, the UK mind set is about to change. We will see

our methods of lighting and of heating transformed on large scale projects

and within small businesses and in our own homes.  Indeed, there are some who

believe that the revolution will transform how we live and how we think.

Smart Energy '09 provides a first step to understanding the possibilities

that lie ahead.

"We are expecting energy managers and facility managers

from a wide range of large organisations such as retailers, warehouses and

offices; local, regional and national government; schools, hospitals and

public buildings; factories and businesses; hotels, leisure centres and

sports facilities; communities and housing associations to descend on Wembley

Stadium to find out more.

"It is also the ideal opportunity for small and

medium enterprises (SMEs) and for those to whom householders are likely to

turn to for advice such as architects, builders, plumbers and electricians to

find out more. We welcome them all. 

There is a modest

charge for attending the conference, but the exhibition with its broad range

of exhibitors including wind, biomass, solar PV, air conditioning, grid

connection companies, project management consultants, and specialist

advisors, is free to attend for delegates and non-delegates alike. Some, like

Hoval, will be using Smart Energy for the launch of new products. Hoval's is

their innovative new CF ceramic filtration system.

Stimulating

conference 

A successful campaign, led by the Renewable Energy Association

(REA) and Friends of the Earth, has resulted in exciting new incentives for

organisations and individuals to produce their own green energy under the

2008 Energy Act. The Government's consultation on Feed-in-Tariffs (FiTs)

closed mid-October with over 700 responses to their proposals on how the FiTs

scheme should work, including the proposed tariff levels, and work is now

underway in DECC analysing these responses. The FiTs will be introduced from

April 2010 to incentivise local renewable heat, power and biogas production.

This will contribute to accelerated growth in the sector. The conference will

reflect this growth.

Following opening plenary sessions, breakout sessions

on Day 1 (Smart Energy and Business) are devoted to industry; public sector

(own buildings); energy efficiency; heating and cooling; and power. Then on

Day 2 (Smart Energy and Communities) the focus is on tariff technologies and

energy efficiency; heating and cooling; power; community and social housing;

household and historic buildings; and local authority (and regional). In all,

up to 48 speakers and session chairs will take part in the packed and

informative conference

Presentations during the two days range from

British Gas' perspective on the new incentives, to the potential for

renewables in the social housing sector; and from a case study relating to

B&Q's actions to reduce their carbon footprint to bringing energy

efficiency to the workplace and beyond; as well as invaluable
"how it works,

what the benefits are and how it will benefit under the

tariffs" presentations for all relevant sources of energy.

Through

various case studies and practical examples, a wide range of industry and

public sector experts will also explore:
·    The role and importance of the

retail sector in technological and social change in the face of climate

change, particularly in relation to energy and the new populist incentives

for renewables investment
·    The huge opportunities for industry to drive

social and technological change in the face of climate change and energy

security concerns, as well as exploit new business opportunities, what

pioneering work is being done by companies to reduce their carbon footprint

and how they benefit from investment in 'Smart Energy'
·    The role of

the public sector in driving a smarter approach to energy both in its own

operation and in its wider influence with the public, how the new incentives

can encourage local government to step up their leadership on renewables and

the role that schools, hospitals and other public institutions have to

play
·    How communities, social enterprises and householders can use the

new renewable incentives to take charge of their carbon footprint and their

energy future.

"If you are concerned with energy efficiency, the mounting

cost of your energy bill or the impact of your carbon footprint, then the

Smart Energy conference is for you," says Sarah-Jane Freni, Events Manager

REA. "It is very much a one-stop shop providing you with all the information

you need from which technology is
best suited for you, to practical examples

of how other people did it, not forgetting valuable information on how the

FiTs and heat incentive could benefit you. Come and learn all about it on 1

and 2 December 09!"

Strong support
Smart Energy is endorsed by DECC,

sponsored by Partnerships for Renewables and the RES Group and supported by

BEAMA, The Carbon Trust, EEEGR, Energy Networks Association, Energy Saving

Trust, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Renewables East and Regen

SW.

Partnerships for Renewables (PfR), a Carbon Trust Enterprise, works

with the public sector to develop and manage onsite renewable energy projects

and is currently working with over 100 Public Sector Bodies with a

significant number of lead projects," explains Tom Brinicombe, Head of

Marketing and Communications, PfR. "Therefore we are pleased to encourage and

support Smart Energy '09 which has been set up to encourage both the public

and private sector to look seriously at the range of advantages accrued by

onsite renewable energy projects.

"The public sector is increasingly

recognised as having a significant role to play in reducing carbon emissions

and providing leadership at a local level. With a large renewables potential,

public sector projects could make a significant contribution towards meeting

the UK's renewable energy targets, and Smart Energy will certainly help

awareness of this challenge and of the opportunities. Smart Energy will be

equally valuable to the private sector, and this is to be applauded. Our

chief executive, Stephen Ainger will be speaking at Smart Energy '09 and we

are greatly looking forward to this new event, which we believe is set to

grow in size and stature in future years."

Air Jordan 1