Community Renewables Initiative - Local People Creating Local Power

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Community Renewables Initiative - Local People Creating Local Power - 28 February 2002

Creating electricity and heat through renewable energy - such as energy crops, solar & hydro power, woodfuel or wind - is a challenge that even local people can now take on, thanks to the Countryside Agency's Community Renewables Initiative.

Brian Wilson, Minister for Energy, is today (Thursday 28 February) launching this new initiative to help community groups in England play their part in delivering renewable energy and reducing the effects of climate change.

The £1.6 million Community Renewables Initiative supported by the DTI and other government bodies, will set up 10 local support teams across England. These teams will help local people and groups set up environmentally sensitive renewable energy schemes and tap into a variety of regeneration funds. The aim is to create environment friendly developments and to enable community groups to directly benefit from the income generated.

In Ludlow, for example, a local group are restoring a millrace generator which in 1901 provided electricity for the local community. It will soon help light and heat a local meeting centre, augmented by 21st century solar panels.

Speaking at the launch of the Initiative, Countryside Agency Board member and chair of the National Advisory Group for the Community Renewables Initiative Tony Hams said: "This month's Cabinet Office Energy Review called for public involvement in renewable energy. This is exactly the role of the Countryside Agency's Community Renewables Initiative. It will help people devise renewable energy developments suited to their own locality, that they can benefit from. We are delighted with the support we've received. Now we must work together and help people get environmentally sensitive renewables projects on the ground."

People wanting to find out more information on the Community Renewables Initiativeshould visit our website at www.countryside.gov.uk/communityrenewables

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notes to editors/...

Notes to editors

The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well being of the English countryside. www.countryside.gov.uk

Who's backing the Initiative...

The Initiative is co-ordinated by the Countryside Agency, with support from many government and industry bodies, environmental groups and charities. In particular, it has the backing of:

• The DTI

• DEFRA

• The Forestry Commission

• The Energy Savings Trust.

Local Support Teamsare being set up in the following areas:

Northumberland and Durham

David Francis, Community Council of Northumberland

Tel: 01670 517178 info@ccn.org.uk

Cumbria and Lancashire

Maf Smith, Furness Energy Partnership

Tel: 01229 894959 mafsmith@barrowbc.gov.uk

North, West, and South Yorkshire