As the 4CG director chosen by shareholders to develop local renewable energy projects I have also become a director in Awel Deg. This is because Awel Deg not only share the same community ownership structure as 4CG but share the same aims to develop the local economy sustainably to benefit local businesses and individuals rather than finance and opportunity leaving the area.
As there have been several significant studies on the effect of windfarms on tourism and the local economy (Welsh Development Agency plus studies in Devon and Cumbria) all finding insignificant effect and as the Ferwig turbine is not a windfarm but a single machine there is very little chance that any economic damage will occur and in fact there is a good chance that eco-tourism from more monied visitors will improve the local tourism sector. This is because the opportunities to site a local community owned wind turbine returning significant gain back to the local community are very rare.
This rarity will generate news stories and marketing for the Cardigan area as a destination where local people have created something sustainable and special, well worth visiting and hopefully also attracting incoming investment in jobs from forward looking companies who feel that they could benefit from the ‘brand’ of such a forward looking sustainable area. Why rare?, not only must all the stringent technical constraints be overcome but the site must be windy to generate good levels of renewable power and income and most importantly, there must be a partnering landowner willing to rent his land for a fraction of what could be earned from developing the turbine themselves.
The UK needs new renewable energy generation badly as recently confirmed by Ed Davy the Secretary of State for the relevant Westminster ministry and all compliant sites will be seriously considered for wind generation. If the local community cannot achieve their own wind development , commercial developers will step in with next to no gain for local people and yet again money and opportunity will leave the area.
In a nutshell, the proposed turbine in Ferwig has been proven in technical studies to comply with all of the technical constraints required to be overcome by planning as it is sited to be further from housing than required to limit noise to a nationally accepted level, does not interrupt radar from Aberporth, is not on a recognised significant bird migratory route, complies with Welsh Assembly policy to develop Welsh wind energy resource and most importantly will generate approximately 420,000 per year in Feed in Tariff and energy sales income.
It is possible to ‘book’ your Feed in Tariff rate the day after planning approval has been given to maintain this income against future political changes and if sufficient local community enterprise shareholders can be found to benefit from the likely 5% tax free return on shares to raise the 1.25M project cost, this income is guaranteed by the government for 20 years.
This means that the project will generate over 8 million to benefit the local economy in the form of good local investments, rent for a local farmer, jobs in turbine maintenance and in distribution of the 5million ‘profit’ all to be spent on local projects chosen by our community shareholders.More information about the program is available on the web site at scfwindturbine.com.
2013年7月29日 星期一
ROC launches small wind turbine certification
A technology certification and testing platform for small wind turbines was recently launched by the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection under the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs, further underscoring Taiwan’s leadership in this key green energy sector.
“Nearly two and a half years in the making, the measure is part of ongoing government efforts to promote development of homegrown small to medium wind turbines and related product standards,” a BSMI official said July 26.
The facility has helped wind farms in Tainan City’s Chigu District and outlying Penghu County secure certification from global organizations including Norway-headquartered Det Norske Veritas, Taiwan Accreditation Foundation and Germany-based TUV SUD, the official added.
Demand for small wind turbines has grown at an annual rate of 35 percent over the past five years, with the sector set to expand at least 20 percent per annum until 2020.
“Product accreditation is a must if firms are to benefit from policy subsidies adopted by most governments in promoting green energy,” the official said.
Taiwan’s two testing farms will help firms reduce costs in obtaining global certification by around 60 percent, or NT$2 million (US$66,667), and cut handling time by 33 percent, the official said, adding that the centers are expected to generate revenues of NT$34.5 million per year.
Working with state-run Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, BSMI also successfully developed a technological know-how significantly reducing product certification time for vertical axis small wind turbines. The bureau has helped New Taipei City-headquartered Hi-VAWT Technology Corp. obtain certification from Japan’s ClassNK, the world’s largest classification society.
Citing MOEA statistics, the official said 94 percent of locally produced small wind turbines are for export, with mainland China accounting for 40 of shipments.
The official said the bureau is also striving to obtain mutual recognition of testing reports and compile annual surveys of market developments on both sides of the strait.
