Community energy powering 130,000 UK homes

Community energy projects are powering hundreds of thousands of homes across the UK. The first Community Energy State of the Sector report reveals a total of 222 community organisations are […]

Community energy projects are powering hundreds of thousands of homes across the UK.

The first Community Energy State of the Sector report reveals a total of 222 community organisations are now operating solar, hydro and wind power schemes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

They have a collective generation capacity of 121MW – equivalent to the usage of 85,500 homes.

Combined with Scotland’s 67MW of capacity, the UK community energy sector can power around 130,000 homes.

Solar is the biggest energy source used, generating 99MW, followed by wind at 20.6MW and hydropower at 1.7MW.

Community-run energy organisations have raised £190 million worth of investment – mostly from share issues, according to Community Energy England.

They have also helped reduce 110,000 tonnes of emissions.

Emma Bridge, Chief Executive of Community Energy England said: “The achievement of community energy organisations across the UK is incredible and shows how they are delivering real benefits for local communities, the wider environment and the UK energy sector too.

“These projects have proved that they are both innovatory and resilient in a very tough climate but the unprecedented cuts in subsidy and tax incentives present them with their biggest challenge yet.”

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