Ullapool is set to generate its own hydroelectric power. The community-owned group BroomPower is aiming to raise £900,000 to fund the development, with members of the public being invited to buy shares. A spokesman said: “The run-of-river scheme will generate enough power for more than 100 homes. The steep terrain and wet climate make the spot ideal.” Stephanie Clark of Scottish Renewables, said: “The Highlands of Scotland are hydro-power’s traditional heartland, so it’s great to see a community project looking to develop in such a historic location.”
Machinery Market 7th Aug 2016 read more »
Green energy could flourish in post-Brexit Britain, says long-time community energy campaigner and co-founder of Sharenergy, Jon Halle For those of us who are working to establish community energy in the UK, the Brexit vote is a distraction within which we need to find opportunity. If we can learn anything from the vote which shocked even those that fought for it, it’s that people want to be involved in the decisions that affect them; decisions like how their energy is produced and used. It’s now been 19 years since Baywind Energy Co-operative, the UK’s first community-owned renewable project, was formed. Over that period, we have steadily built up a movement of installations of every major renewable technology type — from biomass heating to wind, hydroelectric and solar — all developed at a local level and putting ownership into the hands of ordinary people. Energy co-ops around the UK, from Cornwall to Shetland, have thousands of members, and there is scarcely a town without a group of people planning new low-carbon generation in their back yard.
Positive News 2nd Aug 2016 read more »