To increase the proportion of renewable energy, and tackle the climate emergency, we have to use every tool in the box. Onshore wide is not only the cheapest form of energy installation but, unlike offshore wind, it provides the opportunity for communities to band together to own their own wind turbine and share in the benefits.
This webinar will explore the role, potential and benefits of community owned wind power both generally and in the context of the Bath & North East Somerset Council Local Plan consultation (but also of interest to communities in the parts of both Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire that fall within the BWCE area of benefit).
Speakers:
- Jodie Giles, Senior Project Manager responsible for the delivery of the community energy support programme at Regen.
- George Blanchard, Planning Officer (Planning Policy) for Bath & North East Somerset Council.
- Sara Grimes, Corporate Sustainability Officer Bath & North East Somerset Council.
- Pete Capener, Managing Director of BWCE.
Chaired by Sonya Bedford, Energy Team head at Stephens Scown Solicitors and BWCE director.
With ample time for a Q&A session following the speakers.
Content:
- The role of onshore wind in meeting climate change commitments.
- The potential for installing onshore wind in the BWCE area.
- The benefits of community owned onshore wind.
- Public perceptions of wind, including common myths/objections and how to counter them.
- Planning policy, including the importance of Local and Neighbourhood Plans.
- Steps towards developing onshore wind, including barriers and how to overcome them.
- Building community support for wind.
