What is the issue?
When the energy supply chain is localised, local jobs can be created, energy spend can be kept in the local economy and community benefit funds can be created and reinvested locally to reduce community vulnerability and to create a more resilient financial system. However, changes in national support for renewable energy projects have made it very difficult for community energy groups to deliver projects.
What will the project try to achieve?
The project will research, develop and share practical new business models for community energy groups to provide them with the support that they need to adapt to the changes in government policy. The learning and ideas generated throughout the project will be used to influence government policy and regulation to unlock the barriers currently restricting community energy models.
Who might be interested in this project?
Community energy groups, local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, housing associations, energy suppliers, distribution network operators, government (particularly the Department for Energy and Climate Change), renewables industry, storage providers.