Tools & guidance - Page 3
2025 Award Finalist: Community Energy Excellence (Small/Medium): Greater Manchester Community Renewables
In 2024, Greater Manchester Community Renewables (GMCR) more than doubled its solar power, going from 346 kW to 734 kW with their biggest community-owned solar array at Wellington School. This was made possible thanks to a £350,000 share offer, lots of volunteer effort, and a strong partnership with the school. The new solar panels have […]-
2025 Award Finalist: Community Energy Excellence (Small/Medium): Big Solar Co-op
Big Solar Co-op has grown quickly over the past six years, running volunteer-led rooftop solar projects alongside bigger installations like Whiteborough Solar Park. With over 100 volunteer members, 1,300 investor members, and 450 bond holders, the co-op has raised more than £3.8 million and generated over 1,408 MWh of clean energy for both large sites […] -
2025 Award Finalist: Community Energy Excellence (Small/Medium): Greensand Community Energy
Greensand Community Energy has rapidly built a thriving volunteer-led network of Energy Champions across Central Bedfordshire, going from zero to 16 trained champions in just one year. Working in partnership with local groups, councils, and Community Energy Pathways, they have held over 600 conversations and 46 home visits, reaching 19 towns and villages to provide […] -
2025 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: Bath and North East Somerset Council
Bath and North East Somerset Council has been a long-term champion of community energy, working closely with Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) since 2011 through a groundbreaking Cooperation Agreement. This partnership has enabled school rooftop solar projects, community hydro, home energy efficiency schemes, and retrofit advice for listed buildings, while fostering strong community engagement […] -
2025 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council has been a standout supporter of community energy, working closely with Green Fox Community Energy to grow local capacity, set up new groups, and embed community energy in the county’s Net Zero plans. Through funding, guidance, and practical support, the council has helped launch initiatives like the Leicestershire Solar Schools programme, developed […] -
2025 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: North Lincolnshire Council
North Lincolnshire Council, together with North Lincolnshire Community Energy (NLCE), has created a fantastic community energy project that is helping local schools and community buildings go solar. With funding, officer support, and legal guidance, the council has helped set up NLCE, install solar panels on 21 sites (and aiming for 30+), and provide education on […] -
2025 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: Three Rivers District Council
Three Rivers District Council Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) has been an outstanding champion for community energy, working closely with Grand Union Community Energy (GUCE) over the past three years. They have supported projects from solar canopies to energy-saving initiatives like Transition Streets and Energy Champions, provided funding, shared expertise, and opened doors to new […] 
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2025 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: Hackney Council
Hackney Council Hackney Council has been a fantastic supporter of community energy through its Hackney Community Energy Fund (HCEF), helping schools, faith, cultural, and community buildings install solar panels, heat pumps, LED lighting, and more. By combining grants with hands-on officer support, technical advice, and workshops, the council has helped 39 organisations deliver 46 projects […] 
2024 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: The City of York Council
City of York Council: Community Energy Awards 2024 Finalist The City of York Council has been a cornerstone of support for York Community Energy (YCE) and Solar for Schools (SfS), playing a pivotal role in advancing community energy initiatives and promoting sustainability in York. Their multifaceted support, spanning political leadership and operational facilitation, has been […]
2024 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: Essex County Council
Essex County Council: Community Energy Awards 2024 Finalist (and 2023 Winner) In 2023, Essex County Council (ECC) won the prestigious ‘Most Supportive Local Authority’ award, cementing its position as a leader in promoting community energy. Over the past year, ECC has upheld and further strengthened its commitment to the community energy sector by implementing a […]
Bristol community solar farm provides local benefits
In 2016, Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC) funded and built a 4.2MWp solar farm in the Lawrence Weston area of Bristol. BEC has a particularly close relationship with Ambition Lawrence Weston (ALW), a resident-driven organisation striving to make Lawrence Weston an even better place to live and work. BEC and ALW worked together to gain planning […]
