New initiative spearheaded by climate solutions charity, Ashden aims to boost new and existing community schemes across the UK
A £1.5m partnership has launched to support community energy projects in the UK that will help to decarbonise the power grid and benefit local people.
The Energy Learning Network intends to deliver free insights, resources and connections to existing community energy groups, as well as other community groups looking to become involved in local energy projects for the first time.
The network is a collaboration between climate solutions charity Ashden, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, and leading community energy bodies in every UK nation: Community Energy England (CEE), Community Energy Scotland (CES), Community Energy Wales, and Northern Ireland’s Action Renewables.
The network was made possible by four years of funding, totalling £1.5m, from the National Lottery Community Fund.
The funding comes from the Climate Action Fund – a £100m commitment over 10 years from The National Lottery Community Fund to support communities across the UK to take action on climate change and involve more people in climate action.
Ashok Sinha, Ashden’s chief executive, said: “The power of community energy is extraordinary: bringing more renewables online, and giving more people the chance to get involved in positive climate action.
“This leads to big local benefits, like new jobs in the green economy, as well as solutions matched to the needs of local communities. So it’s crucial that we boost the growth of community energy right across the country, but particularly in disadvantaged areas.”
Nick Gardner, head of climate action at The National Lottery Community Fund, added: “The Energy Learning Network is a perfect example of effective collaboration and knowledge sharing in the pursuit of a carbon-free future. It puts communities at the heart of its plans, empowering them to take action on climate change for the benefit of everyone.”
“We know that climate change matters to communities, so it matters to us. I encourage other climate focused community projects to consider applying to our funding programmes.”
The impact of the community energy sector ranges from local power generation to providing advice and support to lower families’ fuel bills. According to Ashden, projects already contribute 617 GWh of clean energy – the equivalent of powering more than 220,000 domestic properties – and have supported householders to save nearly £4.5m on their energy bills every year.
The new Labour government’s announcements related to community energy include the launch of its Local Power Plan. This pledges up to £400m a year in low interest loans for groups to develop and build community-owned projects, alongside £600m a year in grants to local authorities – although Ashden says it’s not yet clear if these will be available in every UK nation.
Harnessing the power of community
The Energy Learning Network intends to expand work currently delivered by 583 organisations with 69,500 members across the UK. It will do this by addressing knowledge and skills gaps in the sector, raising ambition with examples of best practice and innovation, and supporting peer mentoring.
Emma Bridge, CEE’s chief executive, said: “The Energy Learning Network will have a vital role to play in supporting the growth of community energy right across the UK.
“It will also help to amplify the amazing work already being done by communities to develop energy projects and services that generate so much more value than simply renewable energy.
“This is an exciting time to be part of the community energy movement and I can’t wait to work with our partners and members to further grow the sector and its impact.”
Zoe Holliday, chief executive of CES, added: “Community Energy Scotland is delighted to be involved in this highly collaborative work so that members all over the UK can benefit from each other’s expertise and experiences.
“We are looking forward to developing the resources needed by community energy groups and enabling organisations, to help expand the sector towards its fullest potential, increasing the resilience and control that communities have over their own development and local economies.”
Megan Blyth, project manager at the Centre for Sustainable Energy, said: We are excited to be a part of this partnership and initiative. One of CSE’s strategic missions is to empower communities to take action on the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes.
“We believe the community energy sector as critical for this. We are looking forward to seeing it grow, and support more diverse voices to participate in community energy organisations and activities.”
Leanne Wood, co-director of Community Energy Wales, said: The new Energy Learning Network will provide learning support and resources to strengthen and grow both new and established community energy groups.
“We look forward to working together with partner organisations across the UK to expand the community energy sector. We want more people to be aware of the agency and control they can have over local energy resources.
“People can play a central role in their local energy systems and economies and this network will help people understand how they can go about doing that.”
Mark Compston, head of projects at Action Renewables, said: “This partnership is crucial for Northern Ireland, where community energy potential is often overlooked.
“The Energy Learning Network will provide the much-needed resources and support to empower local groups, enabling them to lead in the transition to renewable energy. By filling these gaps, we’re ensuring our communities can fully participate in and benefit from a cleaner, more resilient energy future.”
Sinha added: “Ashden is very grateful for this funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, and delighted to work in partnership with such an established and respected group of organisations who support the community energy sector across the UK. This UK-wide partnership will build on fantastic work that is already underway. Together, we will support the sector to together go further faster, in our creation of a just and resilient clean energy system.”
Photo credit: Ashden
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