Community energy groups are showing how local people can own and benefit from solar, wind and other clean power projects.
Community-owned clean power is gaining attention in the UK as local groups develop solar, wind and energy-saving projects that keep more benefit close to the places where power is generated. The model is different from a distant energy company simply building a project and selling electricity back to residents.
A community energy project can put panels on a school, village hall or public building, raise local investment, reduce bills and use surplus income for more improvements. Some groups also work on advice, fuel poverty and energy efficiency.
The value is not only clean electricity. Ownership changes the relationship between people and infrastructure. A solar roof is easier to support when residents can see where the money goes and who benefits.
For small communities, this can make the energy transition feel less like something imposed from outside and more like something built locally, one roof and one project at a time.
Source: Community Energy England