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PROJECT UPDATE
The report has now been produced and the project was considered both technically and economically feasible. Most of the issues have now been resolved but two consents are still required;
a) Discharge consent – This is issued by the Environment Agency and will take account of river control, flooding and fisheries issues.
b) Listed building consent – Issued by English Heritage. The Tollhouse will need some renovation and will require consent for the changes required to accommodate the new turbine, generator and associated electronics.
A bid has been made to the governments Clear Skies programme which provides funding for Renewable Energy projects under the Community section. This has been successful and the project has been awarded £60,000 subject to receiving matched funding. The partnership is now bidding for funding through utilities green funds, which have been set up to fund such projects, and will also bid for a Heritage Lottery grant.
It is also intended to promote the scheme by having a visitors centre in the adjoining Mill Studio which is occupied by the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. Regular school groups visit the site and will be given briefings on the project. There will also be a number of open days and a high profile launch. Interpretation boards will be placed outside the site to inform passers by, and the many visitors to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will also be informed about the project.
The above is of course subject to the remaining funding being obtained.
Guildford, like the rest of the UK and other countries, produce global warming gases which are leading to rises in the earths temperature. The UK's Climate Change Strategy encourages projects such as these which do not contribute to global warming.
Britain has set a target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 20% by the year 2010 compared to 1990. Electrical utilities are required to obtain 10.4% of their supply from renewable sources by 2010. Other renewable sources are;
o Solar
o Wind
o Biomass*
* Use of wood or other green material either to make fuels or burnt to create electricity |