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.
What it is
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 non-commercial local groups, ensuring that the benefits stay local.
Examples include:
- solar panels on private 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 designed to serve whole neighbourhoods, not individual rooftops. In some areas, neighbouring communities collaborate to develop shared renewable energy schemes that make the best use of local land and resources.
To understand in more detail how community energy works, watch the video below from Power to Change, a national organisation which offers ideas, resources and support to community businesses.
Why it matters
Community energy is more than just a power project. It helps communities to:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions: moving to renewables lowers harmful outputs
- enable local control: people take charge of clean energy generation and contribute to climate action
- keep income local: surplus funds can be reinvested in projects chosen by the community
- protect nature: projects can support biodiversity and be tailored to the local area
- build resilience: strengthening energy security and tackling the effects of climate change
Local community energy success stories
Seeing real, local examples can be a powerful way to understand what’s possible. Choose a project below to find out what's happening near you.
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.
Fairy Hill Solar Farm is a new 2MW community‑owned project in Compton Dando. Bath and West Community Energy are preparing to establish an Energy Local Club through which they can supply renewable electricity to local residents.
Key highlights:
- Generating enough solar electricity to power the equivalent of 580 homes annually.
- BWCE are working to establish a local supply club which would enable the solar farm to sell electricity to local households
- The project will generate £750k of community benefit, including £220k recycled back into the community, through a ring-fenced community fund
- 20%+ biodiversity net gain with new hedgerows, wildflower planting, skylark habitat and continued grazing
- New public access to 7 acres of land, including new footpaths, signage and educational features
- Local Steering Group shaping biodiversity, amenities and the Energy Local offer
Fairy Hill shows how communities can generate their own power, keep value local, and build long term resilience.
What's happening nationwide
Check out the Centre for Sustainable Energy's project pages to find out more about schemes all over the country, or view project information on the Community Energy England interactive map, below.
Community Energy England map of community energy projects and organisations