National Grid Electricity Distribution has published new research exploring how community energy could develop over the coming decade.
The study will assist in building “a better understanding of what communities may need from the energy system in future”, it said.
It highlights a significant opportunity for community energy growth across National Grid Electricity Distribution’s four licence areas, with the modelling suggesting policy and regulatory frameworks will be an important factor in determining how far community energy can grow.
At present around 170 community energy organisations operate across National Grid Electricity Distribution’s licence areas, collectively employing more than 300 people and contributing more than £1.2 million annually to local communities.
The report explores how community-owned renewable generation could grow under different future scenarios and highlights the importance of access to skills, support and investment if community energy is to expand further.
Produced in partnership with Regen, the study is one of the first times a network planning framework has been applied to assess the future of community energy, creating a new evidence base for policymakers, network operators and investors seeking to understand what it will take to deliver community energy at scale.
It examines a range of future scenarios for community energy and the factors that could enable more communities to participate in and benefit from the changing energy system in each of National Grid Electricity Distribution’s four licence areas, which include South and Mid Wales, and the South West and Midlands in England.
In addition, the findings will help inform future network planning and support National Grid’s ongoing work with community energy groups, ensuring communities are better placed to participate in and benefit from the changing energy landscape.
David Witherspoon, Community Energy Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said:
“Community energy can deliver real benefits for local people. This research gives us a better understanding of how community energy could grow in the years ahead and the factors that could help unlock that growth. “By understanding where opportunities exist and the support communities may need, we can continue helping local groups bring projects forward.
“We’re already working with community energy organisations through dedicated events, guidance, innovation projects and one-to-one support, and these insights will help inform how we continue to support the sector in the years ahead.”
Image courtesy of National Grid Electricity Distribution
