The funding marks a new stage in efforts to expand community-owned energy projects, allowing local organisations to seek support for ideas that can generate renewable electricity within their areas. According to the Government’s announcement, the People’s Power projects are intended to give communities more control over local energy supplies.
Younity, a joint venture between Octopus Energy and OurCoop, is supporting community groups that want to develop these projects by offering financial support, expertise and access to energy markets. The organisation said it is already helping almost 350 community energy projects across Britain, which is nearly four times the number it supported five years ago.
Funding Support Aims to Help Communities Develop Clean Energy Projects
The new funding is expected to support more than 1,000 projects as communities and local authorities explore ways to create local renewable energy schemes. Projects can include solar installations on schools and community buildings, along with local wind and hydro power developments.
Younity provides several forms of support for groups working on community energy plans. This includes the Community Energy Kickstart Loan, which offers up to £1.5 million of fast, low-interest funding to help projects begin construction. The organisation also runs the Powering Communities Fund, which provides grants for local social and environmental projects. According to Younity, nearly £95,000 has already been distributed to 27 groups through this fund.
Other support includes Power Purchase Agreements, which allow community generators to sell the electricity they produce and receive an income stream. Younity also operates Community Energy Connect, a free platform designed to link community energy groups with volunteers who can provide different skills and expertise.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Customer Officer at Octopus Energy, said the funding represented an opportunity for communities to take greater control of their energy. “Younity can help to kickstart projects with cash, connections and know-how to turn bright ideas into real clean energy projects,” she said.
Community Energy Projects Are Expanding Across Britain
Community-owned renewable energy schemes have grown in recent years, with projects operating across England, Scotland and Wales. According to Community Energy England, community-owned wind, solar and hydro projects in England already represent more than 400 MW of generating capacity and provide power for more than 200,000 homes. These projects have also delivered financial benefits, with Community Energy England reporting £1.86 million in bill savings through community energy initiatives.
Local groups involved with Younity’s support have described the impact of gaining access to funding and networks. Andy O’Brien, Co-founder of Bristol Energy Co-operative, said the organisation had received quick access to funds needed to build its latest solar community energy project.
Sarah Hume, Director of Barnet Community Energy in London, said Younity’s support introduced her to a wider network of people working in community energy. She said this helped lead to the creation of Community Energy Barnet, which has ambitions to install solar panels across rooftops in Barnet.
The latest funding round provides communities with a route to develop renewable energy projects while working with organisations that already support local energy initiatives. Younity said community groups can access further information about its support programmes through its website.
