Local Power Potential
Supporting new community energy projects in Yorkshire
Northern Powergrid Foundation has commissioned Ashden, on behalf of the Energy Learning Network, to deliver a new pilot in the Yorkshire area.
Local Power Potential is helping community groups across Yorkshire develop local renewable energy projects. Projects that will lower energy bills, generate community wealth, and boost local jobs and skills. All while giving more people in the region a stake in the UK’s clean energy transition.
Ashden are working with Northern Powergrid Foundation, alongside Centre for Sustainable Energy and Community Energy England, to co-ordinate the pre-feasibility support to 10 Yorkshire-based organisations to develop community energy projects.
The support we provide
Each group will receive tailored support to move their ideas forward, and turn early-stage concepts into viable, deliverable community projects. This includes hands-on help from project associates, who will support groups to overcome common barriers and accelerate their progress. Groups will be supported to:
- Develop governance structures and organisational models
- Navigate grid connection challenges
- Build robust business cases
- Prepare community share offers and funding strategies
- Strengthen community engagement and partnerships
The programme builds on the successful model of the Community Energy Go programme, adapting it to address challenges and opportunities in the region.
“We know that community energy projects present great opportunities to people in their local area. We have funded many organisations who have used community energy projects to enhance the resilience of their community, but we knew that this need or motivation wouldn’t apply to every community.
“This project falls under our ‘Creating Opportunities’ strategic pillar in our new strategy. It’s about empowering communities to shape their own energy future and unlock new opportunities.
“It is fantastic that we can work with Ashden and the Energy Learning Network on our Local Power Potential pilot, helping Yorkshire-based community groups develop the knowledge and capacity to take their community energy projects forward. This early-stage funding is often a barrier to these projects progressing, and so we hope we can help to close this gap to help more communities benefit from the potential of community energy solutions”.
Jess Cook, Head of the Northern Powergrid Foundation
Apply for free support today
Use the ‘contact us’ form on the Community Energy Go website.
Or contact: Matthew Ahluwalia,
Cities Programme Lead, Ashden
matthew.ahluwalia@ashden.org
Funded by
