Cornwall could be transformed into 'living laboratory'

30.03.11

Cornwall has launched an ambitious bid to become a "living laboratory" to help the Government's plans for a renewable energy future.

Cornwall Council chiefs have written to energy minister Greg Barker suggesting the county could be transformed into a renewable energy "observatory" for the nation.

The bid continues a calculated plan by the council's Green Cornwall programme to become the greenest local authority in the UK by harnessing Cornwall's natural resources to develop the economy by creating "low-carbon jobs".

Tim German, the renewable energy and partnerships manager for the programme, told the West Briton: "Cornwall is a living laboratory for renewable energy. It is extremely well placed as a low-carbon observatory as it ticks all of the renewable energy boxes.

"For example, Cornwall has the highest levels of solar irradiation in the whole of the mainland UK for solar power technologies; it is known to have the best capability for power generated from the hot rocks to be found beneath its land. The council has already granted planning permissions for two geothermal plants to operate in Cornwall.

"We also have some of the best wind speeds, excellent opportunities for biomass and anaerobic digestion, and we are surrounded by seas perfect for wave energy generation and some tidal technology."

Mr German said: "We want to build the skills and the businesses and create low-carbon jobs on the back of renewable energy deployment."