Localised energy systems: an NGO/community perspective

Rebecca Willis

www.rebeccawillis.co.uk

Community Energy: The contribution it can make

Rebecca Willis, Co-operatives UK

‘Professional’ community sector

Proactive planning

Responsive policy

Local balancing

Blurred boundaries

UK: Why bother?

Part of the solution

Strengthening communities

Linking supply and demand

Small & flexible

New source of investment

River Bain Hydro

Ovesco

Where next?

Growth – up to 3GW

Community Energy Strategy

Partnership: local authorities, housing associations, commercial developers

Linking demand and supply

Supplying direct

Investment opportunities

But…..

Shifting regulatory environment

Access to finance

Limitations of funding

Planning and legislative hurdles

Finding sites

Perceptions: where does community energy fit in?

River Bain: construction