The Wessex Community Energy Network conference in Bath Guildhall was well supported with around 70 attendees plus speakers, representing a broad cross-section of organisations. Feedback has been very positive and the meeting certainly achieved the twin aims of sharing information and networking. Sincere thanks to all the speakers, some of whom travelled long distances from London, Northern England and Totnes. Thank you also to our generous sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible:
Unfortunately there was a technical problem in recording the presentations but pdf copies are available via the links below.
Morning presentations
| Welcome from Bath & NE Somerset Council | Cllr Oli Henman, Cabinet Project Lead for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel Rob Spalding, Renewable Energy Programme Manager |
| Overview of Energy Local and progress to date | Amy Charnley-Parry, Community Engagement Executive, Energy Local CIC |
| Case study: Energy Local Bridport | Pete West, Secretary, Energy Local Bridport Co-operative |
| Case study: Energy Local Totnes | Sally Murrall-Smith, Managing Director, Totnes Renewable Energy Society |
| Case study: Early stages in developing an Energy Local project in Bath and NE Somerset | Benny Talbot, Technical Lead, Community Business Development, Bath and West Community Energy |
| Microgrids and opportunities for local electricity trading through Virtual Power Plants | Damon Rand – Co-founder and Head of Product at Clean Energy Prospector – CEPRO |
Afternoon presentations
| Update on the Local Electricity Bill and new £10m Community Energy Fund | Steve Shaw, Founder, Power for People |
| Regional delivery of the new Community Energy Fund and support for community energy groups | Phillip Morris, Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Manager, South West Net Zero Hub |
| Overview of local community energy markets and energy sharing in EU Countries | Rachael Hunter, Board Member of RESCoop.eu |
Handouts
Printed handouts were available from Oxford University Environmental Change Unit, who were partners in an EU Horizon 2020 research project ‘newcomers’, focused on innovation in community renewable energy in several European countries.
Electronic copies of other handouts are available below:
Wessex Community Energy Network 