A new wave of community energy projects could give local authorities and community groups greater control over how clean energy is generated and used in their areas.
The Government announced the first wave of its People’s Power programme in September, with funding being made available to support locally owned renewable energy projects.
Projects could include solar panels on community buildings, village-owned wind farms and hydro schemes. The programme is also intended to allow communities to take an ownership stake in renewable energy projects, with the aim of keeping more of the financial benefits of clean energy within local areas.
The announcement forms part of the wider expansion of community energy in the UK and reflects growing interest in models where communities are not simply consumers of energy, but participants in its generation.
Why is community energy important?
The transition to a lower-carbon energy system is not just a question of technology. It also involves ownership, participation and local engagement.
Community energy projects can create opportunities for local organisations to become directly involved in renewable generation while potentially supporting local investment and resilience.
For businesses considering their own sustainability strategies, the growth of community energy is another reminder that the transition to cleaner energy is increasingly becoming a local as well as a national conversation.