On the 25th April media attention focused on Donald Trump giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s inquiry into the renewable energy targets. Another man giving evidence at the same inquiry was a more composed and reserved gentleman, Graham Lang representing Communities against Turbines (CATS). When asked the big question about how Scotland should deal with the energy problem Donald Trump roared about hydro, like he was an expert on that as well as tourism. Graham Lang provided an acutely accurate summary of the solution that seemed to pass folk by.
“I mentioned the sustainable energy hierarchy: demand reduction; energy efficiency; and renewable micro-energy- combined heat and power, heat pumps, solar and wind, and small scale and community renewable, in relation to which there can be reinvestment locally for projects up the hierarchy, for heat and for electricity. The important thing is that most effort and funding should go into the higher levels of the hierarchy, where efforts will be most effective at reducing emissions and fuel poverty.”
So, we’re in agreement on that one…. community energy can provide people with energy advice and micro-renewables which reduce energy demand and the need for more turbines. By doing this locally we maintain and create local jobs. Nice one Graham.