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Parish Plan Environment Working Group.
Converting to Renewable Energy
It is generally agreed that, to avoid the predicted dire consequences of ‘global warming’, there is a need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and seek alternative energy sources that are limitless (e.g.wind) or replaceable (e.g.wood); in other words, ‘renewable’.
The Group became aware of an initiative promoted by the Creative Environmental Networks (CEN) in partnership with the Kent Downs AONB Unit, and supported by the Leader + Programme that operates in our part of Kent.
On 6th February, Peter Robinson of CEN and Sarah Loftus from the AONB unit explained some of the renewable energy options available to businesses, organisations and householders in rural areas such as ours. Members of Teynham, Doddington, Oare and Lynsted with Kingsdown parish councils, as well as Group members, were present. Despite some technical difficulties, the speakers delivered much potentially useful information.
This is a burgeoning field – accelerated by the recent emphasis on the need to respond to the challenge of climate change – with many technologies on offer. It can be very confusing, and current government bureaucracy does not always help those who wish to take action. Some of the main points from the evening included:
- We are fortunate that our part of Kent is being targeted for the promotion of renewable energy. Free, and unbiased information about grants, appropriate technology etc. is available through Peter or Sarah via the Rural Energy Action Programme (REAP). Peter can be contacted on 020 8683 6681 and Sarah on 01303 815 170. Further details are available from the Clerk (phone 830 337), or see the accompanying article, ‘Renewable Energy Advice for Kent Communities’, for more information.
- Technologies include: fuel wood (logs, chips, pellets), solar panels, photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, ground-source heat pumps and hydro electrics,
- The technology can be matched to the scale of the operation.
- Conversion can be cost-effective as well as environmentally beneficial.
- Opportunities that immediately present themselves locally seem to be:
- use of neglected ‘coppice’ woodland, once used for poles, to produce chips etc. for fuel. This would be beneficial for wildlife, and the local economy.
- promotion of conversion of domestic open, or gas, fires to log burners
- inclusion of pellet/chip–burning boilers, or heat pumps, in plans for new buildings (community centres, housing complexes etc.).
Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council, through its Working Group, plans to keep closely in touch with this initiative, and take advantage of the opportunities presented. Cooperative action with neighbouring parishes is an attractive option.
Bob Baxter.
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