Low-carbon community energy
Community energy can lower fuel bills and emissions – and helps more people join the journey to zero.
Powering up local and community energy delivers more than cleaner kilowatts – it gives people a bigger stake in our shared low-carbon future. Done well, local and community energy brings important benefits such as lower bills, new jobs and training opportunities, and new funds for community projects. When people see this change on their doorstep, it sparks public support for climate action.
Every neighbourhood is different – so it’s vital that local and community energy projects are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the place they serve. And given the economic benefits of these schemes, it’s particularly important to support their growth in marginalised communities.
Ashden is a key partner in the Energy Learning Network – a collaboration involving leading community energy bodies in every UK nation. We also support local authorities and their partners to deliver effective, inclusive work in this area. Our awards boost community energy innovators from the public, private and third sectors, and we use our knowledge and stories of proven solutions to inspire national policy progress. And our Let’s Go Zero campaign helps schools partner with community energy organisations.
Our work and programmes
Community Energy GO offers free, tailored support to community groups just starting out or recently formed, aiming to develop renewable energy or low-carbon projects. We help you shape your ideas, build confidence, and access expert guidance to turn your idea into a successful community energy project.
“Community Energy GO fills a crucial gap, giving new groups the expert support and confidence they need to create successful community-owned energy projects.”
Steven Coonick, Senior Community Renewables Manager at the Centre for Sustainable Energy
Case Studies - proven low-carbon community energy solutions
Winner of The 2025 Ashden Award for Outstanding Achievement (UK)
For more than a decade, Repowering London has enabled diverse communities across the capital to understand and enjoy the many benefits of clean energy, by putting people at the heart of the energy system.
Winner of The 2024 Ashden Award for People’s Energy
Energise Barnsley is lowering bills for older people in social housing, using the power of solar energy. Its impact includes installing new technology in hundreds of properties, and bringing ongoing support to tenants.
The current green skills gap around the country shows an urgent need for training.
Guidance for local authorities, produced with Friends of the Earth
Guidance for local authorities, produced with Friends of the Earth
Guidance for local authorities, produced with Friends of the Earth
Guidance for local authorities, produced with Friends of the Earth
Tools and reports
Briefing paper on the value of a community energy approach
Short briefing paper to the social, economic and environmental value of a community energy approach.
Energy Learning Network mentoring handbook
A guide to being an ELN mentor.
The case for community energy
Understanding the added value of a community energy approach and why support for community energy is vital for the success of the UK’s transition to net zero.
Community Energy in Action: Demonstrating the value of community-led solutions to net zero
The energy transition is not just about infrastructure and technology – it is about people, fairness, and building a future where everyone benefits. Community energy is one of the most effective ways to ensure that decarbonisation strengthens communities rather than leaving them behind.
A guide to evidencing the impact of community energy
Community energy organisations play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable, fair, and locally driven energy future. But how can you effectively demonstrate the real difference your work makes?
The Value of Community Energy: a digest of supporting evidence for the Energy Learning Network
Information supporting The Energy Learning Network's report on the social, economic and environmental value of a community energy approach.
South West Net Zero Hub Community Energy film
A South West Net Zero Hub video explaining the benefits of getting involved in Community Energy projects and encouraging applications to the Great British Energy Community Fund.