On Friday, 22 November 2024, over 150 passionate advocates for sustainable energy gathered in Bristol for the much-anticipated Community Energy Awards 2024. Organised by Community Energy England and hosted by Phil Coventry, Head of Operations at CEE, the event celebrated the achievements of individuals and organisations dedicated to advancing community-driven energy solutions.
Part 1: Celebrating outstanding achievements
The first half of the ceremony was dedicated to presenting awards across various categories, each representing a cornerstone of the community energy sector, including: Fuel Poverty Action Award, Collaboration in Community Energy Award, Advancing Innovation Award, Community Engagement and Inclusion Award and Community Energy Organisation of the Year (Small/Medium).
These awards were presented by a combination of CEE board and team members, award category sponsors, and other figures from the sector who had kindly been part of the judging panel. The celebratory atmosphere was complemented by inspiring acceptance speeches and stories of resilience, creativity, and collaboration.
Networking and reflection
Following part one of the ceremony, there was a lively drinks reception. Winners toasted their success and the room buzzed with conversations as colleagues and friends both old and new connected in this unique evening of celebration.
Part 2: Keynote address and special recognitions
The second half of the ceremony began with a powerful keynote address by Kerry McCarthy, Minister for Climate and MP for Bristol East. Reflecting on the significance of community energy, she expressed her optimism for the sector’s future:
“The government is passionate about community energy. Now that people truly understand how crucial energy policy is for their communities, I can see the movement snowballing in the years to come.”
Here is Kerry McCarthy, giving her thoughts on community energy after the awards ceremony.
McCarthy then presented the Special Recognition Award to Joe Fortune and his team. Selected by CEE for their unwavering dedication to community energy, Joe and his team were celebrated for their visionary leadership and advocacy. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Joe expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to driving meaningful change. In this video Joe Fortune shares his reflections on receiving the award and the importance of community power for creating a just transition.
Honouring a decade of dedication
As the awards continued, Helen Seagrave, Chair of CEE, took a moment to recognise Emma Bridge, CEO of CEE, for her decade-long contribution to the sector. Pete Capener, Deputy Chair and a founding director of CEE, delivered a moving tribute, highlighting Emma's relentless efforts in championing community energy. The audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation, a testament to the impact of her work.
Closing the night: Celebrating champions
The final awards of the evening included Campaigning Organisation of the Year, Community Energy Organisation of the Year (Large) and Community Energy Champion Award: The night’s final award went to Kate Meakin of Energise Sussex Coast, recognising the significant contribution she has made to the development and impact of the organisation and the broader sector.
Kate said: 'I am so delighted to win the award. I am really proud of what we've achieved at Energise Sussex Coast, from helping hundreds of people every year with our energy advice service to developing innovative new solar projects. It means a lot to get recognition nationally.'
A Night to Remember
After the awards ceremony was complete, the buzz of conversation continued and Bristol Energy Network led us to a nearby pub to continue the celebrations into the night. It was wonderful to really feel part of a growing movement, be surrounded by people determined to keep driving the sector forward, be inspired by the fantastic organisations and projects across the sector, and celebrate our achievements together in the great city of Bristol.
You can find out more about this year’s winners and finalists here.