SUSTAINABLE Crediton, which promotes awareness of climate change and oil supply issues, wants to work with other groups and individuals on a project to form a community energy company.

The growing group of local people, who share concerns about the effects of climate change and increasingly expensive and scarce oil supplies, hopes to reduce the area's carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels by developing, financing and managing community-owned renewable energy projects.

It says that instead of profits going out of our area to big companies or just to private landowners, any surplus money would be for the benefit of the community.

Sustainable Crediton says there is an urgent need for much more renewable energy to replace the fossil fuels which drive climate change.

It says climate change is already evident in rising global temperatures, rising sea levels and the increasing incidence of extreme weather.

It adds that the Arctic sea ice is reducing at an alarming rate and that this year saw the world's carbon dioxide levels reach 400 ppm - a record.

We need both to reduce our demand for electricity and to generate energy from truly renewable sources such as solar and wind.

Charles Mossman, Sustainable Crediton's energy group co-ordinator, told the Courier: "We have run two successful projects in the last two years, installing 72 sets of solar panels and several air source heat pumps on private individuals' properties.

"We are now considering how to set up community energy generation projects which will produce enough electricity for the needs of a significant proportion of the homes in our area.

"Our first focus will be on solar photovoltaic (PV) projects as this is a reliable technology with a long track record of success. We will look to install this on large buildings owned by local businesses, including farm businesses.

"We will raise finance for the projects through a combination of member subscriptions (shares), bank loans and financial partnerships. A significant share of the profits from projects will be put into a Community Fund, which can be used to finance more local, low carbon projects.

"Businesses housing the projects can expect to receive guaranteed lower cost electricity for project life. Subscribers will receive interest payments or dividends on their shares."

Group member, Linda Lever, went on: "If we are to develop this project, it will depend on finding a group of people with the skills and commitment to take it forward.

"We already have the beginning of a group in Sustainable Crediton but will need more people.

"People with legal skills, experience in writing business plans, submission of planning applications, etc would be especially welcome, but enthusiasm and commitment are probably more important!

"We are very keen to get the views of as many people as possible before we take this idea any further. "We have produced a very short questionnaire which will take just two minutes to complete. It is available on our website at https://www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk/5389.aspx">https://www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk/5389.aspx

"Please download the survey, complete it and then email the completed document to [email protected]">[email protected] ."

Sustainable Crediton are aiming to have a meeting in the autumn for those interested in helping.

Alan Quick