September 29, 2010
Explosion of interest in renewables
The appetite from communities to get involved in renewable energy appears to be insatiable. Just recently we heard that the Government has had to close its existing grant scheme due to overwhelming demand. Last week a Mori poll reports that over half the population (51%) would be interested in helping to set up and run a community energy project. The potential of renewable energy to transform the fortunes of the community sector is immense – and it won’t be around forever
MORI poll suggests more than half of Scots surveyed would be interested in setting up a community energy project
A new study has highlighted the appetite for community-led energy projects in Scotland.
Over half of Scots (51per cent), particularly those aged between 18 and 34, would be interested in helping to set up and run a social energy project, according to the latest MORI Poll.
The poll,commissioned by the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition, also found that the majority of those surveyed (73 per cent) believe that the Government should provide financial support to firms looking to set up their own renewable energy schemes such as wind farms and hydro-electric generation.
Antonia Swinson, chief executive of The Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition, said: “These are significant findings, showing a real appetite for community-led projects and could have a considerable contribution to future economic sustainability of Scotland’s communities.”
Nicholas Gubbins, chief executive of the charity Community Energy Scotland, added: “This poll confirms our daily experience of working with hundreds of community groups across Scotland on their renewable energy projects.”
There is tremendous enthusiasm at community level. Scotland is leading the way in drawing in the benefits to communities from renewable energy.Its vital that we keep this momentum going.