Todmorden Town Deal’s Sustainability Panel Develops New Opportunity With Launch of Todmorden Community Energy by Local Residents to Power Alternative Energy Future for Todmorden
The newly launched Todmorden Community Energy (TCE) is inviting residents and local organisations to join in the journey toward a more sustainable future for Todmorden.
TCE evolved from the Sustainability Panel of the Todmorden Town Deal, part of a £17.5 million investment package aimed at revitalising Todmorden and focusing on community-led, environmentally sustainable development.
Todmorden Community Energy, led by a group of Todmorden residents, is a new Community Benefit Society set up to harness the incredible natural resources of Todmorden including wind, water, and solar energy – for the benefit of the environment and the people of Todmorden.
With its roots in the rich industrial heritage of water-powered mills and co-operative approaches, TCE aims to generate low or zero-carbon energy and promote sustainable energy practices within the community.
Community power puts people and communities at the centre of the low carbon transition, involving them directly in energy decisions, and providing them with more control over possibilities to switch to a more sustainable lifestyle, in particular supporting those in most need to move towards zero carbon. It also focuses on cooperation and development of common goals leading to stronger communities overall.
Community power contributes towards improving energy independence, making energy savings, and ensuring a secure and sustainable energy supply.
Gareth Marshall, Director of Todmorden Community Energy and Chair of Todmorden Town Deal Board’s Sustainability Panel said:
“We believe that community energy is vital for a sustainable future.
“By working together, we can reduce our carbon footprint, improve energy independence, and ensure a secure and sustainable energy supply for Todmorden.”
Todmorden Community Energy has evolved through the work and relationships built by the Sustainability Panel of local experts established by Todmorden Town Deal Board to explore and influence how the eight projects across the Town Deal programme could incorporate sustainable approaches into delivery of projects.
The Sustainability Panel has successfully impacted on plans and processes across the development programme, for example, encouraging the inclusion of solar panels on several of the projects, advising on electric vehicle charging systems, biodiversity net gain and heating systems.
The group is currently working with Todmorden Town Council to investigate feasibility of solar panels on the new bowling pavilion being developed in Centre Vale Park.
Pam Warhurst, Chair, Todmorden Town Deal Board said:
“Sustainability is a key priority for the Town Deal investment programme. The Sustainability Panel has played a crucial role in shaping our projects, ensuring that they not only deliver on a better future for our local economy but also promote sustainable approaches.
“The launch of Todmorden Community Energy is a fantastic example of how local initiatives can drive real change and foster a resilient and sustainable future for our town.”
TCE has already secured £20K funding from various grants, and is currently developing plans for its first projects.
Todmorden Community Energy team is planning a first public meeting in October inviting local residents and organisations to get involved in this exciting new venture.
Whether people are interested in becoming a member, volunteering skills, or simply learning more about how they can support renewable energy projects in Todmorden.
Gareth added:
“We are planning our first public meeting in October to which all will be welcome. By joining Todmorden Community Energy, local people and organisations are not just supporting renewable energy, they will be helping to build a Todmorden where we overcome challenges by working together in a collaborative and cooperative way for the good of everyone and to ensure success for our wonderful town.”
Todmorden Community Energy
Todmorden Community Energy is a not-for-profit organisation set up as a Community Benefit Society. It is led by four volunteer directors, all of whom are local residents actively involved in making Todmorden’s Town Deal projects as sustainable as possible. Supported by a wider group of volunteers, TCE is committed to unlocking the potential of Todmorden’s natural resources to benefit the local community and environment.
For more information, please visit: www.todmordencommunityenergy.co.uk
