How communities are making the energy transition happen

Community energy shows what can happen when people come together around a shared ambition. From generating renewable electricity to tackling fuel poverty, community-led projects are helping turn the UK’s net zero goals into practical action that benefits people where they live.

In episode 6 of Salix’s Tomorrow’s Energy podcast, Duncan Law of Community Energy England explains why collaboration is at the heart of the energy transition, how communities can make a difference and what is needed to turn local ideas into projects that deliver lasting benefits. 

His message is simple: when people come together around a shared ambition, they can turn local ideas into action.

The challenge

Communities play an important role in achieving net zero, but turning ambition into practical projects can be difficult.
 

Key barriers include:

  • Access to funding: community groups often need grants or early-stage financial support to assess feasibility and develop projects
  • Limited resources: local organisations may lack the technical expertise or experience needed to progress an energy project
  • Low awareness: many people are still unfamiliar with community energy and the opportunities to get involved
  • Building partnerships: projects need communities, local authorities, funders and technical experts to work together
     

The approach: start with people

Duncan’s own experience began with Transition Town Brixton and the development of Brixton Energy. What started with a small group of people sharing ideas demonstrated how collective action can create momentum.

In our podcast, Tomorrow’s Energy, he says: “I set up Transition Brixton Energy, four of us meeting in a pub, and it was an absolutely juicy and exciting meeting. We were moving stuff forward in real time, very fast.”

This spirit of collaboration is central to community energy. Local people bring knowledge of their area, a shared sense of purpose and an understanding of what their communities need.

Community Energy England supports organisations across the sector, helping groups access information, guidance and connections to develop their ideas.

The impact: benefits beyond renewable energy

Community energy projects can generate clean electricity while creating wider benefits for local people.

Depending on the project, these can include:

  • Renewable energy generation: solar panels on schools and other community buildings, alongside wind and hydro projects
  • Lower energy costs: helping organisations meet their energy needs and supporting households through energy efficiency measures
  • Warmer, healthier homes: investing in retrofit and fuel poverty initiatives
  • Community investment: reinvesting surplus income through community benefit funds to support further local projects
  • Stronger local connections: bringing together people with different skills and experiences to work towards a shared goal
  • Greater local participation: giving people a practical way to influence the energy transition and contribute to their community

For Duncan, the value is not measured in electricity alone. Community energy can also give people a greater sense of agency, confidence and connection to the places where they live.

What makes a difference?

Duncan identifies several factors that can help communities move from an initial idea to a project that delivers results.

  • Bring people together. Start with a group who share an interest in making a difference locally
  • Agree on a common vision. Identify what the community wants to achieve and the benefits the project should deliver
  • Access the right support. Use available guidance, mentoring and funding to establish whether a project is viable
  • Build partnerships. Connect with local authorities, technical experts, funders and established community energy organisations
  • Reinvest in local priorities. Where projects generate surplus income, use it to support further environmental and social benefits
  • Share knowledge. Learn from organisations that have already developed projects and help others follow their example

The role of funding and collaboration

Early stage support can be critical to making community energy projects viable. Funding for feasibility studies and project development can help local groups overcome the initial barriers and progress towards delivery.

Local authorities can also play an important role by working with community energy organisations to identify opportunities and develop partnerships.

Duncan highlights the importance of making use of the resources already available through Community Energy England, including guidance for new organisations, learning opportunities and connections with experienced practitioners.

The key takeaway

Community energy demonstrates that the transition to net zero is not just about technology. It is about enabling people to participate, work together and create benefits that are felt locally.

As Duncan explains, the first step is often the simplest: bring people together, agree on a vision and start making it happen.

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