Devon County Show

15th, 16th and 17th May

Westpoint, Exeter, Devon

This year's Devon County Show is not far away now and D.A.R.E have booked 3 trade stands there this year. This is the first time D.A.R.E has exhibited at  this event so it's very exciting for us! We are being joined by 9 other installer's, all of whom are members of ours. They are:

• Eco-Exmoor Ltd

• A. Mackmurdie Ltd

• Celtic Solar

• Sungift Solar

• Plug into the Sun

• Green Thinking

• Biofuels (SW) Ltd

• Nils Westman Architects

• Kaieteur

There will be lots to see and do and all your questions regarding renewable energy will be able to be answered!

Please do come along and see us there and fingers crossed for some good weather!

Past Events & Activities

Sustainable Tourism Success for Ruby Country Clawton

Sat 8th March - 11am

Beer Mill Nature Trails

On Saturday, 8th March at 11am Devon County Councillor Des Shadrick will officially open the fantastic new eco barn conversion holiday cottage and wildlife activity room at the heart of Beer Mill Nature Trails, Clawton.

This luxurious eco friendly holiday cottage is a stunning achievement by the local workforce of skilled craftsmen and women and  local businesses using environmentally friendly, natural and recycled building materials. The owners, Elaine and Richard Green,  have incorporated as many green ideas as they possibly could  from ground source heat pump, solar panels for piping hot water, triple thermal insulation, rainwater harvesting system, built-in wildlife habitat, environmentally friendly paints and wood stains, down to the detail in furnishings from local, reclaimed, recycled, sustainable and Fair Trade sources.

“It all started years ago with a visit to a Ruby Country workshop in Cookworthy, “ explained Elaine, “ and  with guidance and support from the Devon Wildlife Trust, Confidence in the Countryside we have gained Gold Awards from DWT for demonstrating that our business is working for the benefit of Devon’s wildlife and natural environment. This year we very proudly gained a Gold Award from Visit Britains  Green Tourism Business Scheme.”

Guests love what the Greens are doing and a large proportion of their business is from repeat bookings. “ We already have lots of bookings and The Stone Barn has only just opened, customers were booking before they had even seen any finished pictures! “

On Saturday, 8th March from 10.30 am the Greens will host a celebration of this achievement and toast to the future success with friends, neighbours and local people all invited to come along. Devon Wildlife Trust officers will be on hand to lead a guided walk and chat, the workforce and project manager will be available to discuss technical details of the build, Elaine and Richard will be happy to show groups around the eco barn, there will be a fun Easter treasure hunt for youngsters and a wildlife photography/picture competition for all ages so bring your camera. Homemade refreshments will be served in the Wildlife Activity room and cottage courtyard. Parking is limited at The Stone Barn so please park in Clawton school car park and walk up if you are able (about ½ mile) through Beer Mill Nature Trails.

For more details phone the Greens on 01409 253 093 or visit the website www.selfcateringcottagesdevon.co.uk  

Marine Futures
1^st October 2007
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

A conference exploring offshore renewable technologies, harnessing the power of the seas, marine based biofuels, carbon dioxide solutions and climate change and it’s effects on the marine environment.

Conference Programme

9.30 – 10.00 Registration & Morning coffee
10.00 – 10.05 Introduction & Welcome – Paul Baker DARE
10.05 – 11.05 Tour of the National Marine Aquarium’s Renewable Energy Exhibition and installed renewable energy equipment – Kelvin Boot – National Marine Aquarium 11.05 – 11.30 Morning Coffee
11.30 – 12.15 Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Power in Devon – Michael Huntingford Farm Energy
12.15 – 1.00 The acidification of the oceans due to the absorption of carbon dioxide and it’s effects on marine ecosystems – Dr Carol Turley Plymouth Marine Laboratory
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch
2.00 – 2.45 Algae to Biofuel – Dr Stephen Skill – Plymouth Marine Laboratory
A presentation by Plymouth Marine Laboratory on their new bioreactor technology and discussion on carbon dioxide solutions using the marine environment.
2.45 – 3.15 Afternoon Tea
3.15-4.00 Wave Hub - The development of wave energy in the South West - Nick Harrington, South West RDA
4.00 – 4.30 Questions and Answer session
4.30 Finish

Cost: £20.00 for DARE Members or £25.00 for non-members of DARE to be received in advance of the event and includes buffet lunch and refreshments. For more information or to reserve a place please contact: The Devon Association for Renewable Energy, 12A/B The Square, North Tawton, Devon EX20 2EP Tel: 01837 89200 or Email: mail@devondare.org or download the flyer below for the delegate application form.

