TURNING leftovers into renewable energy provided food for thought for a green-minded gathering in Sidmouth.

Sid Valley Energy Action Group (SVEAG) kicked off what is set to be a busy 2013 when its first meeting of the year at the Anchor Inn welcomed Will Kirkman, of React on Anaerobic Digestion. “With the potential to hugely reduce food waste transport distances and produce local energy, the possibility of installing a small anaerobic digestion system locally was discussed,” said the SVEAG’s Joel Venn.

Representatives from the district and county councils also attended.

Joel added: “This is one of the many projects under discussion at the moment and it was good to see a number of new members attending, all with a common goal of exploring energy conservation and developing renewable energy sources in the Sid Valley.”

The meeting took place on Tuesday, January 8.

Further discussion was around the use of electric vehicles, including hybrids and the prospect of installing charging points, putting Sidmouth on the map as a destination for low carbon transport.

SVEAG will be joining forces with the chamber of commerce for a large event on the cricket ground during the summer. Arrangements are now in place to host a major talk concerning the forthcoming Energy Bill and how it will affect residents’ energy bills.

SVEAG chairman, Derek Chant, said the talk will take place in the Methodist Hall on Friday, March 8, at 2.30pm.

MP Hugo Swire, plus national figures from Transform UK, Yougen and the Citizens Advice Bureau will discuss the topic, which will be chaired by radio presenter Sophie Pierce.

SVEAG’s next meeting will take place upstairs in the Anchor on Tuesday, February 12, at 7pm. All are welcome.