Crowle Parish Council Partners with Savi for Community Energy Initiative...
"We needed a partner we could trust, someone who understood us right from the start. We found all that in Savi Energy." Steve Bott, Crowle Parish Councillor.
Crowle Parish Council in Worcestershire, England, has taken a significant step towards bolstering its commitment to sustainability by teaming up with Savi Energy to embark on an ambitious journey towards community-owned renewable energy. The partnership aims to conduct an extensive feasibility study to explore the possibilities of establishing a community-owned energy scheme, aligning with the UK's net-zero targets while delivering tangible benefits to the residents of Crowle.
The move underscores Crowle Parish Council's dedication to environmental stewardship and its recognition of the pivotal role communities can play in shaping a sustainable future. By leveraging renewable energy sources, the council seeks not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to empower locals and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment.
At the heart of this endeavor lies a commitment to sustainability and community welfare. The proposed energy scheme is poised to offer multifaceted advantages, ranging from environmental conservation to economic empowerment. Through collective ownership, residents can actively participate in and benefit from the production and distribution of clean energy, thus fostering a sense of community cohesion and shared responsibility.
The feasibility study, entrusted to Savi, will serve as a vital precursor to the implementation of the energy scheme. It will meticulously evaluate various factors, including the feasibility of renewable energy technologies such as solar PV and energy storage, as well as the logistical and financial considerations involved in setting up and managing a community-owned energy infrastructure. Moreover, it is intended that any financial benefits resulting from the scheme will aim to be directed to contibuting to positive comminity benefits.
Crowle Parish Council's proactive approach reflects a growing trend among local authorities across the UK to embrace sustainable practices and harness renewable energy resources. By championing initiatives like community-owned energy schemes, councils not only contribute to national climate goals but also empower communities to actively participate in the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
Furthermore, the initiative holds the potential to serve as a model for other localities grappling with similar challenges and aspirations. By sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned, Crowle Parish Council and Savi can inspire and guide other communities on their path towards sustainability and resilience.
As the world grapples with the urgent imperative of combating climate change, initiatives like the one undertaken by Crowle Parish Council and Savi exemplify the power of collaboration, innovation, and community-driven action. By harnessing renewable energy and fostering a spirit of collective responsibility, they are not only shaping a brighter, cleaner future for Crowle but also setting a precedent for sustainable development that reverberates far beyond Worcestershire's borders.
Parish Councillor, Steve Bott said:
"We needed a partner we could trust, someone who understood us right from the start. We found all that in Savi Energy.
As a small group, we were clear in our desire to develop solutions that fitted with the long term needs of the Parish through the innovative use of renewable energy technologies, now and into the future. We also wanted a personal and supportive approach, something based on a shared understanding of our ambitions for our scheme. We also needed a partner who would keep our feet on the ground, using their expertise to manage our expectations.
We recognised that the renewables market is developing at pace and many new opportunities will come along in the years to come. We didn’t want to just focus on solutions for today, although they are key to us getting started, but also what we might achieve in the future.
Through a competitive review of 7 potential suppliers, Savi were the only ones who we felt satisfied our criteria. And, whilst Savi were not the lowest cost provider on the final short list, our experience to date has confirmed our initial belief that they would deliver the best overall value.
Savi has deep experience of delivering energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Their approach to developing our feasibility study has been based on intensive and detailed research. Importantly, Savi have been able to adapt their thinking in response to new information rather than just follow a pre-determined plan.
Nothing is straightforward in developing a renewable energy scheme. Savi have helped us navigate a way forward that far exceeds are original expectations for our scheme. We now have a series of options for us to review together and look forward to a continued, successful partnership."
