Wiltshire Community Wind Energy First Meeting 27 th May 2008 Bridge House, Trowbridge Jack Mason My daughter Amy at Westmill Wind Farm, Watchfield, South Oxfordshire on Saturday 3 rd May

Thank you for coming I'm Jack Mason I live in Trowbridge and work in Bradford on Avon – in flood defence and environmental projects First meeting so not sure what to expect! You should have an Agenda – but chip in where you like Try to finish by 8.45 if possible but PLEASE add you name to the attendance list

Why start the group? Background in flood risk, and conscious of future climate change Lots of positive aspirations regarding wind energy in the county – but only limited progess Take local responsibility – somebody may come up with a solution – but why not take the initiative? Real potential to do real good Why are you here?

The Opportunity Wiltshire has a good wind resource – but not equally spread Wind power could provide an important proportion of energy to the county Economics very site specific – but could be attractive Can raise awareness and the importance of conserving energy – the journey may be as important as the destination

North Wessex Downs AONB Cotswolds AONB Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB Wiltshire

Salisbury Plain SSSI North Wessex Downs AONB Cotswolds AONB Avebury World Heritage Site North Wiltshire City of Bath World Heritage Site

Stonehenge World Heritage Site Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB Salisbury Plain SSSIs River Avon System SSSIs South Wiltshire

Some Figures... Wiltshire target for renewable energy installation approximately 65 – 85MW by 2010! Present capacity in Wiltshire about 8MW (almost all landfill gas)‏ Based on present economics about 75% should be met by wind But Wiltshire has no significant wind power yet If plan were met then electricity generated equivalent to 75,000 households Sources: South West Renewable Energy Strategy Wiltshire Renewable Energy Action Plan

Figures in context Trowbridge population about 28,000 in about 10,000 homes A cluster of say four 1.3MW turbines produce about 8000 MWh or sufficient for 2500 homes or 25% of Trowbridge! Similar calculations elsewhere Financial viability depends on many factors – wind strength, access etc

The Challenges Lots of misunderstandings – will the lights go out when the wind stops?! Lack of public understanding breeds fear Simple lack of knowledge with landowners Do we want wind turbines on every hill in Wiltshire? Certainly not! But landscape and heritage a key issue to many NIMBY attitude does exist – but there are no easy answers for the future

A Vision? Wind energy seen as a positive option in Wiltshire by the public A number of wind clusters constructed with the agreement of local people sensitive to the local environment Some wind farms owned by the community Smaller wind turbines in schools and colleges, helping to spread the message Greater understanding of the importance of energy and conservation

What should we aim to do? What is the groups vision? What aims should we set ourselves? Don't have to decide right now – but we want to discuss it and send in views later

Group Structure Is the county level the best – or should we look at smaller areas? Where should we hold meetings? Perhaps rotate them? What people do we need to run the group – and any volunteers (either now or later)? How do we set up membership?

First Activities County-wide questionnaire? Site identification? Displays? Fund raising activities? Liaison with Local Authorities etc? Other suggestions

Contacts and Networking Who should we contact and who can help? (e.g. Community Action for Energy, RegenSW) Who should we liaise with and when – e.g. Farmers (NFU), gliding clubs, businesses (e.g. Good Energy)‏ Speaking with the Local Authorities – how can we work with officers and members? Other organisations – e.g. Natural England, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust etc

Feedback We need time to think about how the meeting has gone – please feedback later when you can. A few headings are included in the feedback sheet Please think about what will work locally to where you live. A short summary of the meeting will be posted on the website Any other business? Date and location of next meeting Thank you and meeting close