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The ‘Hayfield Hundred’
This report is a summary evaluation of the ‘Home Energy MOT’ project, designed to offer advice and low level insulation help to the residents of Hayfield parish, High Peak, Derbyshire, September 2022-April 2023.
This project was conceived by Sustainable Hayfield and Marches Energy Agency (MEA). Sustainable Hayfield is a local charity promoting more responsible use of resources, including energy resources. MEA is a regional charity mitigating fuel poverty and inspiring the shift to a low carbon economy.
It offered, perhaps uniquely in the UK, to all parish residents, at no cost and in one home visit:
- Fitting of draught-proofing tape/strips fitted for draughty windows and doors;
- Fitting of draught excluders to external doors and where appropriate, internal doors;
- Fitting of letter box covers, where none existed or where existing ones fitted were inefficient;
- Replacement of inefficient incandescent lights with equivalent long-life LED bulbs;
- Fitting of electric socket timers, to ensure electricity is only used when required;
- Fitting of ‘radiator reflector’ foil behind radiators, to reflect radiator heat back into the room;
- Supply/installation of carbon monoxide detectors, thermostatic cards and other smaller assists.
- The scheme also offered:
- Boiler control and radiator valve checks, to ensure these systems are working most effectively;
- Checks on levels of loft insulation and advice about any upgrade that may be needed;
- Wider billing support, sign-posting and referral to other organisations, and energy funding schemes where a need is identified, but only with the householder’s consent.
Between them, these areas account for 20-30% of all heat lost from the average home.
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COMMUNITY ENERGY ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR 2023
At the Community Energy England Award Ceremony at the Lowry Theatre in Salford yesterday we are proud to announce that Derbyshire Dales Community Energy (DDCE Ltd) was given the Small/Medium organisation of the year accolade. Steve Martin and Dave Locke received the award on our behalf, along with a decorative plaque in recognition of DDCE’s wide-ranging and excellent achievements. The Community Energy England Awards scheme is an annual event that recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements in community energy. This ceremony brings together individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are making significant contributions to the advancement of sustainable and locally driven energy solutions. This year’s ceremony, supported by Electricity Northwest, and took place at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester on Friday 17 November 2023.
This award recognizes one community energy organisation that has demonstrated excellence across their operations, delivery, impact, engagement, innovation, and contribution to the broader sector.
The citation read out by one of the judges stated:
“Derbyshire Dales Community Energy Ltd (DDCE) stands at the forefront of the renewable energy movement in Derbyshire. Established in 2022 as a Community Benefit Society, DDCE has been working relentlessly to combat climate change by fostering rural community-based renewable energy initiatives across Derbyshire.
DDCE collaborates with 17 community energy groups, pioneering the installation of solar panels, hydro schemes, and electric vehicle charging points. Their partnership with the Big Solar Co-op, a nationwide carbon-first non-profit, has opened avenues for large-scale solar projects in Derbyshire Dales, with potential sites boasting up to 1.5MWp of solar electricity capacity.
DDCE’s impact goes beyond clean energy generation. Their work has become a catalyst for community engagement and empowerment. By supporting volunteers and community energy groups, DDCE has provided avenues for individuals to actively contribute to the fight against climate change.”
https://communityenergyengland.org
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Hope Valley Renewable Energy Future Predictions
In this ground-breaking report the authors main finding is that the electricity requirements within Hope Valley will rise, at least doubling, by 2050.
Under all future energy scenarios, we will see an increase in electricity demand within the Hope Valley as we electrify our vehicles and home heating sources.
By 2050 the increased demand could be met from a combination of renewable energy installations, stored energy such as large or domestic scale battery banks, hydro storage systems and electric cars along with flexible generation such as biogas. This would require smart technological advances to control it.