Community energy will generate local heroes

 

Simon Read
Friday 23 August 2013 16:31 EDT
Comments
A walking tour of Westmill wind farm is among the attractions
A walking tour of Westmill wind farm is among the attractions (AFP/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

At present, 99 per cent of the country's electricity is supplied by just six companies. The Community Energy Coalition – which includes the likes of the Co-operative Group, National Trust, National Federation of Women's Institutes and Church of England – wants that to change.

It has a vision that includes by 2020 "communities across the UK owning, generating and saving energy together for the benefit of all".

The revolution starts today – and runs until 8 September – with the first-ever Community Energy Fortnight featuring events across the UK to inform people about the benefits of this form of energy ownership.

For instance, today there is a walking tour of Westmill wind farm and solar park in Oxfordshire. It is the first onshore wind farm to be built in the South-East, and is totally community owned.

Next weekend's activities include tours of Stockport and Torrs community hydro projects while in two weeks there will be a tour of Whitby Esk community hydro scheme in North Yorkshire.

You'll find details of all activities – and more information about community energy – at www.ukcec.org.

In October, the campaign will gather further momentum with the first-ever Community Energy Conference in London, organised by Co-operative Energy. For details, email community.energy@cooperativeenergy.coop

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in