What is the potential for local energy production?
SIDENERGY:
Almost a decade ago, SidEnergy was looking at producing energy locally – but had to put a stop to its projects due to the cutting back of the feed-in tariff scheme: SidEnergy – Vision Group for Sidmouth
CAPS:
The Climate Awareness Partnership has been looking at the possibilities of local energy:
“We can build on the solid platform of awareness of the changing climate to start building practical projects to address the changing climate locally,” says Dave Bramley, CAPS lead. “We understand that people want to see real progress on the ground – and so we’re hoping to look at energy generation, food production and other possible actions we can take forward here in the Sid Valley.” CAPS looking forward! – Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth
LOCAL ENERGY & CENTRAL GOVERNMENT:
Local Electricity Bill:
The Power for People group has been pushing for local energy – with some success:
As of September 2023, as a result of our efforts, the Government have announced a new £10 million fund for groups across England to start up and expand and has committed to a consultation on how to remove the barriers community energy projects face and will report annually to Parliament on it. This is excellent, but the harsh regulatory environment is still in place. We are working to ensure that the consultation can deliver the market reform needed for local projects to thrive. The Community Energy Revolution — Power for People
The solution that we recommend to overcoming barriers and realise potential growth is to enable community groups to sell electricity that they generate to local customers. We laid out a mechanism that would do this in last year’s Local Electricity Bill, which we authored together with Dr Jeff Hardy, Nigel Cornwall and other energy system experts. Our Submission to the Government’s “Barriers to Community Energy Projects” Call for Evidence — Power for People

Great British Energy:
Meanwhile, the new government has launched its Great British Energy venture – and many have high expectations that it will also sell cheaper locally-produced renewable energy directly to the public: Public Eager to Purchase Homegrown Clean Energy Directly from Great British Energy
The Rural Services Network is concerned that the new set-up doesn’t unfairly disadvantage rural areas:
GBE’s strategy includes the Local Power Plan, which aims to develop small and medium-scale renewable energy projects with local community involvement. This approach could decentralise energy generation and potentially bring economic benefits to rural areas, although detailed plans and their implementation will be crucial to realising these benefits. To ensure that rural communities are not overlooked in the rollout of Great British Energy, the RSN‘s Delivering for Rural campaign continues to advocate for the following actions… Great British Energy: What Does It Mean for Rural Areas – Rural Services Network
Community Planning:
The government is keen to push for more onshore renewables – but again the RSN is concerned that local communities have a say:
The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions necessitates an improved onshore planning system for renewable energy and grid infrastructure. A recent interim report, “Insights for the Decarbonised Electricity System: Journeys through Planning,” by the Aldersgate Group, RenewableUK, and CPRE (The Countryside Charity), identifies several critical challenges and offers pathways for improvement...
In summary, the interim report calls for a more strategic and integrated approach to planning renewable energy and grid infrastructure. These changes are vital for ensuring the UK meets its net-zero targets while protecting natural landscapes and empowering local communities. A Joined-Up Planning System for Net Zero Success – Rural Services Network
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