'Community energy' refers to the local generation of renewable energy that is owned and operated by a community for their benefit. It allows local residents, businesses, and organisations to collaboratively manage and benefit from energy projects like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro systems.

Key Elements:

Community Ownership and Involvement: Local stakeholders collectively own and manage these projects, ensuring the benefits are retained within the community.

Renewable Energy Focus: Typically harnessing energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, or biomass.

Small to Medium Scale: While smaller than commercial projects, community energy can significantly impact by addressing local needs

Example Energy Types:

Solar Power: Installation of solar panels on community buildings or schools and the landscape.

Wind Power: Small to medium wind turbines located on community-owned land.

Hydro Power: Use of local rivers and streams to generate electricity.

Energy Security: By producing energy locally, communities bolster their energy independence, reducing reliance on external providers.

This is especially beneficial for rural or remote areas, like us, where energy infrastructure is heavily reliant on fossil fuels and beholden to their markets and prices.

Social and Economic Benefits:

• Economic Resilience: Revenue generated stays within the community, which could be reinvested in local infrastructure.

• Job Creation: Projects create employment opportunities in installation, maintenance, and management.

• Affordable Energy: Local energy production often results in lower costs for the community.

• Community Cohesion and Empowerment: Projects foster unity and shared purpose.

• Education and Awareness: Increased understanding and engagement around sustainability issues.

Empowerment: These projects give communities control over their energy future, fostering responsibility, local engagement, and sustainability.

Environmental Impact: Community energy plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change. The UK targets net-zero emissions by 2050, and community projects significantly contribute toward this goal by lowering carbon emissions.

Community energy works through collective participation, sustainable economics, and strong local partnerships.

These principles not only decentralise energy production but also democratise energy consumption, ensuring that communities have a say in their energy future and can reap the economic and environmental benefits of cleaner energy sources. As such, community energy represents a vital component of the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system:

One of the primary ways community energy works is through cooperative models. In this structure, community members can buy shares in a renewable energy project. The capital raised is then used to develop local renewable energy sources. Profits generated from selling the energy back to the grid are usually reinvested in the community, covering operating costs, paying dividends to investors, or funding local projects like community centres or schools.

This model empowers community participants by allowing them to democratically decide on energy matters that directly impact them. Secondly, community energy involves collaborative partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and residents.

These partnerships facilitate the pooling of resources, expertise, and local knowledge, which are critical for implementing and managing energy projects. By doing so, projects become more financially viable, and technical expertise is leveraged, resulting in more efficient energy systems. These partnerships often work towards increasing public awareness and education on energy efficiency and the benefits of renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, community energy projects typically contribute to local job creation and economic development.

Installing and maintaining renewable energy systems require skilled labour, thereby opening new job opportunities for the local workforce. This, in turn, fosters economic growth as local businesses can benefit from contracts for goods and services related to energy projects. Moreover, these projects often enhance energy security by reducing dependency on external energy sources and contribute to significant environmental benefits through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Community Engagement: Early and constant involvement ensures support and participation.

2. Feasibility Studies: Assessment of the potential for renewable energy in the local area is essential.

3. Funding and Investment: Financial backing is often secured through government grants, community share offers, or crowdfunding.

4. Construction and Implementation: Technical experts design and implement the energy systems.

5. Energy Production and Distribution: Energy produced can be consumed locally or sold back to the grid, with profits reinvested into community services.

6. Legal and Regulatory Considerations: Attention must be paid to planning permissions and grid connection requirements.

7. Feasibility and Development Grants: Up to £40k for feasibility studies and up to £100k for detailed development.

8. Eligibility: Open to community-based organisations in England, including charitable, cooperative, and community interest groups.

9. Fund Delivery: Managed through the Local Net Zero Hubs, which guide applicants and support project development.

Power Marsden isn’t just about renewable energy—it’s about creating lasting benefits for you, your community, and future generations. By getting involved, you can:

Save Money on Energy Bills

• Locally generated renewable energy can lead to lower costs and more stable pricing, reducing household and business energy expenses over time.

Strengthen Your Community

• Keep investment within Marsden, creating local jobs, community wealth, and funding for future projects.

• Build a self-sufficient, resilient village that isn’t reliant on expensive, unstable energy markets.

Be Part of the Climate Solution

• Cut carbon emissions and make Marsden a leader in green energy.

• Help future-proof the community against rising energy costs and climate impacts.

Have a Say in Your Energy Future

• Power Marsden is community-led—this means your voice matters.

• Through community shares and membership, you can own part of the project and help shape decision-making.

Potential Financial Benefits

• If structured as a Community Benefit Society (CBS), members can invest in community shares, earning potential returns on their investment.

• Any profits made will be reinvested into local projects, services, and sustainability initiatives.

Be Part of Something Bigger

• Join a growing movement that shows how small communities can take control, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and inspire others to follow.

• Help create a legacy of sustainability that benefits your family, neighbours, and future generations.

Yes—Power Marsden has the potential to reduce energy costs for local residents and businesses in several ways:

Locally Generated Renewable Energy = Lower Costs

• By producing energy locally through hydro, solar, or wind power, we can reduce reliance on expensive national energy suppliers.

• Over time, this means more stable, predictable energy prices that aren’t subject to fossil fuel market fluctuations.

Community-Owned Model = Keeping Profits Local

• If structured as a Community Benefit Society (CBS) or Co-operative, any surplus revenue will be reinvested into the community—potentially subsidising local energy costs.

• Community members who invest in shares may receive financial returns, further reducing personal energy expenses.

Government & Grant Funding = Initial Cost Reductions

• By securing grants, subsidies, and low-interest funding, we can offset the upfront costs of infrastructure, meaning savings can be passed on to the community.

Energy Efficiency & Local Upgrades

• Power Marsden will also explore energy-saving initiatives such as home insulation schemes, retrofitting programs, and community solar installations—helping households reduce overall energy consumption and waste.

How Soon Will I See Savings?

• Short-term: Immediate savings could come from community energy advice, efficiency programs, and bulk-buying power.

• Medium-term: As our first renewable energy projects go live, the cost of locally generated electricity will be lower than market rates.

• Long-term: The more energy we generate locally, the less we rely on external suppliers—helping to stabilise and reduce bills for years to come.

Bottom Line: Yes, Power Marsden is designed to bring down your energy costs—but the biggest savings will come as we scale up and generate more of our own power.

We believe that real change happens when communities come together with a shared vision and determination. Whether you’re an expert in sustainability, a local resident passionate about renewable energy, or simply someone who wants to make a difference—there’s a role for you in this journey.

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals and organisations who can contribute in a variety of ways, including:

• Community Champions: People who can help spread awareness, engage with local residents, and build momentum for our projects.

• Technical Experts: Engineers, sustainability professionals, and innovators who can support project design, feasibility assessments, and implementation.

• Funding & Investment Partners: Businesses, grant providers, and supporters who can help finance and scale our vision.

• Local Businesses & Landowners: Those who can offer space, resources, or collaboration opportunities for renewable energy projects.

• Volunteers & Advisors: Anyone with skills in project management, marketing, finance, or community engagement who can contribute their expertise.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Join as a supporter – Sign up for updates and advocacy efforts.

• Become a stakeholder – Help shape decision-making by joining discussions and community meetings.

• Volunteer your skills – Offer time and expertise to help drive forward real solutions.

• Partner with us – If you’re a business or landowner, let’s explore ways to collaborate.

• Invest in the future – Contribute funding, resources, or grants to help turn ideas into reality.

This is more than just a project—it’s a movement, and we need your help to make it happen. If you’re ready to be part of something transformative, get in touch today and let’s build a sustainable future together.