Surveys, research & opportunities for the sector
This page shares current surveys, research requests, and expressions of interest for community energy groups.
We know your time is valuable, so we only list opportunities that could benefit the sector.
Everything here:
- has a clear purpose and potential benefits.
- stays live for 6 months only (check dates below).
- is updated every two weeks.
Your input helps improve projects, spark new initiatives, and strengthen community energy.
Get involved
Member feedback – Community Energy England
Share your suggestions or changes you’d like to see via our member satisfaction survey.
Date posted: Ongoing Expires: Ongoing
Expert support for Community Energy Fund applications
Experienced practitioners (paid basis) can help with funding applications or feasibility studies.
Date Posted: July 2025 Expires: Ongoing
DESNZ GB Energy team site visit
DESNZ wants to visit projects, especially in the North. Volunteer your project to showcase community energy in action.
Date posted: August 2025 Expires: February 2026
Nominate councils for Energy Minister Roundtable
Help shape collaboration between councils and communities. Nominate strong local authority partners for a roundtable in Dec 2025 or early 2026.
Date posted: Sept 2025
Expires: Dec 2026
Grid Connection stories
Grid connection delays are a big barrier – share your experience to inform discussions with ENA and ESO.
Date posted: Sept 2025
Expires: Mar 2026
Onshore wind interest
If your group is working on or interested in onshore wind power, express your interest and visit our Onshore Wind page.
Date posted: July 2025
Expires: Jan 2026
Opportunities for the sector
Grid Connection stories Retailer Partnerships Research (University of Bristol)
Researching how energy retailers (e.g.OVO) partner with community energy groups. Share your experience in a 30-min online interview to help shape better contracts and incentives.
Contact: Ankita Bhardwaz – mh24589@bristol.ac.uk
Date posted: July 2025
Expires: Oct 2025
Celtic Sea Offshore Wind Survey (Energy4All)
Have your say on what community ownership of offshore wind could look like in South West England & Wales. Quick 5-minute online survey.
Date posted: July 2025
Expires: Jan 2026
Requests for information
Ownership Models in Community Renewables (Wageningen University)
Emma Field is researching how different ownership models affect decisions and project success. Join an online interview (<1 hr).
Contact: emmafield.field@wur.nl
Date posted: Sept 2025
Expires: Mar 2026
Onshore Wind Co-Ownership Study (Nottingham Trent University)
Malin Tomkins seeks participants for a 15-minute Zoom interview on planning policy and co-ownership in wind farm repowering.
Contact: (Malin’s email)
Date posted: July 2025
Expires: Jan 2026