Other government measures aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s R&D capability in the sector include greater participation in global conferences and seminars; arranging mutual visits by officials from Australia, Japan and South Korea; and establishing an Asia-Pacific small wind turbines forum.
“Nearly two and a half years in the making, the measure is part of ongoing government efforts to promote development of homegrown small to medium wind turbines and related product standards,” a BSMI official said July 26.
The facility has helped wind farms in Tainan City’s Chigu District and outlying Penghu County secure certification from global organizations including Norway-headquartered Det Norske Veritas, Taiwan Accreditation Foundation and Germany-based TUV SUD, the official added.
Demand for small wind turbines has grown at an annual rate of 35 percent over the past five years, with the sector set to expand at least 20 percent per annum until 2020.
“Product accreditation is a must if firms are to benefit from policy subsidies adopted by most governments in promoting green energy,” the official said.
Taiwan’s two testing farms will help firms reduce costs in obtaining global certification by around 60 percent, or NT$2 million (US$66,667), and cut handling time by 33 percent, the official said, adding that the centers are expected to generate revenues of NT$34.5 million per year.
Working with state-run Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, BSMI also successfully developed a technological know-how significantly reducing product certification time for vertical axis small wind turbines. The bureau has helped New Taipei City-headquartered Hi-VAWT Technology Corp. obtain certification from Japan’s ClassNK, the world’s largest classification society.
Citing MOEA statistics, the official said 94 percent of locally produced small wind turbines are for export, with mainland China accounting for 40 of shipments.
To assist local suppliers in expanding their mainland Chinese footprint,
BSMI has worked with authorities on the other side to set up a standard testing procedure for vertical axis small wind turbines in May. This is the first set of mutually accepted testing standards for both sides.The official said the bureau is also striving to obtain mutual recognition of testing reports and compile annual surveys of market developments on both sides of the strait.
Other government measures aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s R&D capability in the sector include greater participation in global conferences and seminars; arranging mutual visits by officials from Australia, Japan and South Korea; and establishing an Asia-Pacific small wind turbines forum.
2013年7月10日 星期三
Democratic electric
Anti-wind campaigners are angry that areas including the forests made famous by the tales of the brothers Grimm are among the targets for new turbines.
For the first time they have formed a national opposition group to thwart the expansion.
They say the growth of wind will damage forests and tourism across the country.
Germany has embarked on a massive expansion of renewable energy in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. Chancellor Merkel's government decided to phase out atomic plants more rapidly and instead increased the opportunities for green power.
With guaranteed prices for 20 years thanks to feed-in tariffs enshrined in law, solar farms, biogas plants and wind parks have boomed. There are now 1.3 million small co-operatives and households supplying renewable energy to the grid.
This Energiewende or energy transformation has been remarkably successful, with 22% of Germany's electricity being generated by renewables in 2012. Wind has played a major part in this change, and the public has been generally supportive, despite rapidly increasing energy bills.
To date, a majority of the 23,000 Home Wind Turbine in the country have been built in the flatter north and eastern parts of the country. But now the focus of expansion is on the picture postcard areas of dark forest and lush green hills in the central and southern areas of Germany.
One such region is the Rheinhardswald in the northern part of the state of Hesse. This is the home of the magical tales of Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and others, made famous in the books of the brothers Grimm.
This quiet, scenic place is a magnet for tourists from all over the world.
But now there are also plans to build up to 200 turbines on the surrounding hills.
Ann-Kathrin Blankenberg is a PhD student and a vocal opponent of the plans.
"
"I want the green movement, I want green technology, I don't want nuclear power - but they should be made in the right way and not by destroying the forest.
"We have here special, old growth forest and some species just live in this area and are in danger because of the turbines."
The campaigners argue that putting residential wind turbines company in this area makes no sense. The wind speeds are low and the area is home to some extremely rare birds including the endangered black stork.
Across Germany, the plans for expansion have pitted green against green - the potential damage to natural resources from the building of turbines seems to be the biggest concern for opponents.
About 170 regional groups opposed to wind energy have now formed a national organisation called Vernunftkraft, to fight the expansion of turbines. They are trying to get enough signatures on a petition to force the German parliament to debate the future direction of the Energiewende, especially the subsidies for wind energy.
