Energy and Renewables Sub-Group

Renewable energy is energy that comes from a plentiful natural source which won’t run out when used. Examples of renewable energy include, solar (the sun), wind, tidal and hydroelectric (water), and geothermal; and the technologies we have developed to capture these energy sources include things like solar panels, wind turbines, air source and ground source heat pumps, biomass boilers and Anaerobic digestors. Biomass boilers and Anaerobic digestors run on waste that would have gone to landfill or been composted, and other renewable technologies are sustainable and environmentally friendly as they produce little to no harmful emissions when used.

As we start to replace fossil fuels and look to get more of our energy from these technologies this group are looking at the availability of energy sources, how this energy can be distributed and the challenges of making these changes to the way we work and live. We also aim to get a better understanding of the needs of energy users across industries such as farming, horticulture, logistics, education, health, housing, manufacturing etc. and how these areas cross over and may be able to work together more. 

Who make up the subgroup – background/roles 

The Energy & Renewables sub-group is made up or representatives from across sectors including Councils, local businesses, and environmental and climate consultancies.

What the sub group’s aims/priorities are

By bringing together people and knowledge from private, public and third sector, SELCAN and the Energy & Renewables sub-group aim to promote and foster opportunities for businesses to grow and develop within the low carbon and renewables sector, support innovation and uptake of new technologies, and encourage positive approaches to the sustainable design of new developments. Opportunities such as Combined heat and power (CHP) and District Heating schemes will also be explored with a view to preparing our sub-region for the future.