New community challenge aims to jump-start energy projects

Community energy projects will receive a £1m jump-start today, with the launch of an innovative new programme from The Co-operative1.

The Co-operative Energy Challenge aims to provide financial backing and support, to a select group of ambitious communities across the UK to help them develop significant renewable energy projects.

To be delivered by Bristol-based charity the Centre for Sustainable Energy2 (CSE) on behalf of The Co-operative, the programme will see the development of six to eight projects on a scale rarely seen in the UK, but which are common on the continent – such as wind farms, anaerobic digesters, biomass district heating schemes and hydropower stations.

Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative, said: "Our aim is to stimulate an energy revolution that will enable communities up and down the country to benefit from community renewable projects.

"If you look at other countries such as Germany it is clear that the relationship between people and energy is completely different than it is in the UK. We want to change it from one where people are at the mercy of large profit-making energy providers to one where they control, generate and benefit from their own energy supply."

Once chosen, the communities will then receive between 12 to 18 months of enterprise development, mentorship, and technical advice from CSE which will see them prepared for the next stage: to have the projects built and completed.

Simon Roberts OBE, Chief Executive of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, said: "The Co-operative’s new intervention represents a major breakthrough. The Co-operative Energy Challenge gives communities the opportunity to secure the support they need to get serious about developing the larger-scale renewable energy projects that generate real pride and profits for local people."

The Co-operative Energy Challenge launch coincides with the inaugural meeting of a new group of civil society champions who have been brought together by The Co-operative and its partners Forum for the Future and Carbon Leapfrog to act as renewable energy ambassadors.

Late last year the group, which includes leading figures from the Women’s Institute, Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), The Church of England and the National Trust, visited Germany to see for themselves examples of successful community renewable schemes.