News and blogs

The Devon Community Energy Impact Report provides an insight into community energy activity in Devon, and was delivered in partnership with Devon County Council and the 23 community energy organisations in the county. Key Findings There are more community energy organisations in Devon than any other county in the UK (23). These organisations run 62 community owned renewable projects, which have generated 17,431 MWh of clean green energy, saving 6,080 tonnes of CO2 emissions and helping 2,717 Read more…

Community energy organisations from across Devon and further afield met on the Dartington estate in Devon for a two-day, fun filled residential on the 9th and 10th March 2018.  This included walks, talks, films, fantastic food and collaborative discussion themed around community energy innovation. During the two days we concentrated on consolidation of our existing projects, discussing how to make the most of our renewable energy assets, and exploring what happens next for our movement. Thanks Read more…

The SWDCEP General Forum met on the 20th July in Tamar Energy Community’s new premises – the Local Matters Community Space, Elbow Lane in Tavistock. Jodie Giles from RegenSW lead a discussion about the implications of Brexit for community energy projects and the renewable energy industry. This focussed on the effect that Brexit could have on existing greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and renewable energy deployment targets. The forum also explored issues surrounding local supply Read more…

28th September 2015 This free workshop will focus on the use of woody energy crops grown in short rotation plantations to provide fuel for heating whole villages. The day will feature presentations on growing short rotation coppice and short rotation forestry, plus examples of best practice. There will also be a chance to see Dartington’s short rotation forestry plantations. For further details, and for registration, visit Crops4Energy.

Fossil-fuel consumption subsidies worldwide amounted to $548b in 2013, over four times the value of subsidies to renewable energy and the amount invested globally in improving energy efficiency. Click the map for further information.

Learn about the opportunities locally for wood fuel, managing hedges for fuel, food, farming and wildlife. Farmers, landowners and people with wood-burners working together. Free event, organised by the South Devon Coastal Renewable Energy Network. All welcome, booking essential. Flyer available here.

Follow this link for a non-techy guide to smart thermostats from the Guardian. These devices can help you reduce your heating costs by learning your schedule, the way your house responds to heat, and by adapting your heating schedule for the weather.  

The members of the SW Devon Community Energy Partnership have been benefiting from free training  provided by Devon County Council and RegenSW on , communications and engagement. Further training is scheduled for January and February 2015. https://www.devonnewscentre.info/community-energy-groups-benefit-from-free-training/ 

When some people hear the word “planning” it is not something that usually gets them very excited.  Planning may conjure up images of dull technocrats, complicated maps and perhaps ugly remnants of poorly designed projects that resonate in our collective perception.  Yet planning has a fundamental role to play in the transition to a low-carbon society. Check out the Transition guide to Neighbourhood Planning

The unrestricted use of fossil fuels should be phased out by 2100 if the world is to avoid dangerous climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says in a stark report that most of the world’s electricity can – and must – be produced from low-carbon sources by 2050. It is intended to inform politicians engaged in attempts to deliver a new global treaty on climate by the end of 2015.