For the first time they have formed a national opposition group to thwart the expansion.
They say the growth of wind will damage forests and tourism across the country.
Germany has embarked on a massive expansion of renewable energy in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. Chancellor Merkel's government decided to phase out atomic plants more rapidly and instead increased the opportunities for green power.
With guaranteed prices for 20 years thanks to feed-in tariffs enshrined in law, solar farms, biogas plants and wind parks have boomed. There are now 1.3 million small co-operatives and households supplying renewable energy to the grid.
This Energiewende or energy transformation has been remarkably successful, with 22% of Germany's electricity being generated by renewables in 2012. Wind has played a major part in this change, and the public has been generally supportive, despite rapidly increasing energy bills.
To date, a majority of the 23,000 Home Wind Turbine in the country have been built in the flatter north and eastern parts of the country. But now the focus of expansion is on the picture postcard areas of dark forest and lush green hills in the central and southern areas of Germany.
One such region is the Rheinhardswald in the northern part of the state of Hesse. This is the home of the magical tales of Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and others, made famous in the books of the brothers Grimm.
This quiet, scenic place is a magnet for tourists from all over the world.
But now there are also plans to build up to 200 turbines on the surrounding hills.
Ann-Kathrin Blankenberg is a PhD student and a vocal opponent of the plans.
"
It is not because this is the area of Sleeping Beauty
," she says."I want the green movement, I want green technology, I don't want nuclear power - but they should be made in the right way and not by destroying the forest.
"We have here special, old growth forest and some species just live in this area and are in danger because of the turbines."
The campaigners argue that putting residential wind turbines company in this area makes no sense. The wind speeds are low and the area is home to some extremely rare birds including the endangered black stork.
Across Germany, the plans for expansion have pitted green against green - the potential damage to natural resources from the building of turbines seems to be the biggest concern for opponents.
About 170 regional groups opposed to wind energy have now formed a national organisation called Vernunftkraft, to fight the expansion of turbines. They are trying to get enough signatures on a petition to force the German parliament to debate the future direction of the Energiewende, especially the subsidies for wind energy.
2013年7月8日 星期一
No decision on date to remove turbines
Transport Canada officials will work with a wind turbine company to set a practical deadline for the removal of eight turbines south of the Chatham-Kent Municipal Airport.
Brooke Williams, a spokesperson for Transport Canada, told The Daily News Monday no decision has been made on a date.
She did say that on at least two occasions prior to installation of the wind turbines, Transport Canada advised the wind farm representatives that height restrictions were in effect in the area around the airport.
The Daily News learned in June that Transport Canada was enforcing safety rules and requires the removal of eight wind turbines that are impeding height restrictions imposed by the airport zoning regulations.
Dave Timm, vice-president of GDF Suez Canada Inc., claims the company complied with all the rules and regulations regarding the placement of turbines near the airport.
Timm said his company is asking for a meeting with Transport Canada officials to discuss the matter.
The Daily News has learned that Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope has sent a letter to Transport Canada critical of their handling of the announcement that eight turbines had to be removed.
He said the media learned of Transport Canada's decision before the company was made aware of the concerns.
Williams told The Daily News Monday Transport Canada does not approve wind turbines or wind farms.
"Transport Canada's role with respect to obstacles such as wind turbines is to assess them for lighting and marking requirements in support of aviation safety in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations,'' she said.
She said an assessment of a wind turbine or wind farm from Transport Canada does not constitute an authorization to construct because land use falls under provincial/municipal jurisdiction.
Timm could not be reached Monday for comment.
Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Rick Nicholls also complained to Transport Canada about the close proximity of turbines to the airport.
"Not only do they make it unsafe for pilots but I'm told the spinning blades affect radar,'' he said.
Nicholls is also concerned that the turbines would limit use of the airport by larger companies that might consider locating in Chatham-Kent and making use of company planes.
Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said wind turbines and airports don't mix.
"Why would you risk the life of a pilot for a little bit of turbine-generated electricity?'' he asked.
