Renewables

                                                                                                                       

Renewables

 Project objectives-

 Inspire-

• Advocacy: Act as an advocate for the use of wood as a heat source both with policy makers and heat users.
• Demonstration: lead, organise and market field studies and visits both sub regionally, regionally, nationally and international to inspire Cambrian’s to better harness wood as a renewable.

 

Advise/inform–

• Heat users: provide technical support and guidance to heat users considering wood as a heating option.
• Wood fuel supply businesses: provide technical support and guidance for those working in the manufacture and distribution of wood chips and firewood.
• Woodland owners: give technical advice and information to owners of undermanaged woodlands to help bring their woodlands into active management.
• Connect supply and demand: connect the supply chain with demand customers.

 

Train-

• Craft level training:for those working in or starting businesses in the wood fuel supply chain.
• Professional training (CPD):updating of skills focusing on bringing woodlands into management for the wood fuel sector.
• Wood fuel supply businesses:training for those working in the manufacture and distribution of wood chips and firewood.
• Heating engineers:training for those working in specification and installation of renewable technologies.

 

During the early part of the programme the project has been working with Cumbria Woodlands, a not for profit partnership which is the regional expert in woodfuel and woodland management, to deliver the renewables element of the project. The European Social Fund support has enabled Cumbria Woodlands to inspire, advise, inform and then train a range of customers varying from woodland owners, harvesting contractors to heat users and installers.  By providing this range of activities the project is enabling woodfuel to play its part in helping the region move towards a low carbon economy

 

Following research into the skills requirements of other renewable sectors the project is now offering a series of renewable energy training programmes through Lakes College in the west of the county; 3 free courses are now on offer due to the commitment of ESF support. The courses are aimed at providing local businesses and employees with the skills to enable them to take full advantage of the opportunities arising from the development of West Cumbria’s Energy Coast.

 

216 free training places are available for courses in Solar Thermal Hot Water System installation, Domestic Heat Pump installation and Solar Photovoltaic Domestic installation, the courses will run until July 2012.