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Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources are essential for creating a sustainable countryside where both people and the planet can thrive.
We look at all renewable energy proposals on a case-by-case basis and strongly support schemes which are appropriately scaled and protect the beauty of the natural landscape. We also work with local communities to educate them about renewable energy and encourage them to develop their own plans for generating green energy.
At the same time though, we have opposed proposals which we believed to be too damaging to nearby high-quality landscapes and we actively lobby to improve the planning system so that all forms of renewable energy are steered to the most appropriate places.
Community Energy Visioning
CPRE has created an alternative approach to planning renewable energy in the countryside. This approach recognises the importance of local landscapes, gives a voice to rural communities, and empowers local people to pro-actively prepare for a future with more renewable energy.
Explore Community Energy Visioning
We strongly believe that renewable energy is a vital component of our future.
The UK’s ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050 highlights the importance of using electricity from natural sources which produce little or no harmful carbon emissions. The clean energy generated from these sources will play a pivotal role in mitigating further global warming and safeguarding the countryside for future generations.
It’s power that we can capture from natural processes, like sunshine, wind and water. This can then be converted into electricity. We call it renewable energy because these processes will always be there, unlike supplies of fuels like oil, coal and natural gas, which are used up once they are burned and will one day run out.
Types of renewable energy
Wind
Wind farms are controversial. But it is our view that we need a certain number of them if we are to provide enough clean, renewable energy to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
Solar Power in our Area
We’ve been on the ground in the agricultural village of Marr, near Doncaster, listening to concerns from residents about the impact a large solar farm will have on local landscapes, nature and farming. The proposed 190 acre site, situated in the Green Belt, could generate 40 megawatts from the installation of ground mounted photovoltaic.
We strongly advise decision makers to thoroughly evaluate proposed solar farms on valuable agricultural land, so as not to compromise the UK’s food security.
Read more about the proposed development