The Community Energy Network of Pembrokeshire decided it would be useful to compile a Renewable Installation Map of the County as it had not been done before. The sheer number of current installations should encourage those who are considering investing in renewable technology installation. The Map also goes further, showing Case Studies of certain significant installation projects. These range from Pembrokeshire County Council’s school installations which should greatly reduce carbon emissions, to individual homes that have reduced their carbon footprint and saved money too.
The Case Studies provide facts and figures regarding the technology installed, give a background on the reasons for investing in renewables, the pitfalls some of the owners/managers have faced and how they were overcome. They also offer useful contacts for those who want to find out more. One of the most important facts to be included is the cost involved to install and to run the systems and whether grants were available to do so.
Although in some case studies the technology is briefly explained, more in depth information can be obtained from Empowering Yourself – A Guide To Domestic Renewable Energy Systems written by the West Wales Eco Centre, and available from them. See contact details below.
Some of the Case Studies allow (and encourage) people to visit, however many are individual private homes and are not open to the public. Those that are open to visitors will have their contact details on the page.
The Community Energy Network
Many Communities have expressed a desire to develop community energy projects through their Action Plans facilitated by PLANED and through a series of ‘Plugging the Leaks’ workshops. The latter identified major ‘leaks’ of money out of the economy including fuel bills. It was suggested that these ‘leaks’ could be ‘plugged’ by encouraging energy saving at home, in businesses and within community buildings. Local energy could also be generated using renewable technology which is non-polluting and does not use finite resources such as coal, oil and gas. Locally generated energy can be sold to the National Grid providing income that can benefit the community. Therefore community energy projects could be developed. |
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The aim of The Community Energy Network is to provide community groups with the opportunity to learn from others who have developed energy projects, share ideas and expertise with other community groups and also to develop projects within their community.
The Community Energy Network was launched in October 2007 and is fully supported by a Steering Group and PLANED.
The format is a map of Pembrokeshire showing all the renewable installations in the form of coloured dots, and interactive stars that link to each Case Study. The Map and each Case Study is available as a downloadable pdf file. Hard copies in a ring binder are also available from PLANED on request.
Acknowledgements
The Community Energy Network and PLANED would like to thank all those who have contributed to this Map including, CEN members, Renewable Technology Installers, Steve Keating at PCC, Emma Taylor at PCNPA, and Matt Leese at West Wales Eco Centre. Thanks also go to those who allowed their wonderful projects to be used as Case Studies including Steve Keating, David Evans of Pembrokeshire Housing Association, Vicky Moller, Cllr Rob Lewis & Emma Ratcliffe at St Oswalds, Racheal Price & Alastair Pollard at Celtic Biodiesel, Brian Pratt & Emma Taylor at PCNPA, Rachael Shiamh at the Strawbale House, Rev David Menday at St Davids City Council, Jill Simpson, Matt Leese, Rob Gibby of Bethesda Milk and Wyn and Christine Evans at Caerfai Farm. Thanks also to Paula Raynor for the Case Study layout, Marilyn Gardner from Waterfront Graphics for the map and Lee Staines for the webpage design.
Main Contact Details:
Jetske Germing, PLANED – 01834 862111
Beacon Stoves - 01559 371058
Dorrell Renewables - 07970 894701
Dragons Breath Solar - 01646 600151
Emma Taylor, PCNPA – 01646 624874
John Cantor Heat Pumps - www.heatpumps.co.uk
Llanisolar – 01686 412552
Martin O’Connor & Co (Heatshine) – 01239 613423
Steve Keating, PCC – 01437 764551
Sustainergy - 01239 891344
Welsh Biofuels - 01656 729714
West Wales Eco Centre – 01239 820235
West Wales Solar Heating - 01994 419439 |
