Prime Highlights:
- The UK government will invest up to £1 billion in community-owned solar, wind, hydro, and biomass projects, giving local areas more control over clean energy.
- Energy Secretary Ed Miliband says the initiative is the largest investment in community energy in UK history, ensuring profits benefit local communities instead of big energy companies.
Key Facts:
- Community energy capacity has grown 81% since 2017, with membership in local energy companies rising from 30,000 to nearly 85,000.
- Funding is expected to support around 1,000 projects, including solar panels on schools, churches, and public buildings, as well as small wind farms, with profits directed to social housing, local transport, and community facilities.
Background:
The UK will spend £1 billion on community renewable energy projects. The goal is to give local areas more control and access to clean energy. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said this is the biggest investment in community energy in the UK and that profits should go to local communities, not big energy companies.
Speaking about the scheme, Miliband said, “Britain’s drive for clean energy is about creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy. Local and community energy projects are central to this vision.” The funding will support solar, wind, hydro, and biomass projects across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
GB Energy, the state-owned energy company, will oversee the funding, providing grants, loans, and opportunities for communities and local councils to buy shares in privately owned projects. Officials say the funding could support about 1,000 clean energy projects, like solar panels on schools, churches, and public buildings, as well as small wind farms.
The plan addresses concerns that big energy projects mainly benefit private companies and change the landscape. Community-owned projects aim to make renewable energy fairer and more helpful for local people.
The community energy sector has been growing steadily. Since 2017, community energy has grown 81%, with members rising to 85,000. Local councils are also involved, such as Edinburgh’s solar co-op and Orkney’s £62 million turbine project.
Experts say the funding could help rural communities control energy and earn income, but the electricity grid needs upgrades to support new projects.
The government plans to release a detailed guide later this year to show communities how to apply for funding and get involved in the UK’s renewable energy growth.
