October 5, 2011
An opportunity that must not be missed
The Scottish Government has said it wants the community sector to control more of the renewable energy market. By 2020, the target is that 500mw of installed capacity should be under community ownership. That’s enough to plough £1.5 billion into community coffers over the next 20 years. This is a massive opportunity for our sector and we need a comprehensive strategy to deliver it. This issue is going to be the central focus of CES’ conference later this month
Community Energy Scotland’s Annual Conference and a free training day for community groups will be held on the 25th and 26th October 2011, bookings are now open!
Earlier this year the Scottish Government announced ambitious targets which if realised could revolutionise the role of the community sector in both energy generation and socio economic development. The target 500MW of community owned renewable energy generation by 2020 has the potential to plough £1.5 billion over 20 years into direct community control, that could be reinvested in local community facilities and services.
Whilst renewable energy generation has a large role to play in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels we cannot forget the crucial role of both energy reduction and substitution in achieving truly sustainable communities. Community Energy Scotland’s annual conference and training day this year will centre around the three topics of energy generation, reduction, substitution and set the path for achieving 500MW of community owned renewable energy generation by 2020.
During the conference you will be able to gather ideas, information and inspiration from communities with practical experience of project development. You will have the opportunity to pose questions to panel members with specific skill sets to guide your development and take advantage of networking in our exhibition area. For more information on the conference click here
The free training day for communities is entitled “Reaching your community target – reducing demand, financing generation and maximising your social impact”. For more information on the training day click here.