What is community energy?

Community energy projects are projects that are either wholly or partly owned by local community groups.

These types of energy projects bring benefits to local groups  by helping them to maximise the income-generating potential of renewable energy and put this income to work in their area. By increasing the uptake of locally owned renewable energy, these initiatives support the Government’s targets for clean energy by 2030.

Projects like these benefit the communities by:

  • Creating a secure energy supply and heat generation
  • Reducing carbon emissions and delivering net zero ambitions locally
  • Protecting people from rising energy bills
  • Creating new jobs and volunteering opportunities
  • Generating income to be used for community benefit

Community energy projects have a huge impact. Research suggests that in 2023, community energy projects saved more than 165,000 tonnes of CO2,the equivalent of more than 400,000 flights from London to New York.

How can the Midlands Net Zero Hub support your community energy project?

The Community Energy Fund (CEF) is a national grant scheme for urban and rural communities to develop energy services to benefit their local area. The Midlands Net Zero Hub are delivering CEF in the region on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The funding will help to kickstart community driven clean energy projects including wind farms and solar PV projects, as well as battery storage, heat networks, electric vehicle charging points, and more. 

The new fund follows the success of the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF), with an expanded remit to include both rural and urban areas in England.

Find out more about the Community Energy Fund.

We are working with community energy groups across the Midlands to make their project happen. Whether it is a heat network, hydro energy, or electric vehicles, get in touch to find out how our team can help you.

Support for community energy projects

Community Energy England have gathered other funding opportunities into one place. Discover the funds now.

Ashden’s Energy Learning Network is supporting energy projects across the UK. The network brings insights, resources, and connections to existing groups and those looking to become involved in energy projects for the first time. Find out more about the Energy Learning Network.