The idea
Thames Head Energy is a community energy initiative in Somerford Keynes, Shorncote and Lower Mill Estate, (and in future Kemble and Ewen). Its goals are to help residents reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint, while raising money for the community. We have now had over 100 homes signed up for our bulk buy of solar/batteries/EV chargers and have a range of potential locations for a community solar farm. To progress to the next stage and formally setup Thames Head Energy as a Community Social Enterprise and fund a formal “options appraisal”, followed by a full “feasibility plan” for the solar farm we are running this community fund raise. We hope this will help us obtain additional funding support from Cotswold District Council, Somerford Keynes Parish Council the Lower Mill Estate Homeowners Association.
What we'll deliver
- Solar generation across rooftops in the project area
- Grid connected solar energy generation
Why it's a great idea
The two core goals of the initiative are to help the community as a whole and individuals; Reduce energy costs and Reduce CO2 emissions, ultimately achieving NetZero. This is not possible without action by the whole community, utilising all the resources that are available to us. Given the twin emergencies of climate and energy supply, this is an urgent project for the community, country and planet. The project would generate profit to fund a range of community development projects in the future.
Steps to get it done
- Initial options appraisal for the solar farm
- Feasibility study for the solar farm
- Selection of supplier for rooftop solar+battery+EV charger installations