Bondy said his concern is that the municipality may end up having to pay the huge demolition cost because the turbine company was issued municipally-approved building permits. More information about the program is available on the web site at www.scfwindturbine.com.
Brooke Williams, a spokesperson for Transport Canada, told The Daily News Monday no decision has been made on a date.
She did say that on at least two occasions prior to installation of the wind turbines, Transport Canada advised the wind farm representatives that height restrictions were in effect in the area around the airport.
The Daily News learned in June that Transport Canada was enforcing safety rules and requires the removal of eight wind turbines that are impeding height restrictions imposed by the airport zoning regulations.
Dave Timm, vice-president of GDF Suez Canada Inc., claims the company complied with all the rules and regulations regarding the placement of turbines near the airport.
Timm said his company is asking for a meeting with Transport Canada officials to discuss the matter.
The Daily News has learned that Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope has sent a letter to Transport Canada critical of their handling of the announcement that eight turbines had to be removed.
He said the media learned of Transport Canada's decision before the company was made aware of the concerns.
Williams told The Daily News Monday Transport Canada does not approve wind turbines or wind farms.
"Transport Canada's role with respect to obstacles such as wind turbines is to assess them for lighting and marking requirements in support of aviation safety in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations,'' she said.
She said an assessment of a wind turbine or wind farm from Transport Canada does not constitute an authorization to construct because land use falls under provincial/municipal jurisdiction.
Timm could not be reached Monday for comment.
Chatham-Kent Essex MPP Rick Nicholls also complained to Transport Canada about the close proximity of turbines to the airport.
"Not only do they make it unsafe for pilots but I'm told the spinning blades affect radar,'' he said.
Nicholls is also concerned that the turbines would limit use of the airport by larger companies that might consider locating in Chatham-Kent and making use of company planes.
Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy said wind turbines and airports don't mix.
"Why would you risk the life of a pilot for a little bit of turbine-generated electricity?'' he asked.
Bondy said his concern is that the municipality may end up having to pay the huge demolition cost because the turbine company was issued municipally-approved building permits. More information about the program is available on the web site at www.scfwindturbine.com.
2013年7月5日 星期五
Balochistan suitable for wind energy
The government is keen to commence wind farm projects in the country to meet some percentage of the national energy requirement through renewable energy technologies. According to an official of AEDB, wind energy is cost effective and can become a substitute to thermal power generation with investments from private sector.
According to data available with AEDB and Pakistan Meteorological Department, preliminary site surveys carried out in late nineties and early years of this century indicated that coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces and some northern areas possess adequate wind resources.
The official reports identify that in Sindh province, district Thatta, Karachi, Hyderabad and Badin and in Balochistan province, district Gwadar and Makran Coastal Belt possess prospective sites for development, installation and commissioning of wind farm projects.
The government plans to achieve up to 2,500MW from wind energy by the end of 2015. Wind energy is sustainable, clean, safe, economically competitive and creates jobs. The first energy wind power project in Pakistan started working with a 50MW generation capacity in Jhimpir, Sindh in December 2012. Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) recently approved a New Park Energy Phase-I, 400MW wind project near Port Qasim.
Pakistan has the potential of producing approximately 150,000MW of wind energy, says a recent United States Agency for International Development (USAID) report. The wind projects can fetch an investment of around two billion dollars.
According to another study, Pakistan has identified cumulative potential to generate 3.2 million MW from renewable energy resources including 340,000MW from wind, 2.9 million MW from solar, 50,000MW from hydro (large), 3,100MW from hydro (small), 1,800MW from bagasses cogeneration and 500MW from waste. A mean annual wind speed (at 10 m and 30 m above ground) of 18 kmph and 22 kmph respectively is considered as the minimum required for feasible generation of electricity.
Knowing the growing energy requirement of the country, and depleting energy resource within the country, the Government of Pakistan deems to diversify its energy mix so that dependency over imported fuel may be reduced and some percentages of power requirement may be met through indigenously available renewable energy technologies.
