What is the Community Renewables Initiative?

The Community Renewables Initiative (CRI) is a partnership initiative funded by the Countryside Agency. The aim of the CRI is to help local communities to plan and implement renewable energy projects. The initiative will help get local agreement on what can be achieved so that renewable energy projects are assets to the local community.

There are currently 10 Local Support Teams across England delivering the Community Renewable Initiative. Severn Wye Energy Agency is responsible for managing the Local Support Team for Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

What can the CRI offer in your area? Under the CRI Severn Wye Energy Agency can offer free impartial advice to businesses, individuals and community groups on renewable energy including:

  • Information on the different renewable energy technologies
  • Advice on setting up a project
  • Information on how to finance a renewable energy project
  • Project development support

The CRI will also work with local decision makers to develop local policies and strategies for renewable energy.

Community Renewable Energy projects might include:

  • Community-led wind energy projects with local ownership
  • Development of wood fuel supply for home heating and CHP
  • Small-scale hydro power
  • PV and Solar water heating for homes and businesses
  • Heat and power from farm waste
PV tiles being fitted to a roof
Designed and installed by Solar Century
What sources of renewable energy are available in your area? For an interactive resource map and factsheets on the various sources of power click on the icon on the right. Click here for an interactive energy resource map.

What is the CRI doing?

For details of projects being supported by the CRI Energy projects supported by CRI
For regular updates receive our CRI Bi-monthly newsletters Updates & Newsletter
To look at past newsletters. Past Newsletters
NEWSFLASH - 'Clear Skies' initiative Clear Skies Initiative

 
How do I get in touch?  
1. You can submit a renewable energy enquiry Renewable Energy Query
2. Telephone us - 01594 545366  
3. Write to us - Severn Wye Energy Agency
Unit 6/15,
The MEWS,
Brook Street,

Mitcheldean

Gloucestershire.
GL17 0SL
 
To visit the Countryside Agency's CRI website, Click here to visit the Countryside Agency's CRI website

The CRI is a partnership initiative including the following organisations:

  • DTI
  • DEFRA
  • The Forestry Commission
  • The Energy Savings Trust
  • The Environmental Agency
  • Friends of the Earth
  • Local Government Association
  • Country Land and Business Association
  • National Farmers Union
  • The National Trust
  • The Shell Better Britain Campaign
  • The RSPB