On Wednesday 18th March Energise South Downs celebrated Community Energy Day with other community energy groups, hosted by the Department for Energy and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Great British Energy.
Our CEO Catriona presented as part of the ‘solar workshop’. Although ESD are fairly new kids on the block, she was able to share the learning from our first three rooftop solar projects, including the importance of reaching out to communities through our Future Energy Landscapes workshops (of which there have been 23 to date). She talked about our successful share raise of £300K in ten days, and how this is a testament to our engagement with communities and networking activities. Cat also highlighted our experienced board, which ensures good governance as ESD develops and now upscales.
Cat explained that community energy groups are well placed to deliver, in the heart of the communities they support and champion. She referred to Chris Skidmore’s Mission Zero review, which states that unlocking the ambition of places and communities will deliver net zero in the cheapest and most effective way possible. People need to be brought into the decision making process and derive a sense of ownership of the Net Zero Project.
Cat outlined ESD’s next steps, including having a five year strategy plan aligned with the Local Power Plan.
It was an excellent day of learning, meeting the people who are driving forward the Local Power Plan – DESNZ and GB Energy. But it was also an important day for DESNZ to listen and engage with community energy groups who are passionate and driven to make this energy transition a just transition, ensuring local impact with local benefit. The GB Fund will go a long way when projects are delivered via community energy – offering fantastic value for money.
We were even treated to a surprise visit by Ed Milliband!