During wind mapping of coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces, data from 20 wind monitoring stations has been collected and analyzed. The data indicates that a wind corridor is available in the general area from Hyderabad to Kati Bandar having immense potential to generate electricity. Developing wind power plants in Jhimpir, Gharo, Keti Bandar and Bin Qasim in Sindh will not only reduce electricity shortages but will also ease burden of oil imports of $ 12 billion annually.
The bulk of this wind resource is derived from the energy of the great southwest monsoon system which blows over Pakistan from June to September.
This wind corridor extends up to Rajhistan Province (India) where several wind farm projects have been installed by Government of India.
The market analyses of wind turbine generators (WTGs) indicate that the manufacturing industry has developed commercial WTGs of 5 MW capacity.
The available wind potential demands that wind turbines of at least 750 kW capacity should be installed for power generation.
Wind farms will help in reducing environmental consequences due to reduction in dependency over fossil fuels for power generation.
According to data available with AEDB and Pakistan Meteorological Department, preliminary site surveys carried out in late nineties and early years of this century indicated that coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces and some northern areas possess adequate wind resources.
The official reports identify that in Sindh province, district Thatta, Karachi, Hyderabad and Badin and in Balochistan province, district Gwadar and Makran Coastal Belt possess prospective sites for development, installation and commissioning of wind farm projects.
The government plans to achieve up to 2,500MW from wind energy by the end of 2015. Wind energy is sustainable, clean, safe, economically competitive and creates jobs. The first energy wind power project in Pakistan started working with a 50MW generation capacity in Jhimpir, Sindh in December 2012. Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) recently approved a New Park Energy Phase-I, 400MW wind project near Port Qasim.
Pakistan has the potential of producing approximately 150,000MW of wind energy, says a recent United States Agency for International Development (USAID) report. The wind projects can fetch an investment of around two billion dollars.
According to another study, Pakistan has identified cumulative potential to generate 3.2 million MW from renewable energy resources including 340,000MW from wind, 2.9 million MW from solar, 50,000MW from hydro (large), 3,100MW from hydro (small), 1,800MW from bagasses cogeneration and 500MW from waste. A mean annual wind speed (at 10 m and 30 m above ground) of 18 kmph and 22 kmph respectively is considered as the minimum required for feasible generation of electricity.
Knowing the growing energy requirement of the country, and depleting energy resource within the country, the Government of Pakistan deems to diversify its energy mix so that dependency over imported fuel may be reduced and some percentages of power requirement may be met through indigenously available renewable energy technologies.
During wind mapping of coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces, data from 20 wind monitoring stations has been collected and analyzed. The data indicates that a wind corridor is available in the general area from Hyderabad to Kati Bandar having immense potential to generate electricity. Developing wind power plants in Jhimpir, Gharo, Keti Bandar and Bin Qasim in Sindh will not only reduce electricity shortages but will also ease burden of oil imports of $ 12 billion annually.
The bulk of this wind resource is derived from the energy of the great southwest monsoon system which blows over Pakistan from June to September.
This wind corridor extends up to Rajhistan Province (India) where several wind farm projects have been installed by Government of India.
The market analyses of wind turbine generators (WTGs) indicate that the manufacturing industry has developed commercial WTGs of 5 MW capacity.
The available wind potential demands that wind turbines of at least 750 kW capacity should be installed for power generation.
Wind farms will help in reducing environmental consequences due to reduction in dependency over fossil fuels for power generation.
2013年6月30日 星期日
Wind Storm
The tiny community of King Island off the north-west tip of Tasmania has voted to push ahead with plans for the country's biggest ever wind farm.
A community ballot has revealed 59 per cent support for Hydro Tasmania to conduct a multimillion-dollar feasibility study into a 200 turbine wind farm.
It's a decision that's been made against the backdrop of a dwindling population, fewer jobs and closing businesses.
The massive wind farm would generate about 2,400 gigawatt hours of electricity a year, to be sent across Bass Strait by a high voltage underwater cable to the national electricity market.
Hydro Tasmania says it could produce enough electricity to power a quarter of a million households, a huge chunk of the nation's renewable energy targets.
But as Fiona Breen found out, the issue has divided the community. Friends and even families are no longer talking.
