New co-operative energy services company
November 2007
Renew Services is a new co-operative formed to develop and fund sustainable energy solutions for the benefit of the community.
Having started out in Fife, Renew is now exploring projects across Scotland, mostly in community combined heat and power (CHP) and wind.
CHP projects may be with existing communities or new build developments. Key partners are housing associations, local authorities, private developers and community organisations.
Renew came about as a response to the mix of barriers which confront those keen to find ways to develop sustainable energy projects. Such barriers were well illustrated in the 2006 Sustainable Development Commission report 'I will if you will':
- I don't want to be first.
- I don't want to go it alone.
- I don't have money upfront for this, even if it does make long term financial sense.
Whilst this report was based on research with individual householders, Renew's own discussions threw up similar sets of barriers for many social landlords, councils and private developers.
With funding from Co-operative Development Scotland, the Co-operative Fund and Fife Council, and encouragement and support from Communities Scotland, Social Investment Scotland, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and many others, Renew is now formed as a company limited by guarantee.
Customers (the local energy project companies which Renew helps develop and fund) are invited into membership of the co-operative. Renew's first two members are Ore Valley Housing Association and Fife Council.
What are Renew's services?
Renew works with partners to develop and fund sustainable energy projects which it believes are likely to be economically viable. CHP and wind are our early priorities. Renew has defined a five stage project generation process: registration of interest, initial appraisal, project development, contract and financial close, implementation. If you would like to discuss the Renew model and explore possible projects, please contact Jon Cape, Business Development Director 07775 665561.