Renewable Energy is very much in the news in the North Pennines at present, whether it is windfarm schemes on the hills, or small hydroelectric or geothermal schemes at Village Halls, helping to cut the cost of running these buildings for the community.

This session gave the opportunity to hear about the different technologies, where they are used and why. The local dimension was given by a talk about the proposed geo-thermal scheme at the former Eastgate cement works. This covered the excitement and problems of finding out just how much heat lies under our feet, stored in the rocks of Weardale. A buzz of questions followed the enthusiastic speaker.

On another course day there was the opportunity to see geo-thermal energy in action at the Deneholme residential course and conference centre in Allendale where we could see the cosy central-heating temperatures coming from the water which had gained heat after being pumped 100m underground.