Bills slashed by a fifth, 4,000 new jobs, greener and more affordable homes and transport, a new locally owned energy company – and 100% cleaner power.

They’re all features of a power blueprint for Cornwall revealed by the county’s council this week. 

The vision for ‘Cornwall’s Energy Future’, approved by the Council’s cabinet, identifies targets for 2030 which are designed to ensure residents, communities and the local economy benefit from a transition to low carbon energy.  

These include:

Reducing fuel poverty (households spending too high a proportion of their income  on power and heat) to 5% (it’s currently nearly 15%).

Meeting 100% of Cornwall’s electricity demand from renewable and low carbon sources.

Increasing the proportion of Cornwall’s energy ‘spend’ that is retained within the local economy to 30%.

Increasing the proportion of Cornwall’s energy that is owned locally to 50%.

Reducing fuel bills by 20%.

Creating at least 4,000 new jobs.

It also includes the possibility of creating a Cornwall energy company aimed to improve fuel security and ensure the financial benefits of generating and providing renewable energy are retained locally.

The Council says its energy ambition sends a clear message that Cornwall is ready to lead the transition to affordable, clean energy and clean growth.

Julian German, cabinet member for economy and culture, said ‘From the first commercial wind farm 25 years ago to the country’s first devolution agreement to focus on clean energy innovation, Cornwall has led the way towards a low carbon economy.’

The existing Green Cornwall programme has led to the creation of the National Solar Centre in Cornwall, the development of the first local authority-owned solar farm and an electric car charging network.  

Cornwall now generates the equivalent of nearly one third of its electricity needs from renewable sources.

The last few weeks have seen around £40m invested in smart energy and innovative energy generation projects across Cornwall, part funded under the European Structure Funding Programme.