News & insights - Page 2
-

Powering together: how collaborative funding brought Kilbirnie wind turbine to life
By Thrive Renewables Just an hour South of Glasgow in Kilbirnie stands a 110 metre high wind turbine, owned by a local community group. The 2.5MW project has the capacity to generate enough clean electricity to power over 2,000 average Scottish homes and deliver over 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions reductions a year. But it […] -

Cleaner, cheaper, closer to home – is community energy the local solution to global energy shocks?
A blog by Thrive Renewables UK consumers have faced at least eight major gas price spikes over the past ten years, both weather-driven and geopolitical, like the current conflict in the Middle East. It was only four years ago that the UK spent £50 billion supporting bill payers in the energy crisis following Russia’s invasion […] Add your news story
CEE Members can add your news story here for inclusion in these pages.
-

Community Energy Fortnight 2026 launches with a call to Up the Energy
Community Energy Fortnight 2026 officially launches today, kicking off two weeks of events from 1 – 14 July with activities and inspiring stories that celebrate the growing power of community-led energy across the UK. Communities, local organisations and partners across the UK will showcase how community energy strengthens local economies, reduces energy costs, gives people […] -

Committee calls on Government to put communities at the heart of the energy transition
The ESNZ Committee’s report on community energy which was published today, calls on the Government to act urgently to put communities at the heart of the clean energy transition. It recommends: Matthew Vickers, CEO of Community Energy England (CEE), said: “Community energy gives people throughout the country the opportunity to have a stake in Britain’s […] -

Maximise your membership: A guide to the Community Energy England member portal
At the end of last year, we reached a major milestone with the launch of the new Community Energy England (CEE) website and member portal. Since then, we’ve been busy behind the scenes adding new features, designed specifically to help our member organisations gain more visibility, share their successes, and access exclusive opportunities. Whether you […] -

Triodos Bank prioritises financing of energy storage, local grids and reduction solutions
Triodos Bank launched a renewed energy vision today, including its approach to financing the energy transition. The bank prioritises financing of energy storage, local electricity grids, energy efficiency and circular supply chains, while maintaining exclusions for the fossil fuel industry, nuclear power and non-green hydrogen. Triodos Bank highlights the importance of financing models that support community […] -

Why this spring is a breakthrough moment for UK community energy
Insights from Ethex Community energy in the UK has doubled in capacity over the last five years. This spring, theconditions for the next leap forward are the strongest they’ve ever been. The UK’s energysystem is under pressure. After years of price shocks, geopolitical instability and risinghousehold bills, the case for homegrown, community-led renewable energy has […] -

State of the Sector 2026: Deadline is approaching - submit your data now
UPDATE: Submissions close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 26 May. Please submit your data ASAP. We are pleased to announce that data collection for the Community Energy State of the Sector 2026 research is now open for data submission. The State of the Sector, sponsored by SP Energy Networks, and delivered in partnership by Community Energy […] -

Energy Learning Network support for community groups
The Energy Learning Network (ELN) is offering practical support to help community groups develop their energy projects. This includes free peer mentoring and a technical helpline, alongside wider work to build sector knowledge, partnerships and peer learning across the UK. Peer Mentoring ELN mentoring connects you with an experienced practitioner who provides up to three days […] -

The Local Power Plan: Frequently Asked Questions
The Local Power Plan is the government’s flagship policy for the community energy sector (read CEE’s press release on the Plan here). In this piece, we answer some of your questions on what the Plan contains, when it will be implemented and how community energy organisations can make the most of the opportunities it presents. -

CEE leads coalition calling on Government to “Up the Energy”
On 4 March 2026, Community Energy England and a broad coalition of civil society organisations, businesses and public figures delivered an open letter to the Government calling for urgent action to unlock the full potential of community energy. The open letter is signed by over 250 organisations working across climate, poverty reduction, community development and […] -

CEE welcomes Dr Matthew Vickers as new CEO
We are pleased to confirm that Dr Matthew Vickers has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of Community Energy England. He will take up the role from this month, working alongside Emma Bridge to ensure a smooth and effective transition. Matthew joins CEE at a pivotal moment for the UK energy system and […]