Editorial

摘要

This is not a themed issue of Energy, and yet all of its content relates to renewable energy in some respect. The focus of government, society and engineers on renewable energy and sustainability is immense, and this small collection of papers reflects how diverse the thinking is and how schemes are moving from concept to reality. Clark and Roddy (2012) provide an insight into the regulatory, policy and guidance framework to be navigated in developing a modest-scale community renewable scheme in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). The case study based at Allendale in Northumberland in the UK discusses the factors and sensitivities around achieving planning approval in an area designated as an AONB. It also shows how a community, that is located away from the national gas grid, has a vision to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel and is working together to create a sustainable future. For those interested in following the story at Allendale, details of the community website are provided.