We’re in this together! Sussex Green Ideas (first published in West Sussex County Times)
Do you have solar panels at home? Is it time to join the move to community funded renewable energy? Do you want to explore practical ways to make it happen here for Horsham? Maybe you’re able to use your skills in finance, marketing, law, engineering or management to help form a community group to do this?
Here at Sussex Green Ideas, we’re looking for people who want to respond practically to the challenges of reducing climate disruption and help us adapt to the changes which are now inevitable.
You’re welcome to join an online meeting on October 20th 7pm-8pm, as part of our Sussex Green Ideas series. Kate Meakin, from Energise South, will explain what’s involved in setting up a community energy scheme and what funding is available to support the development of such a community group.
We know that generating electricity from renewable sources is vital to reduce our use of fossil fuels and the emissions that contribute to climate chaos. Therefore much more “green” electricity will be needed over the next decade. Local community schemes can make a significant impact, and benefit both the individuals who invest in them and the wider community through local democratic involvement and funding.
Good news is that nationally and locally, changes are under way to support local projects and we’d love to ensure that Horsham benefits.
Local community energy projects are usually part of a network so that expertise and resources can be shared. There are several local schemes that we can learn from:
‘Riding Sunbeams’ is an interesting pilot project involving installing solar panels around railtracks and is run by Cuckmere Community Solar to power trains with clean energy.
Ovesco (in Lewes) has organised the installation of solar panels on a brewery roof. They are now developing a plan to enable the village of Barcombe to become oil-free.
And Brighton Energy Co-op helps power schools, colleges and even the University of Brighton.
Sussex Green Ideas monthly online meetings are bookable via Eventbrite here.
15 September Event is with Horsham District Cycling Forum
20 October – Community Solar Event
If you are interested in finding out more before the online meeting, visit the Sussex Green Hub on the first Saturday of each month at the United Reformed Church, Springfield Road. (10am-4pm). There will be tea and cake! Learn more here.
Written by Mark Francis, Organiser of Sussex Green Ideas (online month Sussex Green Living event).
