Renewable Energy

CPRE Rutland and Lincolnshire is dedicated to promoting and supporting renewable energy solutions within Rutland and Lincolnshire. We believe that sustainable energy practices are essential for preserving our environment and ensuring a healthier future for our communities.

We advocate for the development and adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass. Our efforts focus on balancing energy needs with environmental protection, ensuring that renewable projects are both efficient and respectful of the natural landscape.

Renewable Energy

At CPRE Rutland and Lincolnshire, our current initiatives focus on promoting sustainable energy solutions while preserving the natural beauty of Rutland and Lincolnshire. We are advancing solar energy initiatives by partnering with local councils to install solar panels on community buildings and homes.

We also remain vigilant against any energy projects that are unsuitable for our area’s unique characteristics. These include the Bisacathorpe Oil Drilling Project, the current construct of the National Grid project to install huge pylons across Lincolnshire and the very large project to build a Anaerobic Digester in South Kesteven.

Rutland Energy Vision Booklet

The document “The Future of Renewable Energy in Rutland: A Community Vision,” published by the former CPRE Rutland in April 2023, outlines a community-driven strategy for integrating renewable energy into the Rutland landscape. The vision emphasizes the need for sustainable energy solutions that align with local values, protecting the environment and agricultural land while addressing the climate emergency.

Key points include:

  1. Solar Energy: Large solar arrays should be restricted to brownfield sites, such as disused military bases, rather than farmland. Encouragement is given for solar panels on rooftops of existing and new buildings.
  2. Wind Energy: Offshore wind is preferred, but onshore wind turbines are supported where communities approve, such as on school grounds.
  3. Nuclear Energy: The exploration of hosting small modular nuclear reactors to boost regional energy generation.
  4. Community Involvement: Local participation in decision-making processes is crucial, with workshops held to gather input on renewable energy integration.
  5. Policy Recommendations: Updating local policies to support renewable energy development while ensuring significant biodiversity gains from these projects.

The vision aims to balance renewable energy development with the preservation of Rutland’s cherished landscapes, encouraging community ownership and benefiting local biodiversity and economies.