Community Energy Fortnight: Celebrating the Power of Partnership in Newham

Repowering London marked the opening day of Community Energy Fortnight on the 1st July, with an inspiring visioning session alongside our long-standing partners, Community Energy Newham (CEN) and the London Borough of Newham.

The event brought together partners to celebrate how far we’ve come together over the past four years, and to look ahead to the next phase of delivering a truly Repowered Community in Newham. The discussion reflected on the remarkable progress already made through this partnership, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to demonstrate how community energy can transform neighbourhoods—not just through renewable energy generation— but by creating healthier more comfortable homes, stronger communities, local investment and green jobs.

Solar installs on Newham Library roof are just the beginning of what’s on offer in the borough

A Partnership Delivering Real Change

The London Borough of Newham has been instrumental in the success of Community Energy Newham. Through its collaborative, enabling approach, the council has shown what is possible when local authorities work alongside communities to deliver climate action that benefits local people.

Community Energy Newham was established in 2022 with support from Repowering London. In just four years, it has become one of London’s leading community energy organisations. It has installed more than 700 kWp of rooftop solar PV for community ownership across eight schools and libraries in the borough, with a further 750 kWp under development, creating one of the capital’s fastest-growing portfolios of community energy projects.

Unlike traditional renewable energy developments, these installations are designed to become community-owned assets. Through local community share offers, residents can invest directly in solar projects that reduce carbon emissions, while reducing bills and funelling surplus income into the community. Community Energy Newham’s first community share offer raised £120,000, enabling local people to purchase the group’s first solar installations bring them into community ownership. Future share offers will allow even more Newham residents to become owners of their local energy system.

"Newham has shown that community energy is most powerful when it is built on genuine partnership. The council's leadership, Community Energy Newham's commitment, and the support of local residents, have created one of the UK's most exciting examples of urban community energy. Together we've demonstrated that renewable energy can do far more than reduce carbon emissions – it can create local ownership, attract investment, build skills and strengthen communities. The Repowered Communities project is the next step in showing how this model can be replicated across towns and cities throughout the UK."

Dave Fuller, Community & Business Development Director at Repowering London

Community Energy at the Heart of Newham's Future

Newham Council’s commitment to community energy has also been recognised nationally. The borough’s award-winning Just Transition Plan identifies Community Energy Newham and Repowering London as key partners in delivering a fair, and inclusive transition to net zero. In 2025, Newham’s Just Transition Team received the prestigious LGC 2025 Award for Climate Response, recognising the borough’s innovative approach to climate leadership. This recognition reflects a shared understanding that community energy is about much more than generating renewable electricity.

Since its formation, and with support from Repowering London, Community Energy Newham has helped to bring a total of approximately £2.5 million in external grant funding into Newham. The funds are supporting solar projects, community engagement, green skills training and innovative approaches to tackling fuel poverty and climate inequality.

"Community Energy Newham demonstrates what can be achieved when local government works hand in hand with communities. By combining the council's ambition with the expertise of Repowering London, and the passion of local residents, we've created a model that not only accelerates decarbonisation, but ensures the benefits of the transition stay within our communities. We look forward to building on this success together."

Andy Kemp, Head of Strategy, Climate Action Team, London Borough of Newham

Community Energy Newham has built its engagement to create a strong volunteer base

Building the UK's First Repowered Community

The partnership has already entered its most ambitious phase through the Repowered Community Newham programme, supported by £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund.

This flagship programme is developing the UK’s first Repowered Community—a clean energy neighbourhood model that combines community-owned renewable energy hand in hand with long-term local services and benefits. The local energy neighbourhood model will provide reduced energy costs, retrofit support, locally generated green electricity, community-owned heat generation assets, and community benefits such as employment for local people.

Working alongside Newham Council, Community Energy Newham, academic partners, industry experts and local residents, the project will act as a key demonstrator that can be replicated by communities across the UK. Ultimately, the Repowered Community model aims to show that community energy can become the foundation for healthier homes, lower bills, local jobs and stronger neighbourhoods, while accelerating the UK’s transition to net zero.

Partnership in Action

As Community Energy Fortnight celebrates the power of local action, The London Borough of Newham stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when councils, communities and specialist organisations work together with a shared vision. Together, we’re not simply installing solar panels—we’re building a fairer, cleaner and more resilient energy system, where the benefits of the energy transition stay in the hands of local people.

"The real success of Community Energy Newham has been the people behind it. Residents have embraced the opportunity to shape projects, invest in their neighbourhoods and play an active role in tackling climate change. Seeing local people become co-owners of renewable energy assets is incredibly rewarding, and the Repowered Community project gives us the opportunity to deepen that engagement while creating lasting social, environmental and economic benefits for Newham."

Ruth Chiat, Newham Programme Manager (Communities Team), Repowering London

Repowered Community Newham is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Learn about the rest of our partners helping us to create a Repowered Community in Newham and beyond.

Share this post