Community energy in Somerset
Learn how community energy projects across Somerset generate clean electricity, support local communities and create funding for environmental initiatives
About community energy
Community energy gives local people the opportunity to own, fund and benefit from renewable energy projects in their area. These projects generate clean electricity, reduce carbon emissions and keep more of the financial benefits within local communities.
Across Somerset, community energy groups have developed solar, wind and other renewable energy schemes that support local organisations, lower energy costs and create funding for community projects. They also help residents improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty.
Community energy organisations work with local people to develop, own and manage renewable energy projects. As well as generating clean electricity or heat, these projects deliver social, environmental and economic benefits for local communities.
How community energy works
Local ownership
Community energy projects are usually owned by local people through organisations such as:
- co-operatives
- community benefit societies
- charities
- Community Interest Companies
These organisations raise money through community share offers, grants or crowdfunding to invest in renewable energy assets.
Clean energy generation
Projects use renewable resources such as:
- solar power
- wind power
- water power
Common technologies include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines and small-scale hydroelectric systems.
Community benefit funds
Many projects generate income through energy sales and electricity exported to the national grid. Organisations often use surplus income to create community benefit funds.
These funds support local projects, such as:
- improving energy efficiency
- supporting environmental initiatives
- funding community facilities
- tackling fuel poverty
What community energy organisations do
Community energy organisations often focus on three key areas.
Renewable energy generation
They develop local renewable energy projects, including:
- rooftop solar installations
- solar farms
- wind energy schemes
- battery storage projects
Energy efficiency support
They help residents reduce energy use by:
- improving home insulation
- reducing drafts
- lowering energy bills
- providing energy-saving advice
Tackling fuel poverty
They support vulnerable households through:
- grants and financial support
- energy advice services
- assistance with reducing household energy costs
Community energy organisations in Somerset
Somerset has several active community energy organisations that have installed rooftop solar and solar farm projects funded by local investment. Many of these organisations use community benefit funds to support environmental and social projects across Somerset.
The Somerset Community Energy Network brings together community energy groups from across the county. It helps members share knowledge, develop new projects and work with Somerset Council on renewable energy and battery storage schemes that support decarbonisation and energy resilience.
You can view a map of Somerset community energy organisations and local project case studies on the Somerset community energy projects map.
Somerset community energy case studies
Brendon Energy Portfolio
Brendon Energy reports that its portfolio expanded from an initial solar installation at Wiveliscombe Children’s Centre to include village halls, community centres, sports clubs and schools across Somerset.
By the end of 2017, projects included installations at:
- Churchinford Village Hall
- Brompton Regis Village Hall
- Wiveliscombe Community Centre
- Wellington Rugby Club
- Wellington Bowls Club
- North Curry Village Hall
- White Street Sports Pavilion
- Heathfield Community School
- Somerset Bridge School
- North Curry School
- Court Fields School
- Friends Meeting House, Taunton
Outcomes
Brendon Energy’s work demonstrates how community-owned renewable energy can deliver lasting local benefits, including:
- community ownership of renewable energy assets
- lower energy bills for community organisations
- investment opportunities through community share offers
- funding for local projects and charities
- generation of clean renewable electricity across Somerset
For more information, including historic generation data, visit the Brendon Energy energy production figures page.