Renewable energy can do more than generate clean power; it can transform the relationship communities have with energy. It can create opportunities for people to influence decisions, to own and benefit from local energy projects, and shape a fairer energy future.

Renewable energy technology is a means to an end, creating opportunities for communities to shape how energy is generated and used. From small local projects to larger developments, different approaches and ownership models can help ensure renewable energy delivers lasting benefits for the people and places where it is developed.

At CSE, we have been supporting communities to explore and deliver renewable energy projects for more than 45 years. Whether you’re starting with an idea, developing a project or looking to increase your impact, we can help you take the next step.

This page is arranged in six sections:

1: Practical support
2: Tools and guides
3: Webinars
4: Research and innovation
5: Funding
6: Our credentials

Section 1: Practical Support

From your first idea to a fully funded project, we offer practical, bespoke expert support at every stage. Below are some examples of the practical support that CSE is currently providing int he community energy sector:

Community Energy GO

Community Energy Go provides free expert advice, practical support and signposting for community groups developing renewable energy projects anywhere in England. Whether you’re at the ideas stage or are already under way, Community Energy GO connects you with the guidance you need to move forward. Find out more on the Community Energy GO website.

Register your interest today to access free support and find out how Community Energy GO can help your project.

Energy Learning Network

The Energy Learning Network is a free UK-wide learning network that helps community energy groups share knowledge, build skills and overcome challenges as they develop renewable energy projects. Through peer learning, mentoring, events and practical resources, the network connects communities with the experience and support they need to take projects forward.

Join the Energy Learning Network to access free events, resources, peer support and opportunities to learn from others working on community energy projects.

Future Energy Landscapes

Our Future Energy Landscapes design and facilitation support offer is based on our award-winning approach to helping communities shape decisions about renewable energy in their local area. We work with local authorities, civic organisations and community groups to run meaningful engagement processes that give people a real say in local energy futures.

To discuss your needs and find out how Future Energy Landscapes could support your project, contact us for an initial conversation and a tailored proposal.

Capability-building

We design and deliver training, workshops and learning spaces that bring together the social, technical and financial aspects of renewable energy project development.

From masterclasses for emerging groups to tailored sessions for organisations navigating specific challenges, we help build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to develop successful projects.

We create practical and engaging learning that reflects the realities of delivering renewable energy projects. We can help groups explore new approaches, overcome barriers and learn from the experience of others. CSE is open to commissions from community groups, local authorities, funders and partner organisations looking to strengthen their skills and capability.

Contact us to discuss your requirements and explore how we can support your organisation.

Looking for support with a community building? We have lots of useful information and resources here.

Section 2: Tools and guides

We’ve developed a range of free tools and guides based on decades of experience supporting community energy projects. Whether you need help with governance, engaging your community or planning a retrofit project, there’s something here for you. For more resources and guides visit our resource section.

Community Energy Governance Guide

Good governance is the foundation of a sustainable community energy organisation. This guide sets out practical advice on structures, decision-making and accountability for groups at any stage of development.

Future Energy Landscapes Toolkit

This toolkit includes workshop materials, resources and step-by-step guidance for community groups and local authorities running engagement processes around local renewable energy planning.

Widening Participation Toolkit

Community energy works best when it works for everyone. This toolkit offers practical tools and case studies to help community energy groups reach more people, remove barriers to involvement and increase their impact.

Solar Wizard

Planning a roof-top solar project? Solar Wizard is a free online tool that helps communities, local authorities and organisations explore the potential for solar energy in their area. It provides practical insights into suitable locations, potential energy generation and project opportunities, helping people understand what is possible and take the next steps towards developing solar projects.

Building collaboration between local authorities and community energy groups

This guide provides advice, case studies and tools to help councils build stronger partnerships with community energy organisations and make the most of opportunities for local renewable energy.

Section 3: Webinars

Learn from our experts and explore the latest thinking, opportunities and practical advice on community renewable energy.

Through our projects and programmes, we run a range of webinars, workshops and online events bringing together communities, practitioners, local authorities and partners to share knowledge and experience.

We know it is not always possible to attend live sessions, so we’ve created a dedicated space where you can register for upcoming webinars and watch recordings of previous events if these are available.

Recorded webinars can be found on our YouTube channel. This playlist of Energy Learning Network webinars contains recordings of six community energy-themed webinars from 2025.

Section 4: Research and Innovation

Building the evidence and understanding needed to create a fairer, more effective renewable energy future.

Our support for communities is grounded in research, evidence and a deep understanding of the wider energy system. We don’t just help renewable energy projects happen; we explore the conditions that make the transition to clean energy practical, fair and beneficial for people and places.

As an independent research organisation recognised by UK Research and Innovation, we combine research expertise with our experience of working with communities, local authorities and partners across the UK.

Our work helps identify what works, what needs to change and how renewable energy can deliver wider social, economic and environmental benefits. We explore:

• How communities can shape and benefit from renewable energy development.
• How the transition to clean energy can be fairer and more inclusive.
• The role of local energy systems in creating resilient places.
• The ownership, investment and governance models that enable projects to succeed.
• How engagement and participation can lead to better outcomes.

Recent research and innovation:

Community Energy for Everyone

Research exploring how to make community energy more inclusive and accessible and what that means in practice for groups, funders and policymakers.

Smart Local Energy Systems

Smart local energy systems use digital technology to match energy supply, demand and storage at a local level and community groups are often at the heart of making them work. Our research, led in partnership with the University of Sussex and King’s College London, examines the often-invisible contribution households and communities make to these systems, and what that means for fairness, policy and design.

Next Generation innovation programme

Working with community energy groups to test and develop new approaches to project development, finance and community participation.

Section 5: Funding

There are many ways to fund a community energy project. Our funding for community energy projects page walks you through the main options – from grants and crowdfunding to raising community shares – with tips on how to apply and examples from groups who’ve done it.

Section 6: Our credentials

For more than 45 years, we’ve helped hundreds of community organisations develop projects, access funding and build their skills and confidence. Last year alone, we supported 871 community organisations to take action on climate change or fuel poverty. And we distributed £2.3m in grants to community energy projects and trained or upskilled 4,594 community stakeholders. We’re a trusted partner to government, funders and community energy groups across the UK and we bring all of that experience when we work with you.

Find out more about our work on our community energy credentials page.