The power of people: how communities are making the energy transition happen

For Duncan, one of the most important aspects of community energy is its ability to bring people together and give them the confidence to make a difference.

His own involvement began with the Transition Town Brixton movement, from which Brixton Energy emerged. The experience showed him how a small group of people, united by a shared interest, could begin to turn ideas into action.

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.”

That initial enthusiasm can lead to much more than a renewable energy installation. Community projects create opportunities for people with different skills, backgrounds and experiences to work together, often connecting individuals who might never otherwise have met.

For Duncan, these relationships are among the most valuable outcomes of community energy. Taking part can give people a greater sense of agency, hope and control over their future, while helping them feel more connected to their local area.

It also gives communities a practical way to participate in the energy transition, rather than simply being affected by changes happening elsewhere.

Community energy projects have traditionally focused on technologies such as rooftop solar, wind and hydro power. Often, these installations are connected to local organisations, including schools, helping to meet their energy needs while generating income that can support further community initiatives.

Where projects generate a surplus, profits can be reinvested through community benefit funds. These can support additional renewable energy projects, improve the energy efficiency of local buildings or help households experiencing fuel poverty.

The impact can extend well beyond the energy system itself.

Duncan highlights the significant social returns that can come from investment in energy efficiency and fuel poverty alleviation. Better-insulated homes can be warmer, healthier and more comfortable, while lower energy bills leave households with more money to spend on other essentials.

There are wider economic benefits, too. By keeping more money circulating within local communities, community energy can help strengthen local economies and support projects that respond directly to residents’ needs.

As Duncan explains, the benefits can take many forms, but the underlying principle remains the same: when communities work together to generate value, that value can be reinvested in the places and people who created it.

Interest in community energy is growing as the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent and the importance of public participation in achieving net zero becomes clearer.

Government support is also creating new opportunities for local organisations to develop projects. Duncan points to the role of Great British Energy and the Government’s Local Power Plan in supporting the expansion of community-owned energy.

However, access to early stage funding remains an important challenge. Although many community energy projects can become financially viable, groups often need initial funding to assess feasibility, develop business plans and move projects towards delivery.

Duncan explains that securing this early investment can be difficult for community organisations, which may have limited access to conventional finance and assets that can be used as security for borrowing.

Targeted grants, loans and other forms of support can therefore make a crucial difference, helping local groups turn promising ideas into viable projects.

Awareness is another challenge. Many people are still unfamiliar with community energy or the opportunities available to them. Building that awareness, encouraging participation and connecting communities with the expertise they need will be essential to unlocking its potential.

For communities considering their first energy project, Duncan’s advice is straightforward: start by bringing people together.

He encourages those interested to explore the guidance, resources and support available through Community Energy England, including its information on establishing an organisation, developing projects and connecting with others already working in the sector.

But his message goes beyond finding the right information or funding. Successful community energy starts with a shared vision and the willingness to take the first step.

He advises: “Get together with some people who you know have an option. Come, agree around the vision and then make it click.”

As projects develop, communities can draw on a wide network of people with the skills and experience needed to make them happen. Local authorities also have an important role to play, working alongside community energy organisations to identify opportunities and support locally led initiatives.

Community energy is a powerful reminder that the transition to net zero is not just about technology or infrastructure. It is about people, their communities and what they can achieve when they work towards a common purpose.

Salix’s podcasts explore the challenges and opportunities of decarbonisation, sharing insights from the people, organisations and communities working to turn net zero ambitions into action.

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