Member news
Totnes Renewable Energy Society Awarded Funding from Great British Energy as part of Historic Community Energy Drive
11 February 2026
Totnes, Devon – 10/02/26
The Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC) has been awarded funding from Great British Energy (GBE) to deliver a landmark solar installation at Dart Marine Park.
It comes as the UK Government and GBE’s joint Local Power Plan supports the biggest expansion of support for community-owned energy in British history to cut bills and build wealth in communities. The Plan is backed by up to £1 billion to support local and community energy projects so communities can own and control their own energy.
With this funding, TRESOC will develop a 100kW community-owned roof-mounted solar PV array at Dart Marine Park, Steamers Quay. Developed in partnership with South Hams District Council, the project will supply discounted renewable electricity directly to tenants at the park. Crucially, surplus energy will be sold into Energy Local Totnes (ELT), the town’s innovative local energy club, helping to cut bills for local residents and keeping energy spend within the local economy.
The funding also supports the development of a community share offer planned for Summer 2026, allowing local residents to invest directly in the infrastructure.
Sally Murrall-Smith, Managing Director of TRESOC, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of the Great British Energy programme. This funding is a game-changer for Totnes. Since the end of the feed-in tariff, developing new community solar has been a challenge, but GBE support – combined with our pioneering Energy Local model – has made the Dart Marine Park project financially viable. This installation will not only lower bills for local businesses and residents but also proves that communities can take back control of their power, keeping wealth right here in Totnes.”
Cllr John Birch, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, added: “TRESOC’s aspirations in respect of renewable energy align with those of SHDC and, by working together, residents and businesses will have the opportunity to benefit from lower energy bills.”
About Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC)
Founded in November 2007 by local residents concerned about climate change, TRESOC is a 100% community-owned organisation that has developed a portfolio of renewable energy projects with various partners across the region.
Website: www.tresoc.co.uk
About Energy Local Totnes
Energy Local Totnes is a community-led energy club established by TRESOC in partnership with Energy Local CIC and electricity supplier 100Green. The club enables local residents and businesses within the Totnes electricity substation area to buy and sell locally generated renewable electricity at fair prices. The club launched in October 2024 with renewable electricity from the 330kW Totnes Weir Hydro power plant on the River Dart.
Website: www.tresoc.co.uk/elt
About Great British Energy
Great British Energy is a new, publicly owned clean energy company designed to drive the UK’s transition to energy independence. Headquartered in Scotland, its mission is to cut bills, boost energy security, and create skilled jobs by investing in homegrown renewable power.
As part of its mandate, Great British Energy delivers the Local Power Plan – a historic partnership with local communities and local authorities. Backed by £1 billion in funding, the plan supports the development of small-scale renewable energy projects.
Website: www.gbe.gov.uk