Status :- DARE is a not-for-profit membership organisation, managed by elected Directors. 

DARE’s Mission is “To facilitate and promote the production and use of Renewable Energy in Devon – by working to break down barriers, and by helping to provide appropriate support services to Local Authorities, Businesses, Community Groups and Individuals”

Background :- DARE was formed by five people who were brought together as representatives of their communities in an innovative European Renewable Energy Project developed and managed by Devon County Council.  Enthused by the extent of community activity that they had witnessed in Austria, they determined to do what they could to facilitate local involvement with RE in Devon and encourage decentralised generation of Renewable Energy.  Although DCC itself would not at that time take further active measures to support the development of RE at this level, it did fund the establishment of DARE as an independent company along with the production of a Business Plan and promotional literature.  From that point DARE was entirely on its own financially, and it remains solidly independent.

The income to sustain DARE and its activities comes from Membership Subscriptions, consultancy work, and other chargeable services (see ‘Services’ section).  DARE receives no core funding, and some services are still provided voluntarily by Directors.

DARE is a partner in the most important and significant support and advice programme for RE in Devon.  Renewable Energy for Devon (RE4D), provides a service across the Objective 2 districts of Devon (North Devon, Torridge, West Devon and South Hams).  All client sectors except pure agriculture can register for assistance in identifying and installing RE systems, and communities and businesses that are supported can also apply for grants.  Installations are undertaken by installers located in the same area, who are also assisted to expand and extend their services to respond to the increased demand.  DARE provides mentoring support for community clients, as well as technical support for other client ‘mentors’.  The Business Development Officer, Tom Furness, is also employed by DARE, and operates from the North Tawton office.  To register for assistance under the RE4D programme telephone 0800 512012, or check out the website at www.re4d.org. 

Devon Sustainable Energy Network was launched in May 2005 as a recommended output of the Devon Renewable Energy Strategy and Action Plan to involve and represent all key sector stakeholders in initiating and co-ordinating RE activities in Devon and consequently bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the County.  DSEN link strongly with the Local Strategic Partnerships in Devon, all of whom are represented on the Steering Group.  DSEN engages with the wider energy sector through four sub-groups, three of which represent the demand for sustainable energy by Domestic, Business and the Public Sector, and the fourth covers the RE supply industry.  DARE personnel sit on the Steering Group and Co-Chair the RE Sub-Group.  For more information go to www.dsen.org.uk 

DARE publishes a RE magazine for Devon people (REID).  This is available as a CD, in hard copy, or on this website under ‘downloads’.

Major consultancy work has involved a Eurosolar Award winning survey of the Hydro-Power potential on Dartmoor – leading to the establishment of a low cost process to assist small schemes to installation.

More recently, potential hydro power sites were surveyed for North and East Devon AONB’s, and a Water Power Group established and supported to cover Dartmoor.

Another major piece of work has been a scoping study of RE resources in the South Hams which was undertaken for Totnes Sustainability Group.  The findings of this study are being taken forward by the Group via Transition Town Totnes, the development of a local strategy, and a series of educational and awareness raising events.

DARE was the Devon partner in the regional Bioscope project which identified and provided feasibility studies for key wood fuelled projects in the South West, and is currently involved in the successor project supporting a larger number of clients.

DARE is respected and established as the only independent organisation in Devon which is dedicated to promoting and supporting the development of RE production and use.  Whilst it is vital that this work continues and expands, we operate without core funding or Government support, and rely almost entirely on membership subscriptions to finance basic services.

To become a member of DARE, receive the magazine, or for Renewable Energy advice or information, contact us at 12b The Square, North Tawton, Devon EX20 2EP.  Tel. 01837 89200.  E-mail :  admin@devondare.org or Download a Membership Form here