About NEMGEN

The North East Micro-Generation Network (NEMGEN) is a one year pilot project funded by Scottish Enterprise Grampian and delivered through the Business Environment Partnership North East (BEPNE). The overall aim of the project is to stimulate the development of the micro-generation sector in the North East of Scotland, from suppliers and installers to business end-users and maintenance contractors.

During recent years, interest in the on-site generation of heat and / or power from renewable sources has grown exponentially. Various technologies are now often commercially viable, including wind turbines, solar thermal (hot water) systems, biomass fuel systems, hydro power, and geothermal and air-source heat pumps. Micro-generation can offer a number of important business benefits, including: 

  • A competitive, predictable and secure energy supply; 
  • Reduced operational costs and therefore increased profit margin; 
  • Short to medium-term pay back on investments; 
  • Reduced carbon footprint and ‘green’ marketing advantage

The development of a strong local micro-generation sector could also generate additional ‘macro’ benefits in terms of new business and employment opportunities, and a more competitive local economy.

Recent growth in demand for micro-generation technology has been stimulated largely by sharp increases in energy prices and growing concern over climate change. A range of agencies have emerged to promote renewable energy and offer support to businesses, and there is now wide recognition of the economic development potential of this ‘embryonic’ industry. However, a number of barriers still exist to its successful development, and it is these that NEMGEN seeks to address. Some of these barriers include:

  • lack of awareness of the available technologies and their potential cost-benefits; 
  • difficulty in accessing technical advice, planning, design and consultancy support; 
  • difficulty and uncertainty in sourcing and installing micro-generation equipment; 
  • lack of available funding and capital investment; 
  • lack of policy and planning guidance and on the role of micro-generation.

The overall aim of NEMGEN is to try and help overcome these barriers by facilitating an improved dialogue and flow of information between manufacturers, consultants, installers, end users and other (- e.g. planning / regulatory - agencies for the mutual benefit of all parties concerned.