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Possible Sources of Renewable Energy.

The sources considered here are:- wind power,  tidal power, water power, Solar power, incineration of non-recyclable waste, and biofuels.  Concern has been expressed at the high feed in tariffs introduced by the previous government in April 2010. Fearing that this would encourage a proliferation of larger solar sites the government has ordered a fast track review of tariffs, administration and eligibility for projects.

Small Wind Turbines - These are usually associated with farms or large houses having a capacity of less than 100Kw. The electricity generated is principally for use on the premises with the surplus being exported into the local network. They are usually smaller in height than the wind pumps which were commonly situated in farm fields until the early 1950’s when electricity was more available in the countryside and they were replaced by electric pumps. Planning permission is required. CPRE generally supports these providing they are suitably sited.

 

Large Wind Turbines - These are the subject of much controversy. “Either you love ‘em or you hate ‘em.” We all know that they only generate when the wind blows, but it is always blowing somewhere and the UK is a fairly windy place. Unfortunately the best spots on the mainland tend to be on high ground which is likely to be an AONB.  CPRE Somerset is not against wind turbines on land provided they are suitably sited but is more favourably disposed towards off shore farms.

 

Tidal Power Including Wave Power - Tidal power in the form of river dams creates a huge environmental change which is unacceptable. Tidal lagoons like the tidal mill at Woodbridge in Suffolk are less damaging and can be acceptable in the right situation. Wave power with turbines on the sea bed seem to be an excellent solution but the technology is taking a long time to develop for large scale use.

 

Water Mills - There is scope for redeveloping some of the many redundant water mills around the county for small scale generation of electricity. Examples where this has already happened are Gants mill at Bruton and Tellisford Mill near Frome.  CPRE Somerset supports such developments.

 

Solar Energy - Solar energy for water heating has been successfully used for many years

in the county mainly on private dwellings where planning consent is not required. Solar

energy for electricity generation is a newer development made possible due to lower

manufacturing costs for photovoltaic cells. These are installed on roofs and domestic

premises do not need planning permission unless listed but other premises do.  

CPRE Somerset does not object to either of the above.

 

A more recent development is for the possible commercial installation of large arrays of

photo voltaic cells in fields.  CPRE Somerset objects to the covering of large areas agricultural land with such installations and has prepared a guidance note setting out our position.

 

Waste Incineration - No non-recyclable waste that can be combusted should be put into landfill. All such waste which is not recyclable should be used within the urban area where it is created to generate heat and electricity. The technology is available to do this safely. Cities such as Vienna claims to do this well inside the city environs. Birmingham has a plant within a mixed housing/industrial area since 1996 and is planning more.  CPRE Somerset approves such moves which reduce the present demand for landfill sites in rural areas.

Biofuels - Agricultural land should be retained for food production to feed the country’s predicted rise in population.  CPRE Somerset objects to the growing or importation of crops for biofuels for energy production.  CPRE does, however, support the small scale use of woodfuel.

 

Gas from landfill - CPRE Somerset approves the continued use of gas from land fill sites being harvested for driving generators connected to the grid.

Renewable Energy

Branch Position Statement