A Celebration of innovation, collaboration, and impact
The Community Energy Awards 2024, hosted in Bristol on November 22, brought together over 150 attendees to honor trailblazers in community energy. Sponsored by Lendology, Triodos Bank, and ES Catapult, the event celebrated diverse achievements, from tackling fuel poverty to advancing innovative technologies.
Here’s a summary of this year’s winners and their inspiring contributions to the community energy sector:
Fuel Poverty Action Award
Winner: Energise Barnsley
Energise Barnsley were awarded for addressing fuel poverty through renewable energy installations and sustainable community solutions in South Yorkshire.
Highly Commended: Heart of England Community Energy Ltd
Finalists: CREW Energy, National Energy Action (NEA)
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Collaboration in Community Energy
Winner: RenewEV and Bath & West Community Energy
This transformative partnership delivered over 2MWp of solar capacity, showcasing a scalable model for community renewable projects across the UK.
Finalists: Datblygiadau Egni Gwledig (DEG), Community Energy South
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Advancing Innovation Award
Winner: Cepro & Bristol Energy Cooperative
Pioneering community-owned residential microgrids, their Hazelmead and Water Lilies projects integrate solar power, battery storage, and demand-responsive technology for affordable, net-zero housing.
Finalists: Plymouth Energy Community, Westmill Solar Co-operative & MECISE
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Community Engagement and Inclusion Award
Winner: East Durham Community Development Trust Ltd
This organisation’s initiatives in East Durham tackle poverty and inequality while fostering community-led sustainable projects.
Highly Commended: Repowering London
Repowering London drives inclusivity in the energy sector, engaging underrepresented communities and fostering sustainable careers.
Finalist: Exeter Community Energy (ECOE)
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Small/Medium Community Energy Organisation of the Year
Winner: The CHEESE Project CIC
Bristol-based CHEESE Project combines thermal imaging surveys and retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and create local jobs.
Finalists: Energise South Downs, Derbyshire Dales Community Energy Ltd
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Supportive Local Authority Award
Winner: The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA)
WECA's commitment to net-zero by 2030 has driven regional energy initiatives through funding and community collaboration.
Highly Commended: City of York Council
Their partnership with York Community Energy integrates renewable energy into local policy frameworks.
Finalists: Torbay Council, Essex County Council
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Special Recognition Award
Recipient: Joe Fortune and the Cooperative Party Team
This award celebrated their exceptional advocacy for community energy, culminating in a significant commitment to the sector in the UK’s energy strategy.
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Sector Support Award
Winner: Younity
A partnership between Midcounties Co-operative and Octopus Energy, Younity empowers local energy groups through funding, training, and policy advocacy.
Finalists: Datblygiadau Egni Gwledig (DEG), Community Energy South
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Progress in Expansion Award
Winner: Exeter Community Energy (ECOE)
ECOE scaled its operations in 2023-24, expanding its services and partnerships to address fuel poverty and carbon reduction.
Highly Commended: Shropshire & Telford Community Energy
Finalists: Croydon Community Energy, Bristol Energy Cooperative
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Campaigning Organisation of the Year
Winner: Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC)
BEC’s advocacy efforts during the 2024 General Election spotlighted community energy’s role in climate action, influencing regional strategies while expanding their renewable energy projects.
Finalists: The Co-operative Party, BHESCo, National Energy Action
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Community Energy Organisation of the Year (Large)
Winner: Exeter Community Energy (ECOE)
With expanded services, funding, and impactful projects, ECOE exemplifies excellence in community energy.
Finalists: Bristol Energy Network, Brighton Energy Co-op, Energise Sussex Coast
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Community Energy Champion
Winner: Kate Meakin, Energise Sussex Coast
Kate’s leadership has driven projects like the community solar farm and retrofit services, advancing local sustainability and combatting energy poverty.
Finalists: Dave Green (Shropshire & Telford Community Energy), Eva Goudouneix (Repowering London), Andy O'Brien (Bristol Energy Cooperative)
The event underscored the ingenuity and resilience of the community energy sector, providing a platform to honor its leaders while inspiring others. Case studies of all winners and finalists are now available, showcasing the stories behind these remarkable achievements.
Browse them here.