About this group
Sharing the power of the tide with the community of Poole.
We need your support to win EnergyShare funding for a study of the potential for electricity generation from the tide from the harbour area of Poole. The energy needs of Poole are significant, but this highly predictable source of power is literally on our doorstep. There are innovative devices out there which can trap some of that energy, balancing alongside the valued leisure, wildlife and commercial activities of Poole.
A transition to a low-carbon economy is much more difficult to achieve in a built up area than in the rural environment (no chance to put up big wind turbines for example). Transition Town Poole is keen to work with everyone in the local area to make the most of the natural resource that flows right around our busy town. Twice every day, between 30,400 to 45,000 cubic metres of water enters and then leaves Poole Harbour, and via constrictions, several bays within the harbour.
A recent study of tidal power around the Dorset coast went across the mouth of Poole Harbour, but took no notice of the opportunities for using the water within. Those of us who try and fight the tide in small boats know its power, especially at the entrance, and at the mouth of Holes Bay and Lychett Bay.
Our first aim is to commission a study of the potential for heat and/or electricity generation from the tide within the harbour. The energy needs of Poole are significant, but this highly predictable source of power is literally on our doorstep.
The second step, once this has proven the scale of extractable energy, is for us to develop as a Community Interest organisation to generate power to support the local community. Any development will need to be sensitive to the impact on the marine environment, balanced with the benefits of using local renewable energy.
And thirdly, this in turn will enable us to plough profits back into further energy saving and green energy production projects in the town, helping to protect our built and natural environment.
The harbour is a jewel along the south coast, and the second largest natural harbour in the world. Loved for boating, wildlife, a commercial port, a holiday destination and surrounded by nature reserves, and outstanding beauty. Any scheme will need to be sensitive to these competing demands. The waste tip in Poole is already Dorset's largest energy generator, but rather than mostly rely on dirty energy generated far away from oil, coal, gas and nuclear, we need your help to establish what can be achieved renewably right here. Energy security should be everyone's concern.
We already have interest from
- Transition Town Poole
- Poole Harbour Commissioners
- Carter Community School
- DEAC - Dorset Energy Advice Centre
- Poole Housing Partnership - providing social housing across the area
- Bournemouth University - Green Knowledge Economy centre
- Borough of Poole
- East Dorset Friends of the Earth
- Association of Sustainability Practitioners (ASP)
- Rockley Park - Caravan Holiday Park
- Business Link
Tell your friends, join this group, and watch this space !
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