Two young apprentices are learning how to retrofit a house to become more energy efficient.

Low-carbon community energy

Community energy can lower fuel bills and emissions – and helps more people join the journey to zero.

Powering up local and community energy delivers more than cleaner kilowatts – it gives people a bigger stake in our shared low-carbon future. Done well, local and community energy brings important benefits such as lower bills, new jobs and training opportunities, and new funds for community projects. When people see this change on their doorstep, it sparks public support for climate action.

Every neighbourhood is different – so it’s vital that local and community energy projects are inclusive, accessible, and tailored to the needs of the place they serve. And given the economic benefits of these schemes, it’s particularly important to support their growth in marginalised communities.

Ashden is a key partner in the Energy Learning Network – a collaboration involving leading community energy bodies in every UK nation. We also support local authorities and their partners to deliver effective, inclusive work in this area. Our awards boost community energy innovators from the public, private and third sectors, and we use our knowledge and stories of proven solutions to inspire national policy progress. And our Let’s Go Zero campaign helps schools partner with community energy organisations.

Our work and programmes

Four local community members are stood cheering on a roof in Brixton, having just finished installing some solar panels.

The Energy Learning Network

The Energy Learning Network is powering forward community energy projects across the UK – helping more groups launch or grow schemes that decarbonise the grid, build resilience, cut energy bills, and create meaningful benefits for local people. The network shares learning and supports collaboration between communities acting on energy, as well as between the organisations that support them across the UK. It’s bringing free insights, resources and connections to existing community energy groups, as well as to communities looking to become involved in local energy projects for the first time. And it’s creating mentoring and peer learning opportunities too.

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Community Energy GO

Community Energy GO offers free, tailored support to community groups just starting out or recently formed, aiming to develop renewable energy or low-carbon projects. We help you shape your ideas, build confidence, and access expert guidance to turn your idea into a successful community energy project.

“Community Energy GO fills a crucial gap, giving new groups the expert support and confidence they need to create successful community-owned energy projects.”
Steven Coonick, Senior Community Renewables Manager at the Centre for Sustainable Energy

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Case Studies – proven low-carbon community energy solutions

Repowering London

Winner of The 2025 Ashden Award for Outstanding Achievement (UK)

For more than a decade, Repowering London has enabled diverse communities across the capital to understand and enjoy the many benefits of clean energy, by putting people at the heart of the energy system.

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Energise Barnsley

Winner of The 2024 Ashden Award for People’s Energy

Energise Barnsley is lowering bills for older people in social housing, using the power of solar energy. Its impact includes installing new technology in hundreds of properties, and bringing ongoing support to tenants.

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