SP Energy Networks has established a new team dedicated to supporting the community energy ambitions of groups within its network areas.
The distribution and transmission network operator says the new team and accompanying community energy strategy recognises the importance of community energy in helping both the UK as a whole and local communities with ambitions to reduce energy costs and enjoy the environmental benefits that these solutions can bring.
Initiatives supported by the team will promote energy autonomy, explore solutions to local energy issues and help to address environmental concerns, fuel poverty, and actively improve communities’ capacity to engage with these types of projects.
As the network operator for North and Mid Wales as well as Central and Southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire and North Shropshire, SP Energy Networks plays a critical role in helping connect community energy projects – ranging from local renewable generation projects to low carbon transport – into the grid.
Benedict Ferguson, Co-Executive Director at Community Energy Wales, said:
“Community energy projects are vital in driving grassroots action against climate change while fostering local resilience and economic growth.
“The new dedicated team from SP Energy Networks is a welcomed initiative that will provide the much-needed support and resources to help community groups take charge of their energy future and make a tangible impact on reducing emissions.”
A recent independent review of community energy commissioned by SP Energy Networks found that community-led green initiatives have the power to deliver 2.5 million tonnes of carbon savings each year – the equivalent of powering 2.2 million UK homes by 2030.
The firm says that community-led energy programmes are a crucial component in achieving net-zero ambitions through the provision of alternative energy sources and grid flexibility to meet the growing demand for low carbon technologies.
As part of the SP Energy Networks’ Community Energy Strategy, a series of dedicated workshops will be delivered to help groups explore the community energy sector, with practical sessions offering technical guidance and signposting to suitable project support. The Community Energy team members will also be on hand to meet with community groups and organisations as well as guiding communities through the energy journey process, providing relevant advice and optioneering.
This initiative also aims to help support national targets, with the Welsh Government striving to expand renewable energy generation by over 100MW through public bodies and community enterprises by 2026, contributing to the 1GW locally owned target by 2030.
Nicola Connelly, CEO, SP Energy Networks, said:
“Over the past year, we have worked closely with community energy organisations and key stakeholders to establish how people perceive and understand community energy.
“It’s clear that there is a wealth of ambition across communities but a lack of resources and support to help every project move forward. In setting up our new community energy team we hope to be able to breakdown potential barriers to community energy projects and help more local groups to see the major benefits community energy can bring them.”
To find out more about SP Energy Networks’ Community Energy team and register for updates on available support visit: www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/zero_carbon_communities.aspx
