'We are changing the world' - the fracking village that's going solar
Channel: Possible
Date: 2016-03-16

In 2013, a controversial oil drilling operation shattered the peace in Balcombe. Now, residents are working together to build something better, repowering their village with community owned solar panels.

Their story has spread around the world, with coverage in National Geographic, ITV, The Daily Mail, Channel 4 News and more.

THE STORY
Welcome to Balcombe, a beautiful, quiet village in West Sussex.

In summer 2013, a fracking company arrived with drills. Surprisingly, it did not go well.

So the village did what villages do best – they held a public meeting.

They agreed that if they didn't take control of their energy, someone else would. So they set up a co-op called Repower Balcombe, and got to work installing solar panels around the village. 

The plan was to match 100% of Balcombe's electricity needs with locally owned solar power. But just as it all started to come together, government cuts scuppered their ambitious solar farm plan.

Now they've bounced back. They're installing 400 solar panels on two local schools, and they're looking for investors to help fund the project.  

LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED
http://backbalcombe.org


THANKS
Concept and production: Thom Hoffman
Light painting sequences: Sola
Solar farm footage: Lightsource Renewables
Additional footage: Tom Chadwick