We feel that no one should be left behind in the clean energy transition and understand the importance of community ownership. That’s why we’re proud to be the main sponsor for Community Energy Fortnight (CEF) again this year.
Taking place from 10-23 June, Community Energy Fortnight – organised by Community Energy England (CEE) – aims to raise the profile of community-led and owned energy, connect determined and dynamic practitioners in the sector, and inspire new people, businesses, and other organisations to get involved in creating a people-powered, sustainable, and resilient energy system. The Fortnight will feature a series of activities, workshops and initiatives designed to engage and connect the sector, share skills and successes across the country, and educate local people and stakeholders about the importance of community energy. To find out more, you can visit CEE’s website here.
Download our new resource for communities
As a renewable energy investment company, one way in which we can support community energy groups is by providing the funding and expertise needed to get projects off the ground and delivering sustainable energy. In fact, since we first created our community energy funding bridge in 2016, we’ve invested over £16 million into local wind and solar projects in the UK.
With the theme of this year's CEF focused around 'skills sharing', we’ve collated our decades-long experience working within the renewables sector into a new guide for community energy groups. It includes information on Thrive’s multi award-winning community funding model, local case studies and considerations for those looking to start their journey.
Flexible funding for your project
We offer unique, collaborative funding to help move your project forward – whatever stage in the process you’re at. This includes:
Community funding bridge
If you’re looking to acquire, build or own a clean energy project locally, and require funding to move forward quickly, then we could help bridge the funding gap.
Shared ownership
We can provide you with the capital and expertise to build or develop larger scale projects alongside other community, public or private sector partners.
Co-development
We can offer funding to support you through the initial development process to get new clean energy projects consented, built and operational.
Funding England’s tallest onshore wind turbine with Ambition Community Energy
Last year, we used our award-winning community energy funding bridge to help a group of Bristol residents in building England’s largest onshore wind turbine. We provided a £4 million loan to Ambition Community Energy so that it could move this brilliant community initiative into construction after years of planning issues. It was added to loans from Bristol and Bath Regional Capital (BBRC) City Funds and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, as well as a grant from the West of England Combined Authority Low Carbon Challenge Fund (part of the European Regional Development Fund).
The newly constructed turbine is capable of generating enough power for close to 3,000 homes – the equivalent to Lawrence Weston’s domestic use – and will save almost 48,345 tonnes* of carbon emissions over its lifetime. Profits from electricity sales will be reinvested back into local good causes, while the group also plan to build an Energy Learning Zone to inspire and upskill residents for zero carbon careers.
Hear more from the people who worked tirelessly to make this project happen in our video below.
* 2022 Carbon intensity figures https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2022
