Micro-generation is the generation of low-carbon heat and power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs. Bringing energy generation closer to people in this way will forge the vital link between our concern about climate change and our energy consumption in the home. It can help to overcome the antagonism of a minority towards renewable energy, by bringing every householder and business closer to the solution. However, there is considerable resistance to micro-generation. Current incentives discourage energy suppliers and grid operators from bringing energy generation to the point of demand. Policy-makers are accustomed to an energy system based on big, centralised projects like nuclear or gas-fired power stations. But we now have an opportunity to start to change these mindsets and incentives, and bring micro-generation into the mainstream.
