In 2022, the village was awarded Lottery funding from the Community Fund “TogetherforourPlanet” to explore the feasibility of setting up a scheme for zero carbon energy usage locally.
Consultants appointed by the Parish Council have produced a feasibility study, the results of which are very encouraging and indicate a number of options for the local generation of green energy as well as offering advice on steps that can be taken by homeowners in the village to reduce their own carbon emissions. The Parish Council is working on these options and currently planning consultation events to take place during 2023 and 2024. The detailed work is being progressed by a working group, comprising councillors and village volunteers. The notes of their meetings are published on this site:
Climate Change Working Group – Notes from Meeting 5.12.22Climate Change Working Group – Notes from Meeting 13.3.23Climate Change Working Group – Notes from Meeting 20.2.23Climate Change Working Group – Notes from Meeting 28.9.22Climate Change Working Group – Notes from Pre-Meeting for Locogen Draft Report 16.9.22 Climate Change Working Group – Notes from Locogen Kick-off Meeting 7.6.22
The Parish Council is monitoring national developments in climate change mitigation and is also working with sector groups to lobby the Government as regards support for local renewable energy schemes. Other local schemes in the area have been consulted, for example, the action group set up in Settle which, amongst other initiatives has successfully established a hydropower generator on the R. Wharfe.
Settle Renewable-Energy-Workshop-final-report-1-6-22
An initial exhibition and consultation event for Draughton’s scheme was held in the village hall on 19 February 2022, featuring a talk and display organised jointly with the local church group.
An overview of progress made to date was presented to the Annual Parish Meeting on 24 April 2023.
Further details will be posted here as and when available.