Bath and North East Somerset Council is inviting local communities to step forward and spearhead small-scale, community-owned renewable energy projects through its new “Energy in Your Community” initiative. This exciting program seeks to select three community groups eager to explore renewable energy options such as wind and solar power generation.
As part of the broader Community Energy Network—a three-year project supported by a £1.5 million grant from the National Lottery Climate Action Fund—this initiative provides vital support to communities ready to lead their own green energy transition. Interested groups have until 5pm on Friday, August 1, to submit their applications via the council’s website. Applications will be evaluated based on community enthusiasm and potential for local engagement.
Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, emphasized the unique opportunity: “Local organisations passionate about launching community-owned renewable energy projects can benefit hugely from this dedicated support. The selected communities will receive expert guidance and resources to identify, develop, and promote their schemes. These initiatives will not only reduce carbon emissions but also drive local development and could generate community energy funds to support future projects. This effort aligns with the council’s ambitious target of generating 300MW of renewable energy capacity locally.”
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Successful applicants will work closely with partners including Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE), the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), and the University of Bath. Support includes community workshops, expert consultation, and grant funding for feasibility studies and project planning.
Neil Best, senior town planner at CSE, added, “By applying tailored, place-based approaches, this project fosters a fairer and smarter transition to net zero that is deeply rooted in local needs and perspectives.”
Three areas—Peasedown and Wellow, Temple Cloud and Hinton Blewitt, and Stowey Sutton alongside East and West Harptree—have already advanced to a second phase after participating in the 2022 Future Energy Landscape pilot. Residents in these locations who have not yet engaged can still join their local community energy groups.
Additionally, the program aims to build a network of “Energy Champions” across the region to offer advice and support on home energy efficiency, retrofitting, and renewable technologies.
For further details or to express interest, visit the Bath & North East Somerset Council website or contact [email protected].