  Marine Futures Flyer and Application Form

East Devon Renewable Energy Awareness Day
Thursday 4^th October 2007 10.00am – 4.00pm
Branscombe Village Hall, Watergate, Locksey’s Lane, Branscombe EX12 3DB

A day of discussion with ‘trade’ stands providing information on renewable energy technologies and demonstrations. Up to date information on Devon’s strategy for combating climate change and the role individuals and communities can play.

Programme
10am – 11am: Delegate registration and an opportunity to view stands
11am – 11.15am: Introductory remarks
11.15am – 11.30am: Setting the context – Devon County Council Ian Hutchcroft
11.30am – 12noon: Session 1: Renewable Energy potential in Schools and Village    Halls. The SAVE trail, educational opportunities, practical applications and grants Speakers: Andy Seaman Devon County Council & David Kelf SAVE Trail & Seaton Primary School.
12noon – 12.30pm: Session 2: Woodfuel. Our local resources and creating a network. Speakers Kimmo Evans East Devon AONB & Sam Whatmore Woodfuel Solutions Woodenergy Consultant
12.30pm – 1.00pm: Session 3: Feasibility Surveys. How to set about choosing the right renewable technology for you. Speaker Richard Pymm Devon Association for Renewable Energy
1.00pm – 2.00pm: Lunch and refreshments
2.00pm – 2.45pm: Carbon Management in Business. Speaker Wendy Stephenson ENVISION
2.45pm – 3.15pm: The Challenge of the New Towns. Discussion led by Hugo Swire MP, Councillor Margaret Rogers & Gareth Walton Devon Sustainable Building Initiative 
3.15pm – 4.00pm: Panel presentation – question and answer session

Cost: £8.00 per person to be received in advance of the event and includes buffet lunch and refreshments. For more information or to reserve a place please contact: The Devon Association for Renewable Energy, 12A/B The Square, North Tawton, Devon EX20 2EP Tel: 01837 89200 or Email: mail@devondare.org  or download the flyer below for the delegate application form.

  East Devon Renewable Energy Awareness Day Flyer and Application Form

DARE Annual General meeting
6^th August 2007 – 7.30pm - Whiddon Down Village Hall, Whiddon Down, Devon

We have arranged for Dr. Jeff Ridley, from the Meteorological Office’s Hadley Centre for Climate Change, to give a presentation and answer questions on the supportive science behind the proof of climate change and also the timescale on future changes which has an impact on us for renewable energy and fossil fuels. Including a discussion on the positive links between the causes of climate change and current energy use.
We have one new Director who was co-opted in 2006 and due to be officially elected at this AGM, and two Directors who have to resign, but may offer themselves for re-election.  However we still have at least one vacancy for a director, if you would like to be considered for the position, please let me know, together with the name of your proposer, who is also a DARE member, by 23^rd July.  With the approval of existing Directors, nominations can also be made at the AGM itself.
Please do your best to attend, and help us to direct the future development of our association. If you wish to attend please let us know in advance.

AGM Agenda

Minutes of last AGM 02.08.06

Domestic Energy Climate Action
Sustainable Axe Valley Enterprises
1 Day courses 2007
Helping with decisions about using natural energy and reducing waste. Costs effective ways to achieve environmental sustainability.

Energy & Climate
3rd April, 14^th April, 1^st September, 11^th September 2007
Personal action for climate & energy

Solar Power 
24^th April, 12^th May, 15^th September, 25^th September 2007
Water & space heating, electricity & transport

Wood Fuel
22^nd May, 9^th June, 18^th September, 29^th September 2007
Growing, gathering, buying, drying, storing, stoves, boilers and chimneys
Dalwood Hill House, Dalwood Axminster.
Only £7 per day includes refreshments
For further details and application form contact Pete Addie Tel: 01404 831 288

Sustainable Energy Courses at CSE
CSE offers courses for a wide range of audiences from individuals to energy professionals and community groups.
To find out more visit www.cse.org.uk/trainingcourses or contact Richard Dunning at Richard.dunning@cse.org.uk

