Sustained energy

New Internationalist, June, 2004

Whether you love them or hate them, wind turbines are certainly visible. But if, when you see one you think of the money and jobs being created in the local area, you may realize that turbines bring many benefits that aren't immediately obvious.

Bro Dyfi Community Renewables (BDCR) was originally set up to meet local needs. Their first major project, in 2001, was to erect a 75-kilowatt wind turbine, owned by members of the surrounding community and selling the energy generated to CAT.

Community members founded the group and raised money for the project by selling shares, which pay an annual dividend. There was a maximum investment of f1,000 ($1,800) to prevent the group becoming dominated by one or two individuals. Many invested because they felt it was a good thing to do; others worked on the erection of the turbine in exchange for shares.

The community ownership of renewable energy is new to Britain but it is fast gaining in popularity. A group called Baywind supports community renewable energy projects, and in this case they underwrote the project by offering to buy any unsold shares. The co-operative management of BDCR is important because it means that the energy is owned by those who are closest to the 'coal face'. It is managed by unpaid people acting in the best interests of the community. There is a wide variety of members with many skills to offer: engineers, entrepreneurs, electricians, accountants and experienced co-op workers. And anybody who wishes to be part of the decision-making process is welcome.