Rural Fuel Poverty Matthew Black
Fintry Development Trust In 2007, Fintry Development Trust became the first community in the UK to enter into a joint venture with a windfarm developer (Falck Renewables). FDT owns 1/15th (2.5MW) of Earlsburn Windfarm. The aim of Fintry Development Trust is to enhance the sustainability of this rural community through climate change mitigation and the alleviation of fuel poverty. Insulation, rural car club (with an EV), community garden, community wood fuel, renewable technologies 91 installations (25 SPV, 27 ASHPs, 18 GSHPs, 8 biomass, 7 SWH, 4 SW)
The fuel poverty issue In 2012, we found that 20% of Fintry households were in fuel poverty Factors: Space heating and hot water 23, 000 kWhth Electricity Employment Household circumstances Energy savvy households
Solutions Reduce energy use. How? – Insulation, LEDs FDT grant – increase insulation, wood burner Warm Home Fund Price comparison of electricity suppliers On benefits? - Affordable Warmth or Energy Assistance Schemes Is renewable technology applicable? 0% loan - up to 75 per cent of the total cost of renewables systems up to £10,000 can be borrowed Will this reduce energy expenditure?
Case study Cavity wall and loft insulation Open fire was replaced by a 6 kW wood burning stove Draught proofing was improved Energy saving light bulbs were fitted Air source heat pump was installed in 2012 “What is important is the comfort factor of having intuitive heat which is constant. No damp, no extremes of temperature, greatly improved living conditions. Plenty hot water. No deliveries to organise or to be held up in bad winters!”
Other solutions Community energy – district heating projects – wood fuel? Community electricity supply? Using FIT or RHI for third party finance?
Biomass district heating in Fintry 25 park homes Heat cabin: 199kW Herz boiler, 260kW LPG back up, 5000 litre thermal store, 50 m3 fuel store Installed free of charge to the end user Instant heat and hot water supplied to residents 20% saving on current fuel bills No maintenance charge Never have to get boiler replaced or serviced again – more savings for residents