Ongoing - New Business Skills Training Programme has a number of courses based in Cornwall and Devon. Covering a variety of areas that may be useful to individual/community or local businesses renewable energy projects. The courses address issues such as Strategy Formulation and Application, Project Management, etc. To request a brochure or further information contact 0845 2450417

'Finding Out About Energy' - training specifically tailored to your needs
Great training is available for anyone working in their community who wants to know more about the opportunities and benefits of sustainable energy. 'Finding Out About Energy' provides a basic A-Z of energy efficiency and tips on saving energy and money on fuel bills in the home. The training examines practical ways in which community buildings can be improved with energy efficiency and renewable energy options, and also offers an overview of funding and grants. You will leave with a basic understanding of energy efficiency and the options available to you and your community to develop a community based energy project. Best of all, the training can take place on your own premises and at a time that suits you. Interested? Then simply email or call the CAfE team: CAfE@est.org.uk,  08701 261 444.

Green Drinks in Bideford
Green Drinks is a regular meet in Bideford on the last Thursday of every month from 5-7pm – put it in your diary. The venue is the Blacksmiths, East the Water, next to the Tarka Trail. For those of you who haven't been before, we get together to meet and socialise with others working on, and interested in, 'Green issues'. Everyone welcome! Please note this is not a political gathering, just a social way of keeping in touch.
Directions:  Go across the old bridge from Bideford town to the mini roundabout on the other side.  Turn right and the Blacksmiths is 50m on your left. 
Parking: Go across the old bridge from Bideford town to the mini roundabout on the other side.  Turn left past the Kathleen & May and the car park is behind the bus stop

Greenfinch Anaerobic Digestion Plant Visit
17th May 2006
Greenfinch has developed successful solutions for the safe and environmentally benign recycling of organic waste into useful soil nutrients and renewable energy

Following our very successful conference “The sleeping giant of renewable energy” which was held in December 2005 in Exeter. The Devon Association for Renewable Energy is now running a trip to visit a successful Anaerobic Digestion plant in Ludlow Shropshire which is dealing with putrescible kitchen waste from homes, animal slurries and grass crops. These feedstocks are being converted into soil fertilisers and renewable heat and power.

For more information on the Greenfinch site in Ludlow please visit their website: http://www.greenfinch.co.uk/index.html 

Provisional Schedule

• Bus to leave Exeter at 7.30 am

• Arriving at Ludlow 12.30 pm

• Lunch 12.30 – 1.30 pm

• Guided Tour 1.30 – 3.00 pm

• Depart Ludlow 3.00 pm

• Arrive at Exeter 8.00 pm

Price
£40.00 per person. This includes transport, lunch and refreshments at the Greenfinch site.
£35.00 for DARE members (not including supportive members)
(£20.00 if you are taking your own transport to the site)
Please make cheques payable to D.A.R.E
The Devon Association for Renewable Energy (D.A.R.E)
12 A The Square, North Tawton, Devon EX20 2EP
Or Email your details to mail@devondare.org
Or Telephone: 01837 89200
Places are limited and the excursion will operate on a first come first served basis.

Reaping the wind: major conference and exhibition
28^th March  at Trethorne Leisure, nr Launceston
Overwhelming interest in event showcasing small wind turbines
Modern technology means people can now install their own domestic wind turbine and earn money by selling their excess electricity to the National Grid.  More than 100 people have registered for this exciting event to learn how to move towards energy independence, guard against rising energy prices and help combat climate change.
The slogan for the day will be “Purse and Planet”
Seven wind turbine manufacturers will be exhibiting their products and several will be bringing small wind turbines to the event, for everyone to see and touch. The aim of the day is to make small wind turbine projects approachable to households, local firms, farmers and community groups alike.
Charmian Larke of Renewable Energy Office for Cornwall, one of the organisers of the event, said there had been a great deal of interest from people wanting to attend.
“This has far exceeded our hopes for the day. It shows that many people would like to have their own secure energy systems,” said Charmian.
“People registering for the day have told us how excited they are about the concept and how they are looking forward to this event.”
The day is sponsored by the Community Renewables Initiative funded through the Countryside Agency.
Speakers will outline government policy on household level electricity generation, being formally launched the day after our conference, and will tell attendees all about the technology, how to obtain planning permission and how to sell excess electricity to the Grid. Bill Andrews a veteran of local wind energy schemes will outline  the lessons he has learned from several projects, and Jim Cooper, a grant specialist with Cornwall Enterprise, will talk about the grant assistance available, especially through the newly announced Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

