Who owns a power station? The answer could be you. Most power stations are owned by corporations or governments. It's time to take back the power and share it within our communities. Wind, solar and biomass can all make a significant contribution to our electricty supply.
Community owned wind farms have operated in Belgium, Holland, Scotland and Germany for over 10 years. They are being developed in Victoria and W.A. Now this progressive model for a power station is coming to NSW.
The wind farm will be financed by individuals, who become members of a cooperative. Local residents will have the opportunity to buy shares in the coperative and to source their power from the wind farm. Some profits from the cooperative will be reinvested in local renewable energy or community projects.
Community Power is keen discuss this idea with anyone interested, but particularly residents of the Lithgow/ Oberon/ Bathurst area, potential sites for the wind farm.
Grid-connected wind farms produce reliable power and can even improve the qulaity of power supply in rural areas. No greenhouse emmissions are produced. Modern wind turbines produce very little noise, take up a tiny amount of land and do not pose a significant risk to birds. The energy required to build the wind farm is repaid in less than six months.
What we've done.
-Formed a working group
-Investigated Central West NSW for potential wind farm sites
-Received expert advice from a wind farm developer
-Liaised with other communities developing similar projects
What happens now?
-Incorporate the group Power4Community
-Community consultation (underway)
-Public meeting in Bathurst and/ or Lithgow
-Grant application
-Site selection
-Appoint project manager
-Developemnt application
-Form cooperative
-Fundraising
-Build wind farm
-Issue prospectus and sell shares
Friday, 12 October 2007 Maribyrnong City Council in Victoria is exploring the idea of a community-owned wind turbine that could produce enough energy to power
A member has asked about small wind turbines suitable for use in urban areas. There are lots of great turbines available, so I thought I would let you know
Please note that the meeeting will be held in the Lounge of the Carrington Hotel. That is the grand 1880s hotel on Katoomba St set well back fro the road, not
Hi all, Thought I'd let you know about a couple of new resources we have that you might find useful, particuarly the wind power report. Cheers, Owen -- Owen
Hi Ian, I thought I would try and make it up for this meeting. Is this a good time to meet some of your group? Owen ... -- Owen Pascoe Climate Campaigner -