FIONA BREEN, REPORTER: On a wintry Saturday, a sporting battle pitches mate against mate, colleague against colleague and even family against family.
For 1,500 King Islanders, the three-team footy competition stirs sporting passion. Today, it's Grassy versus North. It's a tough, close match.
Off the field, another battle has been simmering. Like football, passions have come to the surface.
VOX POP: I'm against. Don't want any wind farms here to - they're just ugly, horrible things.
VOX POP II: I think the wind farms are a great idea for the island, even if it just goes to feasibility.
VOX POP III: I don't want to look at wind towers really, but if it's going to help out the island, well, we need it.
FIONA BREEN: King Island is in the Roaring 40s. Its rugged coastline is a graveyard of shipwrecks driven ashore by the winds. Calm days are rare and the wind blows at an average speed of 32 kilometres per hour. It's that consistent wind that Hydro Tasmania wants to harness, using 200 turbines costing $2 billion. The company has spent six months taking the proposal to the local community.
ANDREW CATCHPOLE, HYDRO TASMANIA: We're taking a very different approach in coming to King Island to have this conversation before doing a feasibility study, a different approach to that taken previously and elsewhere for these kinds of projects.
That is very deliberate to try and understand, and I suppose to demonstrate, that not all wind farm developments are the same. They don't have to be the same. And so we hope you would see that as a sign of our commitment to continue to work with you to ensure that if this goes ahead that there is an optimum outcome for the community.
FIONA BREEN: The community ballot has now been counted and the result was tight. Nearly 59 per cent supported taking the 200 turbine wind farm proposal to the next stage, but there was only 10 or 11 votes in it.
Hydro Tasmania had always said it needed at least 60 per cent community support for it to go ahead. At an emergency board meeting this week, the company decided it was close enough.
ANDREW CATCHPOLE: Well certainly we're aware that there are different views in the community and we want to work with all sections of the community going forward about their concerns, as we've indicated. But we do feel that the survey result of 59 per cent is a very strong indication of community support to go forward to a feasibility study. More information about the program is available on the web site at www.scfwindturbine.com.
A community ballot has revealed 59 per cent support for Hydro Tasmania to conduct a multimillion-dollar feasibility study into a 200 turbine wind farm.
It's a decision that's been made against the backdrop of a dwindling population, fewer jobs and closing businesses.
The massive wind farm would generate about 2,400 gigawatt hours of electricity a year, to be sent across Bass Strait by a high voltage underwater cable to the national electricity market.
Hydro Tasmania says it could produce enough electricity to power a quarter of a million households, a huge chunk of the nation's renewable energy targets.
But as Fiona Breen found out, the issue has divided the community. Friends and even families are no longer talking.
FIONA BREEN, REPORTER: On a wintry Saturday, a sporting battle pitches mate against mate, colleague against colleague and even family against family.
For 1,500 King Islanders, the three-team footy competition stirs sporting passion. Today, it's Grassy versus North. It's a tough, close match.
Off the field, another battle has been simmering. Like football, passions have come to the surface.
VOX POP: I'm against. Don't want any wind farms here to - they're just ugly, horrible things.
VOX POP II: I think the wind farms are a great idea for the island, even if it just goes to feasibility.
VOX POP III: I don't want to look at wind towers really, but if it's going to help out the island, well, we need it.
FIONA BREEN: King Island is in the Roaring 40s. Its rugged coastline is a graveyard of shipwrecks driven ashore by the winds. Calm days are rare and the wind blows at an average speed of 32 kilometres per hour. It's that consistent wind that Hydro Tasmania wants to harness, using 200 turbines costing $2 billion. The company has spent six months taking the proposal to the local community.
ANDREW CATCHPOLE, HYDRO TASMANIA: We're taking a very different approach in coming to King Island to have this conversation before doing a feasibility study, a different approach to that taken previously and elsewhere for these kinds of projects.
That is very deliberate to try and understand, and I suppose to demonstrate, that not all wind farm developments are the same. They don't have to be the same. And so we hope you would see that as a sign of our commitment to continue to work with you to ensure that if this goes ahead that there is an optimum outcome for the community.