Anaerobic Digestion "The Sleeping Giant of Renewables" Conference
13th December 2005, Exeter University Campus, Exeter Devon
The Sleeping Giant of renewable energy was roused on the 13^th December in Reed Hall on the Streatham Campus of Exeter University. The Devon Association for Renewable Energy (D.A.R.E) supported by the Community Renewables Initiative (C.R.I) recently held this very successful conference on Anaerobic Digestion. A group of experts and enthusiastic delegates gathered to explore the potential to expand the use of this technology and turn our wastes into a valuable resource for energy production.

Anaerobic Digestion is a natural process whereby any organic material can be reduced in the absence of oxygen to a renewable natural gas composed mainly of methane and to a lesser extent carbon dioxide. AD is a value adding flexible multi-purpose process that yields both energy (gas, electricity, heat, vehicle fuel) and organic fertiliser from the same raw materials.

What is currently thought of as waste can be used as the feedstock for the Anaerobic Digestion process. Such material as food, slurries, crop surpluses, fallen livestock, butchery and abattoir waste can all be transformed and therefore can no longer be defined as waste as they have a further use in the production of energy.

The gas produced has similar constituents to natural gas but instead of reserves taking millions of years to be produced it can be made in days. The gas can be used not only in our homes but as vehicle fuel, as demonstrated at the conference by Chris Maltin of Organic Power’s Mercedes EcoVitos. The car’s exhaust emissions have been previously measured and found to be 0.02% carbon monoxide (3.5% is allowed) and 123 ppm particulates (against 1,200 ppm allowed) The car is a demonstration of how our local authorities could be using the same technology in our public transport systems using the 60% of household organic waste to power clean, quiet and renewable vehicles.

By harnessing the damaging greenhouse gas from millions of tonnes of organic material produced annually and using it as transport fuel offers better climate mitigation than any other technology. This is because the gas is captured from an organic process that would be releasing methane into the atmosphere anyway and converting it to clean running fuel. When methane from the Anaerobic Digestion process is released into the air it is 21 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. Currently gas is already being captured from the Anaerobic Digestion process at some land-fill sites and sewage works where it is used to power machinery and produce electricity for the national grid.

The conference consisted of a series of talks the first of which was given by leading expert in the field Clare Lukehurst a member of the National Community Renewables Initiative Advisory Group. Chris Reynell from Bioplex explained his small/medium sized system which is perfect for farms. Christopher Maltin of Organic Power discussed the use of AD to produce biogas for vehicle fuel around the world. Ian Baines presented on behalf of the Environment Agency to expound upon environmental controls and waste management legislation. Jake Prior represented Summerleaze of Holsworthy Biogas the first commercial AD plant in the UK.

The day’s discussions highlighted the diversity of resources and showed the different scales at which AD would be able to operate from the small on-farm/community systems such as the Bioplex Portagester to the intermediate size of the Organic Power system and then large scale of Holsworthy Biogas Plant.  The consensus of the discussion and workshop groups was that small scale community schemes would be ideal for Devon with the involvement of the local authority to facilitate the use of the 60% organic fraction of household waste, the organic refuse of the food and farm industry, and energy cops into clean, renewable energy for the county.

The Anaerobic Digestion process, as well as primarily producing electricity can also create marketable bi-products such as heat which can be used in local buildings. If biogas is up-rated to pure methane, a form of CO2 is produced as a by-product, which can be used as an industrial solvent and has many other commercial uses. Various fibreboard products can also produced by the residue of the AD process.  Samples were shown that are not affected by water, are stronger than MDF and do not release any of the carcinogenic particulates which you find with MDF. The process also leaves you with a high quality organic fertiliser, which can be used, on local farm land to displace the use of mineral fertilisers. If schemes of significant size are undertaken locally, they will provide jobs in the local community through construction, operation and maintenance.

The full conference report including the full presentations given is available on the DARE website downloads page .The day was such a success that DARE is considering running a site visit to a successful AD site which could be replicated in Devon. Perhaps the sleeping giant of renewable energy will wake up and make its presence known in the agricultural heart of the South West.