Brendon Energy projects

We have commissioned feasibility studies looking at local anaerobic digestion, biomass, solar and wind projects.

Our first project was a solar installation on Wiveliscombe Children’s Centre and we are working with new partners on possibilities for further community solar installations.

We have a sub-group looking at the potential for a wind power project in the Wiveliscombe area and the benefits to be gained. We have also studied and prepared information on common concerns and examples of inspiring schemes already established around the UK.

We have a mailing list for those who wish to receive news about Brendon Energy projects, including future share offers.

The Co-operative Community Energy Challenge

Brendon Energy entered The Co-operative Community Energy Challenge in early 2012 and won through the three-stage competition, submitting an expression of interest, full bid and finally being invited to give a presentation and interview to a panel from The Co-operative. In July 2012, it was announced (see: news release - pdf, 45 KB) that we were one of seven winners from around the UK and would share £200,000 of support including specialist mentoring, enterprise development and technical advice.

Paul Monaghan, The Co-operative’s Head of Social Goals, said: “The Co- operative’s investment can help to unlock the significant potential that community-owned renewable energy has to offer. Through this competition we will share expertise and provide the tools needed to enable communities to overcome obstacles and allow them to control, generate and benefit from their own renewable energy.

“Ambitious community-led projects can contribute to a step-change in people’s thinking about energy and, inspire others to take action – providing a catalyst for a clean energy revolution across the UK.”

The Community Energy Challenge will nurture community projects until they are ready for further investment and build. They will then be eligible for other assistance from The Co-operative including The Co-operative Enterprise Hub’s revolving £400,000 fund to underwrite community share offers, and finance from The Co-operative Bank which has ear-marked £100 million for community renewables.

Brendon Energy is delighted to have won this innovative competition and plan to use the support to develop a local community-owned wind power project, as we believe this will offer the most benefit to the area. We are at a very early stage, so still have a lot of work to do, which, importantly, will include involving local people and organisations in developing our plans and ensuring these have widespread support.

By working together, we can generate more of our own clean energy though renewable sources, reducing carbon emissions and securing future energy supplies.