Community energy puts people in control of their renewable energy future. It means generating, using, and owning clean energy locally. Profits are reinvested back into the community to fund projects that benefit everyone.
Community‑owned renewable energy projects
Community‑owned renewable energy projects generate electricity or heat from natural sources such as the sun, wind, or water. They are owned and run by local people, ensuring that the benefits stay local.
Examples include:
- Solar panels on community buildings or shared land
- Wind turbines in suitable rural locations
- Hydro power using streams or rivers
- Battery storage to balance supply and demand
- Initiatives that help residents reduce their energy use.
These are community‑scale projects, not individual rooftop installations (which are supported separately through other programmes). Sometimes nFeighbouring communities work together to make the most of local resources.
Watch this short video from Power to Change to learn more.
Why it matters
Community energy is more than just a power project. It helps communities:
- Cut carbon emissions - moving to renewables reduces harmful carbon output.
- Enable local control - people take charge of clean energy generation and contribute to climate action.
- Retain income locally - money from energy generation stays in the local economy.
- Fund community projects - surplus income supports initiatives to cut carbon or tackle fuel poverty.
- Lower energy costs - for example, through rooftop solar or exploring cheaper local supply options.
- Protect nature - projects often include biodiversity and amenity improvements.
- Build resilience - strengthening energy security and tackling the effects of climate change.
Success stories
Seeing real examples can be a powerful way to understand what’s possible.
Ambition Community Energy
In Lawrence Weston, residents came together to deliver England’s largest community‑owned onshore wind turbine. It generates enough electricity for around 3,000 homes, with profits reinvested locally for wider community benefit.
Find out more on the Centre for Sustainable Energy page.
Wilmington Solar Farm: Powered by People, Rooted in Nature
Bath and West Community Energy launched the Wilmington Solar Farm in 2015 - a 2.34 MW community‑owned array funded by £2.2 million in community shares and a £500,000 council loan (now fully repaid).
- Generates enough solar electricity to power 750 homes.
- Cuts 660 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- Supports biodiversity with wildflowers, hedgerows, and grasslands.
Find out more on the Bath and West Community Energy Wilmington Farm page.