Why didn’t the group look at the use hydro, ground heat pumps or geothermal methods of renewable energy as part of the feasibility study? Especially when Bonsall has a lot of water going through the village?
Although Bonsall has plenty of flowing water, the feasibility study focused only on technologies that could realistically generate large amounts of electricity for the whole village, and small‑scale hydro, ground‑source heat pumps, and geothermal systems simply cannot produce enough power at community scale to make a meaningful contribution. The study therefore concentrated on options that can deliver significant shared electricity—solar, wind, and battery storage—while technologies like hydro and heat pumps remain more suitable for individual homes, not village‑wide energy generation.
From the feasibility study, what projects are the group pursuing funding for?
Bonsall Energy Group is seeking funding to set up an Energy Local Club, install solar panels on key community and farm buildings, and potentially progress the Manor Farm wind turbine with battery storage as the village’s first larger‑scale renewable project. We will also continuing work to identify a suitable ground‑mounted solar site
How feasible is it really to have a wind turbine near the village which has minimal impact on the Peak District National Park, Cromford Mills and the village visually?
A wind turbine near Bonsall is feasible only in very specific locations, and the study shows that sites inside the Peak District National Park—such as Blakelow Quarry—were ruled out because planners said the visual impact would be unacceptable. The Manor Farm site, however, sits outside the National Park and has received cautiously supportive pre‑planning advice, making it the only location where a turbine could realistically be developed with minimal visual impact on the National Park, Cromford Mills, and the village itself.
What does stage 2 Community Energy funding mean in practical terms?
Stage 2 Community Energy funding refers to the financial support provided to community-based organisations to develop and implement community energy projects. This funding is aimed at helping communities to reduce energy costs, generate income through community-owned energy assets, and reinvest that income locally. The funding is designed to support the development of projects from concept to investment-ready scheme, ensuring that the projects are viable and benefit the local community (from Midlands Net Zero Hub guidance).
How would the proposed Bonsall Community Power work?
An Energy Local Club is a cooperative where local buildings with solar panels (“generators”) and local households (“consumers”) can trade electricity with each other at fair prices.
For example, if a household generates more solar power than it needs it can sell that surplus to club members.
Who can join? Anyone on the Matlock 11kV network (most of the village). Households with or without solar panels can become members. Also local farms and businesses and community buildings. The club can start small initially and grow as more people join.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to email us at info@bonsallenergy.group.
Bonsall Energy Group 