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

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Community Energy for Everyone

This project explored how community energy could be made more inclusive and accessible to all, and what that means in practice for community groups, funders and policymakers.

Now that Research and Innovation is it’s own page, we have space to write a more specific description of these projects so that a user knows that the page is of interest to them.

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Click here to read the project profile.

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.

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Click here to read the project profile.

Next Generation innovation programme

Working with community energy groups to test and develop new approaches to project development, finance and community participation. This page badly needs rewriting.

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Click here to read the project profile.

Other pages in our community renewables section:

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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.

Something else?

Not found what you’re looking for. Tells us how you think we can help; email CSE’s communities team today.