Need advice and support on developing your community energy project? We are here to help.
Developing a community energy project can be challenging at the best of times. With new business models emerging as a result of the energy system transition, project development is becoming even more complex, but don’t let that put you off.
Whether you’re just getting started or whether you’re a renewables veteran, there are a range of specialist support groups, services and tools in our ZCC Hub to help you on your community energy journey.
If you are keen to undertake a project within our patch or if you would just like to speak to us in a little more detail, we’re listening.
Be sure to stay up to date with the latest community energy developments, by registering your interest.
Specialist Groups
Community Energy Scotland (CES)
Community Energy Scotland (CES) is a national charity focused on providing advice and support to community groups with the aim of enabling them to develop their own renewable energy projects. They provide detailed, independent and ongoing support for all aspects of community energy project development from micro to megawatt scale.
As a membership-based organisation, CES encourages members to connect with each other and share knowledge as well as working hard to represent community organisations at policy level and ensure that the specific issues and challenges faced by the community energy sector is given a voice at the highest levels. Click hereto contact a CES development officer.
Local Energy Scotland manages the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) which aims to encourage local and community ownership of renewable energy across Scotland. It has a network of development officers across Scotland to provide regional advice and support.
Community Energy England (CEE)
Community Energy England is a not for profit organisation that represents and supports the community energy sector in England by increasing the profile of community energy, building capacity within the sector, and by advocating for supportive policies at national and local levels. By putting people at the heart of the energy system their mission is to support and accelerate the transition to a fair, low carbon and community-led energy system. Contact them at: info@communityenergyengland.org
Community Energy Wales (CEW)
Community Energy Wales is a not for profit membership organisation that has been set up to provide assistance and a voice to community groups working on energy projects in Wales. They offer a platform for community groups to pool experience and learn from each other, and they campaign on behalf of the sector to influence the formation of energy policy in Wales to support the delivery of clear community energy targets. Contact them here.
Online Resources and Tools
Helping Communities Understand the Changing Energy System and Develop Low Carbon, Locally Owned Energy Projects.
CES' Community Energy Futures (CEF) programme is designed to help community groups across Scotland understand the changes in the UK energy system and provide them with the knowledge and support to develop innovative renewable energy projects of their own with their local communities.
The programme consists of workshops, which encourage interaction and discussion between participants, and a tailored package of practical one-to-one support designed to help community groups move their energy project ideas forward.
To find out more about the programme and access a wealth of CEF related resources, head over to the programme website.
Local Energy Scotland CARES Toolkit
Local Energy Scotland’s CARES Toolkit is an online guide which has a range of downloadable documents to support with every step of the project development process.
Community Energy England Resource Hub
Community Energy England (CEE) is a not for profit organisation with a mission to support and accelerate the transition to a fair, low carbon and community-led energy system. CEE represents and supports the community energy sector in England by providing information and data, connecting community energy organisations and collaborating with stakeholders, and being a voice of the sector advocating for supportive policies at national and local levels. Contact them at: info@communityenergyengland.org or @Comm1NRG on Twitter.
Welsh Government’s Local Energy Service
The Welsh Government's Local Energy Service offers financial and technical support to help communities across Wales develop renewable energy schemes. For more details go here.