Sir Vince Cable was one of the special guests lining up to talk community energy and energy storage near Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend.
As part of Green Wedmore’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the former Business Secretary was in the area to hear about Wedmore Community Power Co-Op, who run the nearby non-profit 1MW solar energy farm.
Pete Capener from Bath and West Community Energy was the keynote speaker who gave a summary of how far community energy has come and where it may go next.
There followed a panel of local energy specialists from Regen SW, Wedmore Community Power Limited, RSPB and questions from Wedmore Parish Council.
Some possible next steps discussed on the night were engaging with local schools, switching to LED street lights, using biofuel from local nature reserves, ‘greening’ key local buildings and smart meter schemes so people are more aware of the energy they are using.
Green Wedmore chair Steve Mewes said: “The debate has been over for many years now. 97% of scientists agree that man-made climate change is a real and present threat.”
“Countries around the world have endorsed the Paris Climate Summit which is now being actioned. Everyone can make a difference and the easiest way is to think about how much electricity or heating you use and how you can cut back.”
Green Wedmore – formerly the Isle of Wedmore Green Group – was established in 2006 as an umbrella organisation to co-ordinate, explore and encourage sustainable living as applies to the Isle of Wedmore. Anyone who would like to take part in these projects can contact Steve at stevemewes415@gmail.com
