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Energy Expeditions to Inspire South Devon
Monday 22nd November and Saturday 27th November, 9am - 5pm
Following two successful pilot events earlier in the year, two more Renewable Energy Expeditions will be taking place this November to showcase inspirational renewable energy technologies in South Devon. Click here to download the poster.
The Expeditions are being organised as part of the South Devon Coastal Renewable Energy Network, managed, by Energy Action Devon and funded by the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group (SDCLAG). The Network aims to encourage local residents, communities and businesses in the SDCLAG area (please see map below) to adopt renewable energy solutions, and also support those who have already invested in systems.
The tours will visit a range of sites using the Coleridge community bus, including solar hot water and solar electricity systems, small-scale wind turbines, ground source heat pumps, wood-fuelled boilers, micro-hydro turbines and super-insulated houses. Venues participating in the tours include a community living completely off the electricity and gas networks, a house that has reduced its carbon emissions by 96% and an organic farm education centre.
There will be a £10 charge to those attending the Expeditions, to help cover costs, and those living in the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group area will be given priority.
Peter Sandover, project initiator, local architect, and one of the Expedition Hosts said "With rising fuel prices, concerns about dwindling resources and climate change, we need to see a massive shift in the way we use and generate energy. This project aims to help South Devon become more self-reliant in energy as well as supporting the development of jobs in this sector".
The project is managed by Energy Action Devon (recently merged with the Devon Association for Renewable Energy) a charity offering independent, tailored energy advice and a range of technical services on energy and the built environment. Community groups and businesses in the SDCLAG area will be able to access up to a day and a half of free advice as part of the project.
Paul Baker, Technical Manager at Energy Action Devon said, "If you are interested in renewable energy and want to find out more, nothing is quite so inspiring as visiting a real project, talking to the person who owns the system and hearing from them first-hand about the benefits and difficulties they have had. As well as the tours we will be organising talks, a website and school workshops and will also be offering professional training to at least two local people".
The Network will be officially launched at an evening event at Slapton Village Hall on Wednesday 8th December.
For more details or to book a place on the tour or launch contact:
Ruth Leonard-Williams (Project Manager) Energy Action Devon
Tel: 01752 235180 Email: ruth@energyactiondevon.org.uk
or visit www.energyactiondevon.org.uk/projects/sdcren
Address: 1st Floor, Pryn Court, 9 Craigie Drive, Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB
Notes to editors:
The South Devon Coastal Renewable Energy Network covers the area below:
The project to be run from now until 2012 and will include the following elements:
- A minimum of 8 tours of local renewable energy installations demonstrating a full range of technologies; solar power, heat pumps, wind and hydro electricity.
- A programme of events and talks giving updates on the latest technologies and funding schemes (like the Feed in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive)
- Employment of a Kingsbridge based project officer to support the network.
- Running an advisory programme to ensure that individuals, community groups and businesses have access to free and impartial advice (up to a maximum of 2 days advice).
- A minimum of two local people will be offered professional qualification training in the servicing and maintenance of renewable energy systems.
- Research will be undertaken to assess the potential local woodfuel resource and demand and the feasibility of establishing a local woodfuel supply structure.
- Preparation of a simple tool kit of technical and funding guidance - this would be suitable for businesses, developers, landlords, home owners (new build and renovation projects)
- For those who need more detailed advice we shall provide easy access to EAD's scoping and survey service.
- Work with South Hams District Council to facilitate the easy approval of RE systems through the planning application process.
- A number of local schools within South Devon shall be engaged to promote RE within their curriculum.
The project is grant funded by the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group (SDCLAG). There will be nominal charge for energy tours and membership of the SCREN. The events are open to all those living or working in South Devon.
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas