Power to the people as community energy booms

The UK is transforming the way its energy is generated as thousands of homes and businesses across England are powered by locally-owned renewable projects. They include solar panels generating electricity […]

The UK is transforming the way its energy is generated as thousands of homes and businesses across England are powered by locally-owned renewable projects.

They include solar panels generating electricity for hospitals in Warwickshire and the nation’s first carbon-neutral tennis centre in Farringdon.

According to DECC, 62 renewable projects have been supported in the last 12 months as a result of the £25 million urban and community energy funds.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “We’ve changed the way people power their homes and businesses by bringing communities together so they can generate their own energy.

“Community energy is putting power over generation and bills in the hands of local people, helping them save money and make money while boosting jobs in the local area.”

DECC’s recent public attitudes survey revealed 76% of people support the use of renewables to generate electricity, fuel and heat in the UK.

The UK’s first Community Energy Strategy was launched last year.

Scotland also saw a 27% rise in community-owned energy projects last year, according to the Scottish Government.

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