Re-newable energy conference 20th September

I use the words ‘Christchurch is punching above its weight' a great deal because as a small Council we have to do just that to get our objectives accepted by bigger fish. In the case of our re-newable conference and market on September 20th this absolutely bang on. CBC has responded to the considerable angst among our residents to the prospect of having an enormous wind farm just off-shore which is likely to blight the wonderful sea-scape and natural panorama of our coastline. Understanding the need for re-newable energy in the long term and wanting to take a positive stance to the whole subject, we have directed our attention to see if there are alternatives which for the same investment could contribute to the local energy needs in the future. From what I have seen our enquiries have opened a Pandora’s box, a plethora of alternatives ranging from tidal to geo-thermal from bio-mass to solar and we are now fully engaged in organising speakers and their presentations. What is clear is that there are alternatives and that our concentration just on wind power may prove to be mis-guided. It can play it's part that is for sure, but not at the expense of our enjoyment of the coastline we all adore. It has been decided in 'another place' that this latest project should located so close to our shore-line and that it will enjoy subsidies which far exceed that available to other technologies. If at the end of our conference we can show that the mix we have exposed can deliver energy at the same rate and more efficiently then I intend to make our findings available to those who are charged to represent us in that 'other place' with the message that there is a democratic imperative which will have to be listened to.