Community energy excellence Large Energy Local is pioneering local energy markets that connect households with small-scale renewable generators, helping communities save money while boosting local clean energy. Since launching in 2018, their 14 clubs across the UK now support over 550 households, with members consistently reporting 10–30% savings on bills. Their innovative approach combines smart […]
Supportive local authority 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 opportunities, […]
Supportive local authority 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 […]
Supportive local authority 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 integral to fostering local energy projects, […]
Supportive local authority 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 strategic and multifaceted approach. Through meaningful partnerships, robust […]
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 […]
Triodos Bank UK raised £4.35m for charity Empower Community Foundation through two separate bond offers on its crowdfunding platform. Empower was created to accelerate the transition to sustainable low carbon local economies by seeking to ensure the financial benefits of renewable energy go back into local communities. Its two 5MW solar parks generate enough electricity […]
The Bottle Yard Film Studios’ premium facility TBY2 opened in 2022, and is powered by a 1MWp solar array made up of over 2,000 panels. Funded by a community share offer run by Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC), the array is believed to be the largest community solar rooftop scheme in the UK. Bristol City Council, […]
Between 2021-23, Brighton Energy Cooperative ran the Community Solar Accelerator, supported by the EU Regional Development Fund. The grant scheme provided match-funding to businesses installing solar panels. All of the project’s case studies can be found on the programme’s archive site and the collection provides examples of a range of types of businesses and solar […]
In this case study, Solar for Schools worked in partnership with Leeds City Council on a £25 million project involving 12 schools, as part of Public Sector Decarbonisation.
Created by Bristol Energy Network with Bristol City Council and Community Energy England, this is a practical toolkit to help community groups and local authorities to help them understand each other better and to provide ideas for how to work together and harness the power of local energy.
