5.0 Proposals for Renewables
5.1 Cheshire Sustainable Energy Centre
The
establishment of Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s new headquarters
in a prime location on the Winsford Industrial Estate brings with it
an opportunity to locate a flagship energy centre at the same location.
The Centre would attract funding and investment for energy efficiency
and renewable technologies. As a flagship it would also demonstrate
the opportunities to incorporate efficient and alternative technologies.
Due to expansion, Energy Projects Plus needs to look for alternative
premises, however it wishes to remain in Winsford as a central location
for Cheshire and also has rail links to Crewe and Liverpool, both major
main line stations. The location will continue strong links with Vale
Royal and The Trust through support and work with HECA and other staff
on energy efficiency and renewables projects.
A centre would assist in awareness raising regarding renewables as well as providing advice and information to individuals and organisations considering renewables as an energy source. The centre would house the Cheshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre which provides essential advice on energy efficiency. It would also house other Epplus projects including LASP, and through the development of the CREI activities office space and resources would be available for renewables and marketing staff.
The centre would have the following CREI aims:
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Provide a networking focus to develop renewable services in the Cheshire area.
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Provide a central source of information with specialist advice available for local authorities and other Cheshire based organisations.
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Raise awareness of renewables in both the domestic and community sectors as well as schools and other educational institutions.
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Provide assistance and grant information for community and rural projects
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Where appropriate, promote and facilitate the use of renewables as viable alternatives to fossil fuels linking promotion with the successful EEAC service.
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Provide small business advice, including rural and farming organisations
The Housing Trust are considering a number of options for their own new premises, one of which is to install a biomass plant. Due to the proximity this would support the lionsaltworks proposal and a wood supply chain could be set up to deliver wood to both sites.
5.3 Rural Recovery bids awaiting approval
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To extend REAPs a community energy efficiency project which provide talks to groups at church halls, community halls etc.., in evenings and weekend to target working people: currently in Macclesfield, Congleton, Crewe & Nantwich, and Vale Royal BC.
The bid will extend REAPs to all districts and expand the service into renewable advice -
Cheshire Rural Energy Efficiency Officer
Provide funding for a rural energy efficiency officer to promote the use of renewables and energy efficiency measures in the rural community. Network with rural contacts to develop renewables initiative in rural areas. Support community and business developments of renewables.
5.4 Wood supply cooperative
From April 03, The Forestry Commission, will be providing funding
to set up wood supply cooperatives/chains. It is the intention of Epplus
to propose a wood supply initiative building on the work which is being
carried out for the Lionsaltworks project.
Which is run by the Countryside Agency does not currently cover Cheshire. The CREI plan to approach the agency to become the contact for the initiative, this will hopefully tap into a network of support and information for the area.