Wadebridge Becomes the UK's First Solar-Powered Town
Omar Yusuf — September 14, 2011 — Eco
References: telegraph & treehugger
Originally known simply as Wade, the township of Wadebridge earned its suffix in 1460 when a local magistrate built an archway bridge. Since then, however, nothing noteworthy has occurred in the Cornish village... until today.
Wadebridge now has the honor of becoming the United Kingdom's first completely solar-powered town. After making headlines a few years back with the ambitious endeavor of reaching 30% renewable energy by 2015, the municipality jumped headfirst into the research books and came out with the idea of a sustainable solar farm. With the worldwide prices of sun-harnessing technologies dropping, it was only a matter of time until solar cells were adopted by countryside businesses, which are typically too far away for electrical cables. Former oilman Jeremy Leggett has helped renew the town of Wadebridge with a solar grid that generates up to 250 kilowatts of power.
Though German towns like Wildpoldsried are not only energy independent, but produce 321% more clean energy than they use, the efforts made in Wadebridge are an integral step in the right direction for the UK.
Wadebridge now has the honor of becoming the United Kingdom's first completely solar-powered town. After making headlines a few years back with the ambitious endeavor of reaching 30% renewable energy by 2015, the municipality jumped headfirst into the research books and came out with the idea of a sustainable solar farm. With the worldwide prices of sun-harnessing technologies dropping, it was only a matter of time until solar cells were adopted by countryside businesses, which are typically too far away for electrical cables. Former oilman Jeremy Leggett has helped renew the town of Wadebridge with a solar grid that generates up to 250 kilowatts of power.
Though German towns like Wildpoldsried are not only energy independent, but produce 321% more clean energy than they use, the efforts made in Wadebridge are an integral step in the right direction for the UK.
Trend Themes
1. Solar-powered Municipalities - The success of Wadebridge's solar-powered town initiative highlights a growing trend of entire municipalities becoming self-sufficient in energy production.
2. Renewable Energy Adoption - The lowering costs of renewable energy technologies like solar cells have prompted businesses and local governments in rural areas to adopt sustainable energy solutions.
3. Energy Efficiency in Small Towns - More small towns like Wadebridge are making efforts to become energy independent and increase their energy efficiency by investing in renewable energy sources like solar power.
Industry Implications
1. Solar Energy - The solar energy industry has the opportunity to expand its reach by providing affordable and accessible solar power solutions to small towns and rural areas.
2. Sustainable Agriculture - The agriculture industry can benefit from renewable energy adoption in rural areas as it can help farmers become more energy independent and reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Energy Management - Energy management companies can help small towns and municipalities become more energy efficient by offering solutions for sustainable energy production and distribution.
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