Could the clayworks be home to a community-owned wind farm which could create local jobs, generate income to re-invest in our communities and help tackle climate change?
Devon Energy Collective CIC is exploring the idea and is looking for local organisations to get involved.
We are in a Climate Emergency and we want to use every opportunity to protect the futures of our children and grandchildren. There’s no time to lose. Their future is in our hands and, if we work together, we have the power to make a difference!
If we build it, we own it, and we benefit.
The area has excellent wind resource as well as being in proximity to both large energy demands and the electricity network. This makes it a potentially good site for wind turbines.
If wind turbines are viable on and around the clayworks, we want to ensure they are built by and for the local community, rather than by outside investors.
Wind turbine projects take years to develop. We are at the very early stages of exploring whether wind turbines would be technically and economically viable and whether there is support for the idea from local communities.
We believe that if turbines are possible, it is possible for them to be community owned!
Please let us know if you would like to be involved or if you would like to be kept updated.
I'm interestedWe are in a climate emergency. The UK is committed by law to net zero by 2050. This requires the rapid transformation of our energy system.
Wind energy emits zero carbon, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Its CO2 footprint is negligible: a turbine pays off its lifecycle emissions in 6 – 9 months of operation.
Onshore and offshore wind are among the cheapest forms of new power generation and help minimise consumer’s power bills. We will need both technologies to deliver the 2050 net zero target.
Wind is an increasingly stable and reliable form of power supply. Advances in technology mean that it is more flexible and easier to integrate into our grid system and align with energy demand.
Wind is a local energy resource. It reduces the UK’s energy imports and its exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices.
Wind projects bring new jobs, attract investment and drive economic recovery. Each gigawatt of onshore wind generates approximately 5,000 jobs in planning, manufacturing and installation. The ongoing operation and maintenance of wind farms generates local jobs.
By combining wind turbines with energy storage systems, we can stockpile energy for later use when power demand is high. Energy storage solutions are advancing as electrification of industry and transport becomes a priority.
Wind Energy can coexist with farming and contribute to targets for biodiversity net gain.
Community ownership of a wind project provides an opportunity to share revenues locally, bringing substantial economic gain to communities and giving local people a stake in their energy supply.
References: WindEurope.org Powering the Future, Renewable UK; Sept 2020 New Scientist, What is the Carbon Payback for a Wind Turbine; Sept 2019.
Meeting open to all members of the community to hear about the vision for the project and ask initial questions.
Members of the local community were then invited to join a steering group to look at the Feasibility work carried out to date and decide whether to take the vision any further.
Meeting 1:
7th October 2021
The main purpose of the evening was to meet each other, talk about the role and purpose of the group and to give an introduction to the Feasibility Study Report.
Meeting 1 minutes
Meeting 2:
11th November 2021
Group members asked questions about the Feasibility Study in advance of the meeting and DEC addressed these by running through the key findings of the study.
Meeting 2 minutes
Meeting 3:
13th January 2022
The group discussed the community energy model and whether to move forward with the idea. The group decided to explore a local energy planning process.
Meeting 3 minutes Supporting presentations