Rea Champions Solar And Storage With The Launch Of Uk Solar And Uk Energy Storage

THE RENEWABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF UK SOLAR AND ITS FIRST STORAGE REPRESENTATION BODY UK ENERGY STORAGE UK Solar will support and represent over 130 of its existing solar members and broadening its member base to become the trusted voice of solar power in the UK. With nearly fifteen years of experience in supporting the growth of the solar sector, the REA has built a strong reputation within the government, with regulators and with industry stakeholders. REA Chief Executive Dr Nina Skorupska said: "The REA is excited to announce the launch of UK Solar. Solar power is one of the first major renewable energy technologies set to compete with traditional energy sources without subsidy. The integration of solar as a major player in the UK energy mix will transform the power market. Businesses, households and the public sector will see their energy bills reduced. It is the mission of UK Solar to support and drive the transition to this solar future" The REA will be working with its existing solar members to develop a clear path to grid parity with wholesale and retail electricity prices across all sectors of the solar power market. Further exciting news is that the REA is to represent renewable storage technologies with UK Energy Storage. UK Energy Storage is the trade body for all storage technologies across the UK. Energy storage technologies offer huge potential for the UK's energy supply mix. The ability to store renewable power which can then be used to meet demand when it is needed can deliver tremendous benefits for system stability and security of supply as well as decarbonising UK energy supplies. Using the REA's experience of successfully bringing new technologies to market, UK Energy Storage will ensure that storage technologies have a smooth path to commercialisation in the UK through delivering and developing effective policy. REA Senior Advisor Ray Noble said: "The potential for energy storage to transform the UK energy mix is immense. Through representing all types and scale storage technologies the REA will drive the commercialisation of viable storage solutions in the UK. The integration of storage technologies will bring down costs and increase the capacity of renewable energy available on demand, which could revolutionise the energy mix. The launch of UK Solar and UK Energy Storage will see exciting new developments in the REA, as it strengths and builds relationships with solar and storage members. ENDS FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT: Rebecca Cooke Communications Manager, REA +44 (0)20 7981 0861 rcooke@r-e-a.net More information can be found at: www.uksolar.org.uk www.r-e-a.net/member/uk-energy-storage NOTES TO EDITORS * The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and renewable gas. It is the largest renewable energy trade association in the UK, with approximately 1,000 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders. For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net * The REA announced the launch of UK Solar and UK Energy Storage at the PRASEG New Year's drinks reception at Portcullis House on January 15th 2015 * The Renewable Energy Association and Solar Trade Association ended their formal affiliation on 1 January 2015.The two associations became affiliated in March 2011, when the STA merged with the REA's Solar Power Group and relaunched with representation of both the solar heating and solar power industries. Despite ending their formal affiliation, both associations remain open to collaboration on areas of mutual interest in the future.