PAPER B

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

A report was requested as part of the Committees workplan.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To note the actions since the last report.

BACKGROUND

This Committee was the driving force behind the creation of a renewable energy strategy (RES) for the Island. It was recommended by this Committee for approval in October and then considered by the Executive.

The Executive approved the RES with amended recommendations. This Committee had asked that:

v  The principle of the Council achieving 10% of electricity supplies from renewable resources by 2010 be adopted.

v        A sequential approach in relevant planning policies for planning applications received in respect of on shore and off shore turbines be adopted.

v        A consultation exercise on off shore turbines be undertaken with interested organisations.

v        Appropriate resources be identified to support the implementation of the RES.

The Executive adopted a flexible approach to renewable energy to incorporate emerging technology and requested a further report on the implementation of the strategy.

Since the Committee last considered the issue, there have been a number of changes. The Agenda 21 and Health Alliance Officer has left the Council. This has clearly slowed progress on the RES. However two of her last tasks were to represent the Council at European conferences on the environment including one hosted by ISLEnet ( the European islands energy and environment network ) which confirmed that there is much good practice ( including our RES ) to be shared.

Interviews for a new officer are taking place shortly and consultation with the Primary Care Trust ( who jointly fund the post ) has confirmed that the RES is a area of work for the new post holder.

Discussions have also taken place with SEEDA resulting in a provisional agreement to their funding some £40,000 of consultancy time to move the RES forward pending the Councils' new appointment. The final terms of this consultancy are to be agreed but, clearly, one area of interest is that any new development in Pan should be built with and use the minimum amount of energy. Work is also underway on a bid to the next budget round for an additional post to support the RES and other areas of this Committees work and the consultation with stakeholders on marine turbines will be concluded.

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Powering the Island through renewable energy - A RES for the Isle of Wight to 2010.

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The strategy was fully consulted upon during its production and consultation on marine turbines will be conducted shortly.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

There are no legal or crime and disorder implications.

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Papers and minutes of the Environment and Transport Select Committee 8 October 2002

Papers and minutes of the Executive 3 December 2002

Contact Point :           Tony Geeson, Corporate Policy Manager ☎01983 823291

e-mail [email protected]

JOHN BENTLEY

Head of Policy and Communications