SBCES Ltd is a community benefit Industrial and Provident Society established by members of Sustainable South Brent to take forward a medium size wind turbine project.
South Brent is a village and parish on the south east edge of Dartmoor, covering an area of 3742 hectares with a population of approximately 3000. In 2006 a group of residents formed Sustainable South Brent (SSB) in response to concerns over climate change and fossil fuel depletion. Inspired by community energy projects elsewhere, members of SSB investigated the possibility of a locally owned wind turbine that, as well as generating low carbon electricity could provide an income stream to support other local low carbon projects.
A site was identified at Marley Thatch Farm, the owners of which have worked closely with SSB to successfully gain planning permission for the installation of a Vestas V27 wind turbine. The planning application was supported by the Parish Council and approved by South Hams District Council in April 2010.
In December 2011, members of SSB established the South Brent Community Energy Society Limited (SBCES), an Industrial and Provident (Community Benefit) Society, to take the project forward.
Wind speeds were checked on the hilltop site over a period of several years. The average velocity isn’t exceptional for Devon but at 6.0- 6.1 metres per second it’s enough for SBCES to expect to generate at least 320 megawatt hours a year. The local people driving the project – many with an engineering background – seem have been conservative in their projections and their central forecast is based on what is generally called P90, the level of wind output that will be exceeded ninety years out of a hundred. Chris Goodall
Share Offer (South Brent)
Location:
South Brent, Devon
Description:
Installation of a 250 kWp wind turbine. Income will be reinvested in energy efficiency and further renewable generation in South Brent, Devon.
Projected Return:
“Between 4-5% over 20 years.
Closing Date
22nd March 2013
Amount:
£420,000
