HELP is at hand to enable green-thinking groups to get to grips with renewable energy, reports Nadia Jefferson-Brown.

A new project has been launched, offering first-hand advice on accessing funds, overcoming planning problems and how to find out what sustainable system is best for different sites.

CLAREN - Cumbria and Lancashire Renewable Energy Network - has been set up to help local businesses, groups and voluntary organisations tap into pots of cash.

And the project, which has attracted numerous inquiries, is already assisting communities at grassroots level to explore alternative, more cost efficient systems such as solar panels and wood fuel heating.

Elizabeth Bruce, community renewables manager for the CLAREN project, said various grants were available to lift such small-scale renewable energy projects off the ground but there was a lack of awareness about them.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm for renewable energy but most people don't know where to start. We have the technology and the expertise to make renewables work here in Cumbria and Lancashire and we are determined to let everyone know about it."

Ms Bruce said the venture was in response to a government drive to cut carbon dioxide emissions, and had been part-funded by the Countryside Agency.

"What has been lacking is people who can help on the ground that's what the Countryside Agency felt was needed someone to signpost people in the right direction," she said.

"This is very much small scale. It is not about wind turbines but about looking at an individual site and coming up with a renewable energy system for it.

"The whole funding process is a minefield. There are so many different grants. One of my main roles is to try to help people with what grants they are eligible for and, if they need it, to help work on the applications."

She said she had dealt with about 40 inquiries from people with wide-ranging queries since taking up the post late last year.

In Staveley, the trustees of the local community Round House Theatre are looking into incorporating a photovoltaic roof as part of a major refurbishment.

The new roof, which absorbs sunlight to generate electricity through solar panels, will reduce costs as well as energy consumption while at the same time minimising carbon dioxide emissions.

Ms Bruce, who explained the project was at the feasibility stage, said it was becoming "increasingly important" to look at sustainable alternatives, adding: "With the funding available, installing a renewable energy system doesn't have to be any more expensive than just putting in an oil heater."

Based in Barrow, Ms Bruce is available to help people throughout the county as well as across Lancashire.

She said people had been contacting her initially with an email or telephone call; the next step was to establish how best she could assist, whether it was helping to signpost people in the right direction or to fill out an application form. "I can help as much or as little as people want," she said.

Ms Bruce's advice is available for anyone from businesses to charities and voluntary groups. However, the emphasis is on community-focused projects which involve local residents, or bring benefits to the community such as employment or providing entertainment events.

There are ten advice schemes across England, which are funded in different ways, but each have backing from the Countryside Agency.

CLAREN has £300,000 funding over three years, but Ms Bruce said she hoped the project would be able to continue afterwards.

"I have been really taken aback by how many inquiries I have received and how enthusiastic people are," she said.

Coun Lawson Short, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for the environment, welcomed the project, saying: "We've all got to play our part in reducing greenhouse gases right now, otherwise we're going to be leaving our kids with a real problem in the future. I'm delighted that our local communities and voluntary groups are taking the lead on renewable energy for lighting and heating. "The CLAREN project is there to help and we should all be taking advantage of the services they have to offer."

Elizabeth Bruce can be contacted by ringing 0845-6018874 or email e.bruce@snw.org.uk .

February 13, 2003 10:00