How 2010 can be a far greener year

Jan 5 2010 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

LEARNING a new language or taking an evening class are popular New Year resolutions. But people in the North East could kick off 2010 by enrolling on a course to teach them to make green energy.

The course has been set up by Community Renewable Energy (CoRE) following what the group describes as the disappointing Climate Change summit in Copenhagen in December.

Chairman Keith Richardson has decided it is time for communities to take matters into their own hands when it comes to the environment, rather than waiting for politicians to do things for them.

The free three-day course, which starts on February 12, is designed to help people understand the range of renewable energy systems communities can use to provide their own heat and power.

They range from wood-fired district heating systems to anaerobic digesters producing electricity and heat from waste food or slurry.

Mr Richardson said: “Now Copenhagen has proved to be a damp squib, many people will have made a New Year’s resolution to do something about climate change themselves. A good start would be to join our Community Renewables Champions course.”

CoRE, which was launched in 2007 by North Tyneside MP Stephen Byers, aims to work with people in the North East to set up community-owned renewable energy systems from wind turbines to hydro electric systems.

Renewable systems can also make it possible for communities to earn cash, by selling power to the National Grid.