Description

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Packed with useful information, this is an essential resource for anyone thinking of setting up and running a community energy project.

'Community energy' is often seen as simply groups of people setting up wind turbines or hydroelectric schemes, yet there's actually a lot more going on in the range of activities that community energy groups are involved in, and the impact these have.

Community Energy provides an overview of the role of community renewable energy projects in the UK, examining the history of community renewable projects and the different types of project that have been successful and unsuccessful. An engaging and informative guide, it covers an introduction to renewable energy projects, information on why they matter and ways to get involved, and different scales and types of project. It also includes case studies and financial and legal tips on how to generate income from the project, as well as guidance on policy and planning permission.

Community Energy is a handy resource for anyone thinking of embarking on a community renewables project as well being a useful source of information for people in the renewables industry and policy makers at all levels of government.

About the Author

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Gordon Cowtan is one of the four founders of Fintry Development Trust. The trust's remit is to reduce energy use and carbon emissions from the village of Fintry and it has a ground-breaking agreement with a local commercial windfarm, which Gordon helped negotiate. Since then, Gordon has provided expert advice to other communities and to commercial developers.

Praise For…

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“An indispensable guide for anyone interested in starting a community energy project in their own area.” —The Fine Times Recorder

“The transition to renewable energy is an opportunity to transform the ownership of our energy too. It's great to see communities taking charge of meeting their own needs, deciding how to change the way they use energy, and letting them reap the benefits.” —Patrick Harvie, MSP of the Scottish Green Party

“An excellent overview of everything you need to know about community energy; from the technologies, to the legislation, the financing and the community organising. With excellent examples, from a number of countries, it sets out what can be done, how to avoid the pitfalls, and just how big the benefits can be. It's a truly invaluable resource.” —Craig Bennett, CEO of Friends of the Earth

“Community energy has huge potential to help the UK meet our energy and climate objectives, whilst making society fairer and more democratic.” —Sir Edward Davey, UK Chairman of Mongoose Energy