A regional-scale assessment of local renewable energy resources in Cumbria, UK

There is increasing focus on the role small‐scale decentralised renewable energy developments could play in helping the UK meet its target of over 15% renewable energy by the year 2020 and alter energy behaviours through active community engagement. Upland areas are considered key areas where such community‐based developments could occur due to their natural resources and range of community scales. This study uses GIS‐based techniques to develop a methodology that assesses the regional‐scale potential for community‐based renewable electricity across Cumbria and whether a combination of these developments at the community‐scale could make a significant contribution to local electricity consumption. This methodology looks at a range of technologies including hydro‐power, wind‐power, solar PV and bioenergy. The results suggest there is ample resource available for small communities by combining a mix of localised renewable electricity developments, which is highlighted through energy scenarios for a selected community. Further work will investigate whether this potential can be realised in reality by looking at resource resilience and community‐level acceptability.