As part of our ongoing work to build capacity in the community energy sector in the South West, the Hub’s Regional team has had a busy month.
We are providing first step support to 26 newer community energy groups through a partnership with CSE’s Community Energy Go Programme with the aim of increasing diversity in the sector.
To provide additional support for newer community energy groups, we are working with Ashden Climate Solutions on a mentoring scheme where individuals are paired with an experienced mentor. 15 places were available for GBECF funded groups, as well as some groups who were unsuccessful in their funding bids that are now being supported to deliver stronger applications in any future funding rounds.
Earlier this month, we attended the the Devon Community Energy Network Spring Gathering. The Hub supported the event, working alongside Exeter Community Energy and Regen. Community energy groups from across Devon attended to hear presentations on the Local Power Plan, working in partnership with local authorities, and financing and developing projects collectively, as well as updates from community energy projects currently underway in Devon.
Again in May, we hosted a virtual development event to explore the potential to establish a new Community Energy Network in the Dorset & BCP area . This would be a regional collaboration between local authorities, community groups, and support organisations, building on the successful examples of Community Energy Networks in Devon and Wessex.
So far this year, Carbon Literacy training has been delivered to 144 council officers, senior leaders and elected members to raise awareness of the problems of climate heating and opening minds to finding new Net Zero solutions and projects in councils and the public sector.
We are also holding a second Seeing is Believing Tour on 11 June in Devon. The tour will showcase local Community Energy projects to elected members and senior managers within local authorities to build trust and understanding and facilitate networking with the Community Energy sector.
This work is being supported through the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) Regional Capacity Fund.