Cheryl Hiles, Director of Sustainable Energy Delivery

Presentation outline Why we are here.... How we can help each other....

Who we are.... Not for profit Independent Mission led Established over 7 years Have been SWRDA funded Work with the sustainable energy industry and decision makers “Enable business, local authorities, communities and other organisations to deliver ground breaking renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with thriving local supply chains.”

Why renewable energy is important to us... we have significant indigenous renewable energy resources we are on the end of the electricity supply network many properties are off the gas grid we are vulnerable to impacts of climate change the environment a key driver of our economy The SW has some of the best wind resource in Europe.....

To: -encourage community renewable energy schemes where local people benefit - encourage community-led initiatives to reduce energy use and secure more renewable and low-carbon energy Coalition statement 2010 and Planning for a Low Carbon Future in a Changing Climate, March 2010 Why ‘we’ want to work with you...

How?

What do we want to do.... If you have done great things; we want to help you get the recognition for this If you are doing great things; we want to know about you so we can tell you if we find any relevant funding If you want to help communities do great things: please help to shape our support services

Green Energy Awards 2010 Award Categories Sustainable Energy Photo of the Year, Community focus Most Proactive Local Authority Best Renewable Energy Scheme Installer or Supplier of the Year South West Sustainable Energy Champion Best Business Innovation Best Community Initiative 2009 Photo Competition Winner, Liz Eve

Community renewables The barrier to many local initiatives is, and will continue to be finance Many rural / small communities that lack services are rich in renewable energy resources Wind energy is profitable, so why not use local wind energy schemes to finance other initiatives? Harnessing your local wind resource could fund: Energy efficiency measures and micro-generation installations Sustaining local community facilities Broadband access in remote areas Flood defences Etc...

“Wind power is currently one of the most developed and cost-effective renewable electricity technologies. The UK has the largest potential wind energy resource in Europe.” (UK Renewable Energy Strategy, DECC 2009 )

Developer led model Community planning model Ownership and risk

Reward Risk Technical Financial Planning Incentive Benefit The problem: Local enthusiasm to go it alone, but no development expertise or financial backing Little local benefit offered by traditional development models Small projects with long lead in times

Make wind energy provide real benefit to communities Provide communities with the support to drive projects forward put communities in the driving seat and make the process community initiated seek funding to support communities to bring forward community backed schemes use private sector development expertise to produce technically viable schemes that will attract commercial finance Identify attractive business models which maximise the benefit to the local communities to enable them to secure real local benefits and invest in other projects that will help their local communities to be sustainable. Aim: to stimulate community wind projects and enable sustainable low carbon communities to thrive

Next steps: Identify levels of community interest, provide support and harness the enthusiasm of local communities Work with local authority partners to create a positive environment to support community initiatives Seek funding to provide community support to bring forward schemes Seek investment to establish community focused business models that will offer a financially sustainable programme of support for community schemes Establish a framework of suppliers to provide communities with expertise and the best development-deals on the market Establish an umbrella Development Trust to support communities in making low carbon investments with revenues from their wind farm

Your involvement? Register your community / scheme Tell me about your community networks Shape and develop our tools and support services Support our funding bids to continue this initiative Encourage your local authority to be a partner in this initiative Contact: Cheryl Hiles Director of Sustainable Energy Delivery Regen SW