Staveley has been selected as a case study for a community energy feasibility study, following an expression of interest submitted by SENS. The feasibility study is being funded by Westmorland and Furness Council, along with a small number of other communities across the county.
The purpose of the case studies is to carry out an assessment of small-scale, low carbon energy opportunities in the selected communities. The work is being carried out by a consultancy called Arthian Ltd on behalf of the council.
One of the consultants came to the recent SENS meeting to find out about what has already been done in the community and what we thought could be done in the future. Two SENS members then spent the following morning with the consultant – showing him the two weirs on the Kent and building stock in the village.
The consultants are currently working on a report for the council, which is expected to be completed before Christmas. The report is likely to cover the following issues foreach community:
• General site walk around to assess type, condition, age of buildings in the community
• Identify potential large energy consuming buildings/sites
• Determine location of electrical connection infrastructure and connection points for renewable technology
• Carry out renewable energy assessment to include rooftop solar PV, ground mounted PV systems, wind turbine installation, hydroelectric generation.
• Understand potential locations for the following where applicable:
o Determine potential locations for large scale heat pump installation
o Determine suitability of biomass plant
o Determine suitability of anaerobic digestion
o Determine suitability of heat network.
Once the council has considered the report, we expect it will share the results with the case study communities, with a view to exploring which potential opportunities are of interest to each community. In Staveley, this will involve discussions with SENS, the parish council, other organisations (eg Staveley Village Association, the school and the
church), businesses and, of course, residents.