Genersys believes Low Carbon Buildings Programme will damage solar thermal suppliers

(20/02/2007)

The Chief Executive of Genersys plc will be calling for the resignation of members of the Solar Trade Association (STA) this morning due to failings in what he calls the 'disastrous' Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP).

At a framework meeting in Milton Keynes to discuss the LCBP, Robert Kyriakides will confront Chairman John Blower and Vice Chairman George Goudsmit about their failings in communicating the existence of the restrictive framework agreement applied to Phase Two of the LCBP for renewables suppliers.

By naming only three approved suppliers to be eligible for the 30% government grant available in Phase 2, the Department of Trade and Industry has excluded a large range of solar thermal suppliers who not only supply and manufacture the latest technology, but have built up long term relationships and networks which will now be damaged.

Aside from the restrictive nature of the framework, the tendering process has been deemed flawed within the industry as the STA failed to inform the majority of its members about the application opportunity.

"It is very important in these cases that not only are the processes carried out properly, but that they are seen to be carried out properly," explains Kyriakides. "Public procurements should be conducted with fairness and probity, regardless of individual rights and wrongs. In this particular case, this has not occurred. Justice must be seen to be done. I will be calling for resignations from both the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the STA today."

"From a long term point of view, I am looking to persuade the government to revisit the concept of framework suppliers under Phase 2. I believed the entire model is flawed and being so prohibitive it will stop the newest technology from being used -and the benefits that go with that - and damage existing relationships. Many solar thermal companies are now in a position of being ousted by a framework they didn't know existed."

Related categories:  Energy Conservation   Solar heating 

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