The North East and Yorkshire (NEY) Net Zero Hub is working with Community Energy South to develop a network of community energy groups across the region and a programme of support to help them deliver successful projects.
Community energy is about people coming together to reduce energy use, purchase, manage and generate low carbon heat and power. Community energy projects are often delivered collectively by a group or organisation with a focus on engagement, local leadership and strong positive outcomes for the local community. Community groups often have distinct, specific localised goals with an overarching benefit of tackling climate change, energy security and making energy affordable.
We know that there is huge potential for community led projects across the North East and Yorkshire looking to reduce energy use, and to purchase, manage and generate low carbon heat and electricity. We also know that there is a wealth of knowledge, skills and enthusiasm embedded in our communities. In order to create an environment where this potential can be fully realised, we want to provide additional co-ordination and support at a regional level.
The NEY Net Zero Hub has commissioned CES to deliver plans for a package of support, tailored to local needs, initially as a pilot scheme to a small number of groups but ultimately as an ongoing, sustainable and locally led programme available to all communities looking to develop local energy projects.
Please read on for more information, including on our questionnaire and upcoming events.
A new regional network of local community groups.
We will be running events, webinars and other activities to help develop a wider community energy network across the region. This will help enable greater co-ordination and shared learning and ensure that local voices are at the heart of the project.
A bespoke package of support for projects.
We are looking for groups to work with from July until the end of the year who will receive dedicated project support from CES to progress their projects to the next level. These might be projects in the early stages that need help getting going, or they might be well advanced and need support with specific issues or barriers. If you are interested in taking part in this pilot, please get in touch. If the time is not right for you, don’t worry – we hope that this support will be more widely available after the completion of the pilot.
Steering Group of Local Champions
We are looking for individuals and community representatives to take part in a Steering Group that will be responsible for shaping the support available to communities on an ongoing basis. If you would like to find out more about joining the steering group please get in touch by emailing contact@communityenergysouth.org.
We held an event on 22nd June which was an opportunity to hear more about this project and to share views on how support for the community energy sector in NEY should be delivered. We looked at success stories and heard from experts and policy makers on delivering projects.
Recording available shortly, please check back!