Wind Energy in the South Coast Landscape: an SSRP and SEG Workshop
Join the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP) and the Sussex Energy Group (SEG) for a workshop on the very current subject of wind energy.
Wind energy has become an essential part of UK’s plan to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions and to secure its energy supply. What, then are the prospects for wind energy in the South Coast landscape? Why have so few onshore projects been proposed or approved here? Is support lacking for their construction? How can potential impacts to wildlife and landscape aesthetics be minimised?
The workshop will take an initial look at these questions with the aim to:
1. Identify key issues about siting wind generators in the South Coast landscape.
2. Scope out a potential research agenda to illuminate these issues.
3. Plan a public discourse about wind energy in the South Coast landscape that would engage researchers, civil society groups, farmers, policymakers, representatives from the private sector, and other stakeholders.
Attendees are encouraged to contribute to the event, through breakout groups and general discussion at the end of the workshop.
We will be joined by Dr Charles R Gamble, Managing Director of Community Power Solutions, a community-led organisation that developed the largest onshore wind turbine in England, and Kayla Ente MBE, CEO of Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-op, a social enterprise dedicated to accelerating the transition to efficient buildings and local sustainable energy.
Other speakers will be confirmed very soon.
The working programme is below:
12.45pm - 1.25pm: Lunch
1.25pm - 1.45pm: Welcome from SSRP and SEG
1.45pm - 2.15pm: The case for increasing onshore wind energy
Global Wind Energy Council
2.15pm - 2.45pm: Landscape and other potential disturbances of onshore wind energy
South Downs National Park Authority
2.45pm - 3pm: Coffee break
3pm - 3.30pm: Panel: Supporting community ownership of onshore wind turbines and mitigating landscape disturbances
Brighton and Hove City Council
Kayla Ente MBE, CEO of Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-op
Charles R Gamble, Managing Director of Community Power Solutions
3.30pm - 4.30pm: Breakout groups to discuss the following:
1. Key issues with regards to development of onshore wind energy production on the South Coast
2. Research agenda (to address key issues)
3. Planning a South Coast public discourse about onshore wind energy in the South Coast landscape
4.30pm - 5pm: Report of breakout groups and discussion
5pm: Closing remarks