A proposed local bio-fuel station (co-operative)

Hello there, our names are buzz and tom. We (and others) want to set up a bio-fuel supply station in Fishguard or Goodwick. Below are some of our ideas for the proposed project, and many services which it could offer the community

•  Station built from organic local materials – we plan to build the station using local organic materials such as mud, straw bales and reeds (thatched roof). The experience and guidance of some very professional and experienced local builders will help us to design and build it well, so that it is efficient, practical and causes minimal impact to the earth's natural balance.

•  Run as a co-operative - this means that there is nobody inside or outside the company who owns the profits the company makes – every worker is paid a fixed wage and everything else goes back into the company. A co-operative company therefore on average has more money going back into it, and less taken out. This means that a co-operative company is potentially able to offer a better service to the public. It is also a system where the workers have no incentive to be greedy, because their pay is fixed.

•  Powered with renewable energy – we plan to make the most of the free energy supplied to us by the wind and the sun, with a windmill and solar panels. Tidal energy can also be looked at. With our surplus energy going into the national grid, the station would therefore be productive of energy, rather than absorbent of it.

•  Cheaper fuel - our initial calculations suggest that we will be able to offer fuel cheaper than the typical fossil fuel prices, especially when the infrastructure of the co-op is stable and running efficiently.

•  healthy organic food and drink - Embracing a holistic concept of fuel, we would also like to supply fuel for the most useful vehicle we have - our body.

•  several types of fuel - We could also supply other forms of power/fuel like electricity from a renewable source (for electric cars), and ethanol/alcohol (possibly for petrol engines)

•  Electric car – We may be able to get an electric car to hire out, or provide a taxi service with.

•  Promotion of other similar projects/companies - it would supply information about and promote other companies offering similar services. Bio-fuel and the like are already available, but they don't yet seem to be marketed and supplied in a way that reaches the average person.

•  Uses local produce as much as possible - This has many advantages. If a community mostly obtains supplies, such as fuel, from large multi-national companies, then there is a steady stream of money (which people work hard for) going directly out of the community and into the pockets of a very small number of already hugely rich people. All the community gets in return are a few lowly paid jobs. The net amount of work a community does generates more money than the community gets back. A Community working more self-sufficiently (by rooting locally owned business in local produce and services) is more prosperous as it keeps more of the profits and benefits of their actual work

Also there is less transportation of produce when they're sourced locally. Therefore damage to the environment is minimised J

•  A practical and living example – demonstrating that society can be run in a non-destructive way, by supplying various environmentally friendly products and services.

•  Information centre - The station can also supply information about bio-fuel, it's pros and cons and related subjects to educate the public and allow them to make an informed decision about whether they want to use it or not. We will just supply the information. Then, we feel, the benefits will promote themselves.

•  Bicycle station - A place for cyclists to service their bicycles, or get some help doing so. With supplied tools and advice.

•  Local employment – With such a wide range of services offered, a wide variety of skills will be needed.