Episode 34

full
Published on:

8th Nov 2024

Renewable Bath

In 2019 Bath and North East Somerset Council declared a climate emergency and is aiming for Carbon Neutrality or Net Zero by 2030.

In this episode we explore what that means and what some of the challenges are facing the city. 

What will Bath and the landscape surrounding it look like if it is to be powered by solar and wind farms? 

How can this be achieved while making sure it keeps its UNESCO World Heritage status?

Could areas in Bath and the villages surrounding it one day be powered entirely by local renewable energy sources?

In answer to these questions, we are joined by three people who are keen to make a difference.

William Heath joins me up on Kelston Round Hill at the Old Barn. The building is used for weddings, memorials and events and is completely off grid. Recently they installed a new zero-emissions system to provide electricity and hot water.

Architect and climate activist Funda Kemal tells us about her animation video which visualises a future Net Zero Bath, adapted to climate change. 

Robin Spalding is the Renewable Energy Programme Manager for Bath and North East Somerset Council. He talks about what the Council is doing to reach Net Zero in terms of meeting the energy demand through renewable sources - wind, solar and hydro.

Credits

Music: Audionautix

Produced by Pommy Harmar

Links

Kelston Roundhill Barn - www.kelstonroundhill.com/home/

Launch of solar panel array - https://kelstonroundhill.com/2024/06/28/celebration-and-discussion-to-mark-the-move-to-renewables/

Funda Kemal - www.fundakemal.org

Utopian Realism. Animation Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcere_Op_0k

Bath and North East Somerset Council Climate Emergency - www.bathnes.gov.uk/climate-emergency

We Want Wind - www.wewantwind.org

Show artwork for Footprints

About the Podcast

Footprints
This podcast is designed to inspire you to get out and explore the beautiful natural landscape surrounding the city of Bath, with its hills and valleys, grasslands and woodlands.

Season 1 brought a monthly flavour of the September walking festival through interviews with special guests, a recorded local walk and a 'top-tip' section with festival organiser Lucy Bartlett.

Season 2 delves deep into the rich diversity of the Bathscape, its culture, heritage, landscape and people.

Footprints was nominated for an ARIA (Audio and Radio Industry Awards) in 2023 in the Grassroots category and in 2023 and 2024 in the Best Local Show category!

Hosted and produced by walking and podcasting enthusiast Pommy Harmar. Get in touch with us through Facebook or Twitter, visit our website: www.bathscape.co.uk or email pommyharmar@yahoo.co.uk

About your hosts

Pommy Harmar

Profile picture for Pommy Harmar
Freelance Journalist, radio producer, podcaster and walker. Pommy has been working in radio since 2013. She has produced and hosted podcasts including Sleeping with the Moon, Footprints, The Bristol Walkfest Podcast, The Quarantini, and Follow The Sun.

"It was excellent, really interesting and informative. The details and the way it was done, with three women farmers as key players, was really refreshing. I liked the voiceover and all the interviews." (Footprints, season 2 listener)

"All your topics on the Footprints podcast were relevant and fascinating to me as an older, female solo walker for the first time in the U.K." (Footprints season 1 listener)

Email: pommyharmar@yahoo.co.uk

Lucy Bartlett

Profile picture for Lucy Bartlett
Lucy is the Bathscape Community Projects Officer and a keen walker. She organises the annual Bathscape Walking Festival which aims to encourage people to discover the beautiful landscape around Bath.
Bathscape is very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and players of the National Lottery who fund our work.