Community energy schemes include the generation, storage, efficiency or demand reduction of renewable energy and are lead by community members to benefit the local area. These can feature wind and solar power, but also heat, electric cars, and also initiatives like energy advice, retrofitting and battery deployment.
Community energy is now responsible for 121MW of generating capacity in England and Wales, but it is nowhere near its full potential. Locally-owned and decentralised renewable energy could be an inspiring solution for tackling the climate emergency, empowering communities and democratising energy in the UK.