At Energise South Downs, we believe that renewable energy should not only cut carbon but also strengthen the communities it serves. One of the most effective ways to make that happen is through shared ownership.
Shared ownership means that local people and organisations hold a financial stake in a renewable energy project – such as a solar farm – alongside the commercial developer. In practice, that means residents are not just passive observers; they have a voice, a vote, and a share of the benefits.
What shared ownership means for communities
A well-designed shared ownership scheme does more than generate power.
It can:
Boost local engagement
When people are part-owners, they are more likely to engage, support and champion the project.
Keep profits in the area
Surpluses can be used for community priorities, such as tackling fuel poverty, improving biodiversity or supporting local projects.
Support climate goals
Local generation helps cut emissions in line with regional and national targets, while keeping energy benefits in the community.
Shared ownership in practice across the UK
Across the UK, shared ownership models are already delivering tangible results.
Westmill Solar Co-operative, Oxfordshire – In 2012, local residents raised £4 million to purchase a 5 MW solar park, now run as one of the largest community-owned solar farms in the country. Each year, the solar farm prevents around 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere, the equivalent of taking 215 petrol cars off the road. In total, Westmill Solar has donated over £800,000 to organisations within 25-miles of the solar park.
Community Energy Together – In 2023, five community benefit societies joined forces to take over seven solar farms with a combined capacity of around 36 MW, generating enough power for almost 13,000 homes and are expected to return over £20 million in surplus income to local projects. This was described as “the biggest transfer of community energy assets ever in the UK“
The opportunity for Caker Stream Solar Farm
For Caker Stream Solar Farm, we are working with our partners Energy Alton, Community Energy Pathways and the developer Quintas Cleantech to create a shared ownership model that works for East Hampshire.
Our early thinking is to form a Community Benefit Society, allowing up to 10% of the solar farm to be owned and managed by local people. Surpluses from this share would be reinvested in:
- Green initiatives
- Energy advice services
- Fuel poverty support
- Local parish and community projects
This approach ensures the benefits of clean power remain here – circulating in our economy and improving quality of life for local residents.
Building local support
Shared ownership also strengthens the case for planning approval. It demonstrates that a solar farm is not something imposed from outside but a project rooted in, and accountable to, the community.
We know there have been some objections to Caker Stream, and while we respect all views, we believe a locally owned share of the project offers a fair and inclusive way forward.
Learn more and get involved
We are still in the early stages of shaping how shared ownership will work at Caker Stream Solar Farm. If you would like to stay informed, or explore how you might invest, please get in touch with us at hello@esd.energy.
Together, we can make sure clean energy in East Hampshire delivers lasting local benefits for decades to come.
