Renewable Communities in the Scottish Borders

This summer the Scottish Borders sustainable energy forum are attempting to engage with varying groups around the area to gain a better idea of what the local authority can do to aid and support efforts to bring renewable energy to our communities. I have recently graduated from the University of St Andrews with a M.A in sustainable development and am pleased to be part of this effort. Community renewables are bringing monies and independence to towns and even whole islands in the north of Scotland, and could certainly do the same in the Borders!

The borders is certainly a rural area of the country, and bringing the opportunities that renewables offer in terms of jobs, investment and energy security to the area really can ensure that the Scottish borders becomes important not only nationally, but perhaps an example that can be highlighted even further away also. There is much funding currently available from groups such as Community Energy Scotland, and this has the potential to allow the borders to be a leader in Scotland, the country in Europe with the optimum potential for clean, green energy.

There are already some exciting moves from some communities in the local area, and I will be interviewing and surveying as many as possible in order to gain a better idea of who is interested in these projects, where they are located and what they are attempting. Gaining a clearer picture of these groups will help to link businesses to potential opportunities; allow ease of access to information regarding finance, previous projects and ideas for development in the area. I hope to achieve this through the creation of a database that is open with the ability to be edited and updated by the groups who would use it, businesses, communities and individuals allowing the relevant, contemporary information to be available in one place.

From investigating the restoration of former small hydro schemes, to solar panels and community owned wind-turbines, it certainly is a pleasure to be working in the Borders once again, and hopefully aiding communities in the area to meet their aspirations for strengthening their communities using the natural environment around us.

Joining me is Martin Schork, an engineering student from Germany. Some words from Martin:

My study is called "sustainable energies and renewable resources" which includes almost all parts of renewable energy technologies especially biomass and sun energy systems (but also hydro power and wind turbines). I'm doing some practical training in Scotland in regards to these technologies. The traineeship started on 13th July and is going to end at 18th September. In this time I'm going to learn more about Scotland's use of alternative energy forms, sources and supply, the country and the language.