This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne will visit the Isle of Wight on Tuesday 2 August.
During his visit, Mr Huhne will learn more about some of the initiatives contributing to the Isle of Wight’s Eco Island aspirations to become one of the most environmentally sustainable places in the UK.
Round table discussion at new R&D centre
Mr Huhne will visit Vestas’ new Research and Development facility near Newport where he will also join in a round-table discussion between leading figures behind Eco Island.
These will include Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh who launched the Eco Island vision in 2008, David Green who is chief executive of Eco Island Partnership Community Interest Company and Island MP Andrew Turner who has promoted the Eco Island agenda in Parliament.
Boats and stoves to follow
Mr Huhne will also tour Cowes boatbuilding company South Boats, who are world leaders in the design and manufacture of wind farm service boats, and also award-winning local company AJ Wells & Sons Ltd who manufacture woodburning stoves where he will see the important part such stoves can play in reducing carbon emissions.
Cllr Pugh said, “The Island has made much progress on its Eco Island agenda and we are delighted to have this opportunity to demonstrate some of our successes to Mr Huhne.
“We will also be seeking to outline some innovative plans for the future including our bid to establish a pioneering facility for the testing of tidal energy systems using the fast flowing waters of the Island’s south coast. This scheme will make a very positive contribution not just to our local environmental aims but also the UK’s sustainable energy requirements.”
Eco Island possibilities are almost limitless
David Green said, “Driven by an incredible amount of passion from the Island and, increasingly, from the international business sector, the possibilities for Eco Island are almost limitless.
“We hope to demonstrate to Mr Huhne that if we can replicate throughout the country what we are developing on the Island, then we really could be the prototype for a truly greener and more prosperous UK.”
Image: Liberal Democrats under CC BY 2.0
