Wiltshire Community Wind Energy

First Meeting

27th May 2008Bridge House, Trowbridge

Jack Mason

My daughter Amy at Westmill Wind Farm, Watchfield, South Oxfordshire on Saturday 3rd May

Thank you for coming

I'm Jack Mason I live in Trowbridge and work in Bradford on

Avon – in flood defence and environmental projects

First meeting so not sure what to expect! You should have an Agenda – but chip in where

you like Try to finish by 8.45 if possible but PLEASE add

you name to the attendance list

Why start the group?

Background in flood risk, and conscious of future climate change

Lots of positive aspirations regarding wind energy in the county – but only limited progess

Take local responsibility – somebody may come up with a solution – but why not take the initiative?

Real potential to do real good Why are you here?

The Opportunity

Wiltshire has a good wind resource – but not equally spread

Wind power could provide an important proportion of energy to the county

Economics very site specific – but could be attractive

Can raise awareness and the importance of conserving energy – the journey may be as important as the destination

North Wessex Downs AONB

Cotswolds AONB

Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

Wiltshire

Salisbury Plain SSSI

North Wessex Downs AONB

Cotswolds AONB

Avebury World Heritage Site

North Wiltshire

City of BathWorld HeritageSite

StonehengeWorldHeritageSite

Cranbourne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB

Salisbury Plain SSSIs

River Avon System SSSIs

South Wiltshire

Some Figures...

Wiltshire target for renewable energy installation approximately 65 – 85MW by 2010!

Present capacity in Wiltshire about 8MW (almost all landfill gas)

Based on present economics about 75% should be met by wind

But Wiltshire has no significant wind power yet If plan were met then electricity generated

equivalent to 75,000 householdsSources: South West Renewable Energy StrategyWiltshire Renewable Energy Action Plan

Figures in context Trowbridge population about

28,000 in about 10,000 homes A cluster of say four 1.3MW

turbines produce about 8000 MWh or sufficient for 2500 homes or 25% of Trowbridge!

Similar calculations elsewhere Financial viability depends on

many factors – wind strength, access etc

The Challenges

Lots of misunderstandings – will the lights go out when the wind stops?!

Lack of public understanding breeds fear Simple lack of knowledge with landowners Do we want wind turbines on every hill in

Wiltshire? Certainly not! But landscape and heritage a key issue to many

NIMBY attitude does exist – but there are no easy answers for the future

A Vision?

Wind energy seen as a positive option in Wiltshire by the public

A number of wind clusters constructed with the agreement of local people sensitive to the local environment

Some wind farms owned by the community Smaller wind turbines in schools and colleges,

helping to spread the message Greater understanding of the importance of

energy and conservation

What should we aim to do?

What is the groups vision? What aims should we set ourselves? Don't have to decide right now – but we want to

discuss it and send in views later

Group Structure

Is the county level the best – or should we look at smaller areas?

Where should we hold meetings? Perhaps rotate them?

What people do we need to run the group – and any volunteers (either now or later)?

How do we set up membership?

First Activities

County-wide questionnaire? Site identification? Displays? Fund raising activities? Liaison with Local Authorities etc? Other suggestions

Contacts and Networking

Who should we contact and who can help? (e.g. Community Action for Energy, RegenSW)

Who should we liaise with and when – e.g. Farmers (NFU), gliding clubs, businesses (e.g. Good Energy)

Speaking with the Local Authorities – how can we work with officers and members?

Other organisations – e.g. Natural England, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust etc

Feedback We need time to think about how the meeting

has gone – please feedback later when you can. A few headings are included in the feedback sheet

Please think about what will work locally to where you live.

A short summary of the meeting will be posted on the website

Any other business? Date and location of next meeting Thank you and meeting close