A COMMUNITY group with a drive to develop renewable energy projects has just been presented a prestigious award for its dedicated work.

Tamar Energy Community (TEC) solar project last week received the honour of winning the South West Best Community Initiative at the Green Energy Awards in Bath.

TEC received the award for its work in installing 325kW of community owned solar PV on six rooftops across the Tamar Valley, funded by the community and Cornwall Council’s low carbon society. These are at Abbey Garden Machinery, Mount Kelly Prep and Mount Kelly Senior in Tavistock, Tesco Stores in Callington, Plymstock School and Carbeile Junior School in Torpoint — an investment of £350,000.

Kate Royston, from Tamar Energy Community, said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted that all our hard work together over the last couple of years has enabled us to win this award and we appreciate the recognition.

‘We’d like to thank all those who have helped us make this happen, including our host sites, our local community investors, the Low Carbon Society, Bright Solicitors, Communities for Renewables, Plymouth Energy Community and the Rural Community Energy Fund for the £20,000 grant for the initial feasibility work.

‘We look forward to developing Tamar Energy Community further into a thriving social enterprise supporting local benefits from energy and reduced climate impacts through community generation, energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty.’

As a community benefit society, TEC is owned by its members for the benefit of the communities of Tavistock and Callington and their surrounding areas; and is based in Local Matters, Elbow Lane in Tavistock.