Opportunity to join community-owned renewable energy co-operative

Devon residents called to purchase a stake in wind power with the Devon Community Wind Co-operative

By PRSD, on Thursday, June 30, 2011

Energy for All: co-operative not-for-profit social enterprise offering entry into the Devon Community Wind Co-operative

Plans to build new community-owned wind turbines in North Devon and South Hams will be the subject of public exhibitions taking place early in July.

The co-operatively-owned wind energy projects are being proposed by Energy4All – a not-for-profit social enterprise which facilitates and supports community ownership of renewable energy generation in the UK – and wind power specialists, ClearWinds.

According to a survey carried out earlier this year, the majority of Devon residents support wind turbines and the idea of ‘green energy’. In fact 60% of residents said they support the idea of community-owned wind turbines in Devon, with almost two-fifths saying they would be interested in investing in one.

Over two-thirds (69 per cent) of residents said they wouldn’t mind seeing wind turbines from their home, if they were in the distance and 59% said they would be happier about having a wind turbine in the local vicinity if it was owned by the local community.

ClearWinds are undertaking a range of studies to determine whether the proposed sites are appropriate for wind energy development. As part of these studies, planning applications for the installation of wind monitoring masts have been submitted to both councils.

If the projects go ahead, two turbines will be installed on each site and it is intended that the turbines will be owned and operated by a new Devon-wide wind energy co-operative.

John Malone, development director at Energy4All, told the PRSD: “The Devon Community Wind Co-operative will offer the opportunity for Devon residents to purchase a stake in the projects and so receive an annual share interest payment from the income.

“Membership of the co-operative provides an opportunity for people to engage in an active way with the issues of climate change and energy insecurity. The project will also provide a fund for use by local communities on energy efficiency and climate change awareness projects. Therefore, I would encourage people to visit the information sessions.”

Devon residents are being invited to find out more about the proposed Devon-wide wind energy co-operative at the following events:

Monday, July 11, 1.30pm to 7.30pm, at Bratton Fleming Village Hall
Tuesday, July 12, 1pm to 6pm, at Boston Tea Party, Tuly Street, Barnstaple
Wednesday, July 13, 1.30pm to 7.30pm, at Torr Quarry Recycling Centre, Kingsbridge (weather permitting)
Thursday, July 14, 1.30pm to 7.30pm, at The Reel Cinema foyer, Fore Street, Kingsbridge.

For more information about Energ4All and its projects, visit www.energy4all.co.uk