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Our research provides new evidence base for growth in community energy
We have published new first-of-its-kind research exploring how community energy could develop over the coming decade, helping build a better understanding of what communities may need from the energy system in future.
Produced in partnership with Regen, the study is the first time a network planning framework has been applied to assess the future of community energy, creating a new evidence base for policymakers, network operators and investors seeking to understand what it will take to deliver community energy at scale.
David Witherspoon, Community Energy Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said:
"Community energy can deliver real benefits for local people. This research gives us a better understanding of how community energy could grow in the years ahead and the factors that could help unlock that growth.
“By understanding where opportunities exist and the support communities may need, we can continue helping local groups bring projects forward. “We're already working with community energy organisations through dedicated events, guidance, innovation projects and one-to-one support, and these insights will help inform how we continue to support the sector in the years ahead."
The research examines a range of future scenarios for community energy and the factors that could enable more communities to participate in and benefit from the changing energy system in each of our four licence areas, which include South and Mid Wales, and the South West and Midlands in England.
These pathways – Steady Growth, Accelerated Uptake and Transformational Change - highlight a significant opportunity for community energy growth across our four licence areas. The modelling suggests that policy and regulatory frameworks will be an important factor in determining how far community energy can grow.
Today, around 170 community energy organisations operate across our licence areas, collectively employing more than 300 people and contributing more than £1.2 million annually to local communities.
The report explores how community-owned renewable generation could grow under different future scenarios and highlights the importance of access to skills, support and investment if community energy is to expand further.
The findings will help inform future network planning and support our ongoing work with community energy groups, ensuring communities are better placed to participate in and benefit from the changing energy landscape.