Join us to learn about the latest community energy activity, whole systems approach and LAEPs, and discuss the next steps for the sector.
This event brings together Community Energy England, Power to Change's Next Generation project and the five Local Energy Hubs. We want to:
- Share learning from Rural Community Energy Fund projects recently implemented or currently in development, and the Next Generation organisations that have trialled numerous innovative ideas and business models.
- Introduce a whole systems approach and Local Area Energy Plans and engage with the needs and barriers that are part of community energy expanding into these opportunities and innovation.
The event will be held online and will be recorded so we can publish it on YouTube afterwards.
We have designed the schedule so it has several long breaks, to prevent Zoom-fatigue and allow you to keep up with other responsibilities during the day. You are also welcome just to join for the sessions you're interested in.
Draft agenda:
10:00-10:20am - Intro
10:20-11:00am - What’s working now in community energy
- What project components and knowledge do you need to make private wire generation work?
- Kate Gilmartin, Local Energy North West Hub
- Dave Green, Sharenergy
- What can successful RCEF/Next Generation applicants/projects teach other organisations?
- Damian Tow, Brigton Energy Co-op
- Jon Taylor, Greater South East Energy Hub
BREAK
11:40-12:30 - Pathways to more community energy
- Building a partnership with your local authority over time
- Keith Hempshall, Centre for Sustainable Energy
- Pete Capener, Bath & West Community Energy
- How to approach and work with your local authority
- Alastair Mumford, Devon County Council
- Alistair MacPherson, Plymouth Energy Community
LUNCH
1:30-2:15pm - Importance of whole systems approach to community energy
- What is involved in a whole systems approach and why should community energy organisations learn about/engage with it?
- Jodie Giles, Regen
- Sally Murrall-Smith, TRESOC
- Introduction to Local Area Energy Planning and relevance to community energy sector
- Duncan Law, Community Energy England
- Jonathan Atkinson, Carbon Co-op
2:15-2:45pm - Discussion
How are you currently engaging with a whole energy system approach? What’s holding you back?
BREAK
3:15-4:00 - Driving forward Local Area Energy Planning, innovation projects and whole systems approach
- Key barriers to innovation project financial viability and replicability, particularly if other organisations may be able to get around these barriers
- Ben Dodd, Green Fox
- Graham Booth, Chester Community Energy
- How can community energy organisations drive the integration of local authority energy procurement, LAEPs and network constraints/flexibility services?
- Ady Powell, Charge My Street
- Ollie Pendered, Community Energy South
4:00-4:30pm - Discussion
What is your organisation planning to do next? What do you need to raise ambition and engage with whole systems projects?
4:30-4:45pm - Wrap up & close