FIONA BREEN: The community ballot has now been counted and the result was tight. Nearly 59 per cent supported taking the 200 turbine wind farm proposal to the next stage, but there was only 10 or 11 votes in it.
Hydro Tasmania had always said it needed at least 60 per cent community support for it to go ahead. At an emergency board meeting this week, the company decided it was close enough.
ANDREW CATCHPOLE: Well certainly we're aware that there are different views in the community and we want to work with all sections of the community going forward about their concerns, as we've indicated. But we do feel that the survey result of 59 per cent is a very strong indication of community support to go forward to a feasibility study. More information about the program is available on the web site at www.scfwindturbine.com.
Rural communities invited to bid for 15m green energy pot
The government has unveiled a 15m fund designed to encourage hundreds of communities across England to invest in small-scale renewable energy projects, such as wind turbines or heat pumps.
Rural communities were invited to bid for a share of the funding pot late last week, which can be used to support the first steps of a project, including investigating the potential for renewable energy in their area and applying for planning permission.
Communities can apply for funding for a range of technologies such as wind, solar, biomass, heat pumps, anaerobic digestion, gas with combined heat and power, and hydropower.
"Not only can local generation bring people together, boost local economies and drive forward green growth, it can help save money on energy bills too," said Climate Change Minister Greg Barker in a statement, adding that the previous Local Energy Assessment Fund helped bring forward 236 community energy generation and management projects across England.
Each community will be eligible for a grant of up to 20,000 for feasibility studies and they can also apply for a loan of up to 130,000 to help fund applications for any necessary environmental and planning permits.
The government is also currently consulting on finding new ways of funding community energy projects, and is planning to publish a community energy strategy in autumn.
Speaking at an event organised by think tank Policy Exchange last week, Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said community-funded schemes could play an important role in ensuring that local people reap the benefits of onshore wind turbines and other schemes.
He said the government was looking at a range of ways to involve communities in local energy projects, including using community benefits given to them by developers of existing wind turbines to invest in even more renewable energy.
"The ownership question is a really interesting one and we are very much exploring that and want to come forward with positions in the autumn," he said.
In related news, new research has found the number of farmers using renewable energy has shot up in the past three years.
A survey by Nottingham Trent University, Forum for the Future and Farmers Weekly found that of 700 farmers asked, 40 per cent are generating renewable energy onsite, compared to five per cent in 2010.
More than two thirds of those not using renewable energy are considering investing in it over the next five years. Click on their website www.scfwindturbine.com for more information.
Rural communities were invited to bid for a share of the funding pot late last week, which can be used to support the first steps of a project, including investigating the potential for renewable energy in their area and applying for planning permission.
Communities can apply for funding for a range of technologies such as wind, solar, biomass, heat pumps, anaerobic digestion, gas with combined heat and power, and hydropower.
"Not only can local generation bring people together, boost local economies and drive forward green growth, it can help save money on energy bills too," said Climate Change Minister Greg Barker in a statement, adding that the previous Local Energy Assessment Fund helped bring forward 236 community energy generation and management projects across England.
Each community will be eligible for a grant of up to 20,000 for feasibility studies and they can also apply for a loan of up to 130,000 to help fund applications for any necessary environmental and planning permits.
The government is also currently consulting on finding new ways of funding community energy projects, and is planning to publish a community energy strategy in autumn.
Speaking at an event organised by think tank Policy Exchange last week, Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said community-funded schemes could play an important role in ensuring that local people reap the benefits of onshore wind turbines and other schemes.
He said the government was looking at a range of ways to involve communities in local energy projects, including using community benefits given to them by developers of existing wind turbines to invest in even more renewable energy.
"The ownership question is a really interesting one and we are very much exploring that and want to come forward with positions in the autumn," he said.
In related news, new research has found the number of farmers using renewable energy has shot up in the past three years.
A survey by Nottingham Trent University, Forum for the Future and Farmers Weekly found that of 700 farmers asked, 40 per cent are generating renewable energy onsite, compared to five per cent in 2010.
More than two thirds of those not using renewable energy are considering investing in it over the next five years. Click on their website www.scfwindturbine.com for more information.
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