It's a case of "all systems go" on two fronts affecting those interested in the opportunities and challenges offered by onsite renewable energy in both the public and private sectors.

The Government's consultation on Feed-in-Tariffs (FiTs) closed mid-October with over 700 responses to their proposals on how the scheme should work, including the proposed tariff levels, and work is underway at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) analysing these responses.

Secondly, activity at the inaugural Smart Energy exhibition and conference being held in London in early December is ramping up, with the publication of the conference programme designed with decentralised energy users, and potential beneficiaries of the upcoming FiTs and heat incentive in mind.

Organised by the Renewable Energy Association (REA), the conference runs alongside the exhibition staged by Media Generation Ventures (a member of the Media Generation Group, organisers of All-Energy, the UK's largest renewable energy exhibition and conference) that showcases an exciting array of decentralised energy technologies and services.

These are aimed at the ever-increasing number of new-style energy producers including local, regional or central government; retailers, schools, hospitals, or owners of public buildings or stately homes; hotels, leisure centres, or sports facilities; owners of warehouses, factories and offices; port authorities; communities or housing associations; or even individual home owners; as well as by electrical engineering contractors/consultants and architects.

Two focused days

Held on 1 and 2 December 2009, the Smart Energy conference at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London focuses on 'Smart Energy and Business' on Day 1 and on 'Smart Energy and Communities' on the second day. Each day is split into plenary sessions and break-out sessions to ensure maximum value for those attending.

Both days include sessions designed to inform the audience about the different technology options available, their features and their practical application as well as the all-important overview of how each of these technologies will benefit under the new Government incentives.

"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's very much a one-stop shop providing you with all the information you need from which technology is best suited for your requirements, to practical examples of how other people did it, not forgetting valuable information on how the FiTs and heat incentive could benefit you and your business or community."

Delegates can not only glean the latest information from the conference but start implementing it with the help of the exhibiting companies there which include wind, biomass, solar PV, air conditioning, grid connection companies, project management consultants, and specialist advisors.

Smart Energy is endorsed by DECC and supported by BEAMA, the Carbon Trust, EEEGR, Energy Networks Association, Energy Saving Trust, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Partnerships for Renewables, Renewables East and Regen SW.

Down to detail

Breakout sessions on Day 1 are devoted to retail and distribution; industrial; public sector (own buildings); energy efficiency; heating and cooling; and power. Then on Day 2 the focus switches to Tariff technologies and energy efficiency; Heating and cooling; Power; Community and social housing; Household; and Local authority (and regional).

In all, up to 48 speakers and session chairs will take part in the packed and informative conference and include the Head of Environment, British Retail Consortium; the Head of Strategic Wind Development at Ecotricity; Head of Partnership Development - BT Wind for Change; the Chief Executive of Partnerships for Renewables; the Chair of Sustainable Futures Group, RIBA; Head of Energy Technology and Innovation British Gas (New Energy); the Deputy Chair of the Cross-Party London Assembly Planning and Spatial Development Committee; and the Head of Strategy, Centrica. The regularly updated conference programme can be found on the Smart Energy website.

Conference charges have been kept to a minimum with discounts for REA members and the option for one or two-day attendance. The delegate fee includes a working lunch taken in the exhibition hall, and networking reception at the end of the first day again in the exhibition hall. Online registration for Smart Energy is now open at www.smartenergy.co.uk

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