Renewable Energy - Expert warns about renewable usage

27/02/2008

Not all forms of renewable energy technology are suitable for installing in domestic homes, a construction expert has said.

Speaking on BBC One's Politics Show, Peter Bonfield, chief executive of the Building Research Establishment, said products such as biomass boilers are simply too expensive for individual homeowners to benefit from.

They are better suited to use in large-scale developments and should be incorporated in plans for new communities, he continued.

"When we start thinking about eco-towns there are all sorts of cost efficiencies and delivery efficiencies that can be achieved … by having a bigger biomass boiler that services 20 homes," added Mr Bonfield.

There are, however, several types of renewable energy system suitable for installation in domestic properties, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Ground source heat pumps, solar heating, roof-mounted wind turbines and small-scale hydro power systems can all help to reduce household energy bills and emissions, the trust notes.