We help local people explore and develop renewable energy projects - like wind turbines or solar farms (depending on what is suitable in your area) - that bring direct benefits to their communities.
Our two-stage approach
Our approach to this project is in two stages:
Stage 1: Starting the conversation (now closed for new registrations)
We’ve invited communities to express interest in taking part, and we’re now in the process of selecting them. For those selected, we’ll host workshops to:
- explore local energy needs and opportunities
- learn about the benefits of community energy
- share ideas and opinions
- discuss which types of renewable energy might work locally
This stage is about listening and learning together, there's no commitment required.
Stage 2: Exploring opportunities
If your community chooses to continue the conversation, and a potential energy project looks possible, we’ll support you to:
- understand renewable energy options that are technically and financially realistic
- explore local sites, funding possibilities, and delivery models
- shape a community-led energy development in your area.
At this stage, a small amount of grant funding is available for groups ready to advance their ideas.
Learn more about the project
You can expand the following headings to learn more about the project:
Community energy puts people in control of their renewable energy future. It means generating, using, and owning renewable energy locally. Profits stay within the community, funding projects that benefit everyone.
Watch this short video from Power to Change to learn more.
Community-owned renewable energy is more than just a power project - it benefits you and your community by:
- boosting local development: keeping profits local to fund community projects
- cutting carbon emissions: moving to renewable energy helps fight climate change by reducing harmful carbon output.
We support communities by:
- helping communities explore solar, wind, and other renewable options through our partner the Centre for Sustainable Energy
- providing expert advice and feasibility support through our partners Bath and West Community Energy and the Centre for Sustainable Energy
- connecting communities with funding and investment opportunities.
How to get involved
We’re currently selecting three communities to explore community-owned renewables. The registration period closed at 5pm on Friday, 1 August 2025.
If you’ve already submitted your form, thank you! We’ll be in touch soon with next steps.
You can still download our information pack for background details, information and FAQs.
Ongoing work in Bath and North East Somerset
Over the next three years, we’ll work with six areas across Bath and North East Somerset. In 2022, as part of a pilot, the Centre for Sustainable Energy ran workshops with:
- Peasedown and Wellow
- Temple Cloud and Hinton Blewitt
- Stowey Sutton, East and West Harptree
These pilot areas have already started the conversation. You can read a summary of the discussions, ideas, and insights that emerged from those initial workshops in our 2022 Renewable Energy Conversation Findings report.
If you live in one of these areas and would like to get involved, email us at Community_Energy@bathnes.gov.uk.