This project aims to provide the first systematic quantitative and qualitative analysis of the role of finance in the evolution of the UK community energy sector. It also seeks to develop recommendations for innovative policies, business models and finance mechanisms that will support future growth of the sector. In light of this, the academic researchers will be working closely with stakeholder organisations across the UK from the outset.
The project involves a literature and data review analysing the development of community energy to date; a UK-wide survey and statistical analysis of community energy finances and business models; in-depth case studies of a range of community energy business models in practice; and an ongoing stream of policy and practice engagement.
In many countries, community energy is experiencing a period of stagnation. This paper develops a newly synthesized policy instrument, innovation system and business model analytical framework, to develop policy solutions to accelerate business model innovation to unlock finance.
This paper explores how finance can better support grassroots innovations and community-led solutions for net-zero transitions.
This report presents a case study of Edinburgh Community Solar Cooperative, exploring how it financed the project against a backdrop of diminishing government support for grassroots sustainable development.
This report presents a case study of community energy project Green Energy Mull, exploring how it was financed against a backdrop of diminishing government support for grassroots sustainable development.
This report presents a case study of Gwent Energy, exploring how it was financed against a backdrop of diminishing government support for grassroots sustainable development.
This report presents a case study of Brighton and Hove Energy Services co-operative, exploring how it was financed against a backdrop of diminishing government support for grassroots sustainable development.
This UKERC Working Paper seeks to understand the factors contributing to the emergence, growth and nature of community energy in the UK
What might community energy in the UK look like in the long term? What does it need for it to thrive? This report provides a summary of stakeholder views of the future of community energy in the UK
This article draws on four community energy case studies to explore how projects are financed...
While the exact size of the sector is not known, the latest research suggests that there are around...