News, sport and entertainment from the Bournemouth Echo and Dorset Echo.

Future of energy is all wind and water

From the Echo, first published Friday 26th Nov 2004.

WIND farms and reviving Bridport's heritage of water mills could be among ways to create energy for nearby communities in future.

They were two of the ideas discussed at a recent meeting organised by Bridport Community Initiative's environment group and Friends of the Earth.

Around 50 people heard speakers Mike Birkin, south west regional campaign coordinator for Friends of the Earth, and Keith WheatonGreen, from Dorset Community Renewables discuss possible ways forward. The meeting was chaired by Charles Wild.

Mr Birkin highlighted the need for the practical use of renewable technology, giving an update on the latest predicted effects of climate change.

He said: "There is a consensus of opinion which estimates that a third of animal species face extinction if climate change continues at its present rate.

"Industrialised countries, such as the UK, need to cut their emissions by at least 60 per cent to have any impact on climate change at all. Change in energy use needs to be profound, but can be positive as economies based around cheap oil have been exploitative. Local, renewable, energy production is cleaner, greener and its impacts are small scale and reversible, while the impacts of climate change will be catastrophic."

Mr Wheaton-Green spoke of projects that could be replicated in West Dorset, including a microhyrdo project in south Somerset turning old water mills into small scale generators, and a community wind turbine in North Dorset, where the profits from the sale of energy will go to the local people involved.

He called for people in West Dorset to get involved, and said: "Whereas wind farms have received negative publicity and campaigns of misinformation, the small scale community based approach has proved successful, and I see no reason why it can't work here."

The meeting was hailed a success by those involved.

Rosemary Lovegrove, of West Dorset Friends of the Earth, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people from across West Dorset who were interested in furthering the use of renewable energy locally." Anyone interested in getting involved in a new group to pro¬mote the technology should call Rosemary Lovegrove on 01935 891415.

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