Community energy pioneer calls for more local power in decarbonisation drive
Greater Manchester scheme shows how community-owned solar can cut costs, reduce emissions and empower local people
Community-owned renewable energy can play a vital role in tackling climate change, cutting costs for schools and putting power back into local hands, according to Tudor Baker of Greater Manchester Community Renewables (GMCR).
Speaking in episode 51 of The Decarbonisation Dialogue, Tudor outlined how the volunteer-run community benefit society has spent the past decade installing solar panels on schools and community buildings across Greater Manchester. This has helped organisations reduce energy bills while generating long-term benefits for local communities.
GMCR raises investment through community share offers, allowing local people to fund solar installations and become members of the organisation. The solar assets are then owned by the community, with surplus profits reinvested into environmental projects through the GMCR Community Fund.
Tudor said his own involvement stemmed from learning about climate change at university and wanting to make a practical difference after moving to Manchester.
He joined GMCR as a member in 2019 and first volunteered during the 2023 share offer, before joining board meetings in early 2024.
He says: “One of the reasons people get involved with community energy is because the impact is tangible.
“We can see the difference that community-owned solar is making. It reduces carbon emissions, saves money and helps share the benefits of renewable energy more fairly.”
Community energy allows people to take local action and see the results.
If government can create the right environment for it to flourish, more communities will be able to benefit financially, environmentally and socially. It’s about putting power back into the hands of local people.
The community energy alternative
He believes community energy offers an alternative to traditional energy systems that often favour large corporations and leave consumers vulnerable to global market shocks.
He says: “When Russia invaded Ukraine, we saw energy prices skyrocket. Community energy is a way of saying it doesn’t have to be like that. We can generate energy ourselves, own it collectively and keep the benefits within the community.”
A major focus of GMCR’s work is supporting schools, many of which lack the capital needed to install renewable energy systems despite facing rising operating costs.
Since founding in 2016, the initiative has raised £900,000 in community investment. This has funded the installation of solar panels at 11 sites across the region, totalling 826 kW solar capacity, with a further 2 sites in progress.
“That’s money that can go back into books, teaching resources and supporting staff,” Tudor says. “Schools are under enormous pressure financially, and lower energy costs can make a real difference.”
Power into the hands of local people
The benefits extend beyond cheaper electricity. Schools can also apply to the GMCR Community Fund for grants supporting environmental initiatives, including energy efficiency improvements, biodiversity projects and climate education programmes.
In our podcast discussion, Tudor highlighted the enthusiasm shown by young people towards renewable energy and climate action. In fact, at one of GMCR’s largest installations, students played a key role in championing the project.
“The Eco Council at the school was incredibly proud when the solar panels were installed. Often, children are the first people to ask why we aren’t doing more on climate change.”
Despite growing momentum for community energy, Tudor said barriers remain. Grid connection challenges and restrictions on sharing locally generated electricity continue to limit growth.
Looking ahead, Tudor believes community energy can help people feel empowered at a time when climate change often appears overwhelming.
“Community energy allows people to take local action and see the results.
“If government can create the right environment for it to flourish, more communities will be able to benefit financially, environmentally and socially. It’s about putting power back into the hands of local people.”
The Decarbonisation Dialogue
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