Communities could be in a position to make a profit from low carbon technologies, if local authorities had more power to influence government.

That’s the view of researchers at Sheffield Hallam University, who analysed the Government’s community energy plans.

The Community Energy Strategy published last year, allows individuals and local communities to make important contributions to low carbon energy solutions. Community energy is where communities work together to either generate energy, or to collectively reduce the amount of energy they use.

However researchers at Sheffield have questioned whether the opportunities available, will be just in the hands of the rich.

Dr Will Eadson, Researcher at Sheffield Hallam University and co-author of Critical Perspectives on Community Energy said: “If you’re asking people to come forward, those people are more likely to be from people who are financially well off.”

His paper collectively tackles the issue of community energy, where Eadson believes there is a case to empower local authorities much more.