The Project
The project has 3 main phases :
1) Preparing for Energy Descent
The difficulties that may be faced in a world where oil has become a scarce and expensive commodity could be significantly reduced if people are prepared for such a world. If our reliance on fossil fuels diminishes in favour of renewable energy sources and we reduce overall energy consumption by relocalisation of jobs, food and other resources then the impacts of peak oil will be much less painful. In fact, peak oil could be seen as an exciting opportunity to engage with and appreciate our local surroundings more, engender greater community spirit and help to slow down climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
The first stage of the project will revolve around raising awareness of issues surrounding peak oil and climate change among the local population. At the same time we will carry out audits to help in understanding local perceptions of these issues and current levels of energy consumption. Advice and resources will also be available to help people to take steps in their day-to-day lives to reduce their own energy use.
Hopefully, as this process continues, more and more people will want to be involved with Transition Llambed. They could suggest ideas and/or projects that will help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and become involved in implementing these ideas.
Already, Transition Llambed volunteers have been working hard organising events and publicity and there are a number of potential projects under discussion.
The more people who are involved from within the local community the better the project will work for the local community.
Contact : info@transition-llambed.org.uk, 01570 423886 or Sarah or Dafydd.
2) Production of the Energy Descent Action Plan
We are aiming to produce the first draft of the EDAP sometime in 2010.
When it has been drawn up we will publicise it as fully as possible and organise a community event to illustrate the EDAP and its contents. The EDAP will be available for public consultation and review before the final draft is written.
The EDAP will identify specific projects that can be taken forward. Projects may be many and varied but could include such things as a hydroelectricity plant on the Afon Teifi, local food and produce markets, farming co-operatives such as the production of sheep’s wool insulation or biofuel / energy crops, a programme of education for schools, a directory of local businesses and so on.
The final draft of the EDAP will not be set in stone! Ideally, the EDAP will adapt and change to incorporate new ideas, priorities, technologies and so on and its progress should be very much in the hands of the local community.
3) Application of the Energy Descent Action Plan
It is anticipated that further funding for projects identified in the EDAP will be sought and community projects will begin to be developed and implemented during 2010-2011.
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