This thread is intended to be the site of all issues related to supplying sustainable energy to the shire. There are various threads around about micro hydro and such, that could fit nicely in here. I have been researching wind power recently. I'm not entirely sure how far from Billingham the land is, but check out this link for the wind speeds in the area:

http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/maps/chap3/3-06m.html

The map shows average wind speeds. Anything over a 3 shows a viable place for wind turbines. For your area wind speeds visit:

http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/

Also, build your own turbine:

http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_wind.html

MICRO! MICRO! MICRO!
i havent told some of you my newest dream, the texas oil refinery S.H.I.R.E. but eventually i want to be doing our own manufacturing. until then, we need micro, site specific courses on whatever is the native energy to that area! lets make connections with the manufacturers themselves, we need to get to the roots.

i agree. We need to find people involved in the manufacture of micor power systems and get them involved. One of the first people we need to look at is the E-cell batteries.

What is micro power? And I agree about getting involved with these companies at the root level

Mico- Small power so small scale power Generation, power coming from many small sources. like a micro hydro Generator, or a solar panel,

Thenor,
You are moving in the right direction. Different "energy harvesting" units funneling energy to a centralalized storage unit. Total Watt consumption will need to be formulated and off and on peak hour fluctation considered.
You could check with Real Good Solar and see if they are interested in funding or working with The Shire to facilitate the solar side of the equation. Just a thought, they are in your neck of the woods.

How are things going thus far? Daunting as this cause may seem at times, keep up the good fight. If you push hard enough you will see it through to its fruition and realize dreams are worth fighting for.